Bottega: quality Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé 
Book 5 Index 
951. Mullineux, Syrah Swartland, 2011 
950. W & J Graham & Co, 30 Year Old Tawny Port, NV (2010) 
949. Cartuxa, Pêra-Manca Branco Évora, 2012 
948. Pella, Xi-Ro Cuvée Experimentale, NV Spain
Roda: original modern face of Rioja and beyond
With a first vintage in 1992, Bodegas Roda were pioneers of the ‘modern’ Rioja style that emerged in that decade. Every aspect of their …
Ramón Bilbao: modern Rioja with altitude
Ruth and I first visited Ramón Bilbao just as tourists in 2014, when visiting Haro the first time. In 2018, by random allocation, we …
348. Bodegas Montecillo, Rioja Gran Reserva, 1996
A very pleasant way to say goodbye to my 1-month flatmate, Lucy. Having said that, it definitely improved over days, suggesting that, as a …
331. Palacio de Fefiñanes, Albariño de Fefiñanes Rías Baixas, 2005
From the Optimor case. Malte had really liked this, so I was initially disappointed. But over 2 days it just got better. Dominant toasty …
315. Quinta Couselo, Albariño Turonia Rías Baixas, 2005
Well, this was the equaliser for Slurp.co.uk after they went 0-1 down with the highly disappointing Pommard opposite. And this went a long way …
Artadi: single vineyard revolutionaries
After meeting César Román, Artadi’s commercial guy, at ProWein, I arranged to visit them with Ruth and fellow MW, Madeleine Stenwreth. We went into …
Rioja: Spain’s classic region is changing
Rioja, the most famous wine region in Spain. Home to Tempranillo and the American oak barrel. One of only 2 regions, with Priorat, carrying …
El Fabulista: a different Rioja story
Bodega El Fabulista, “The Storyteller”, is…unusual. Named after local story writer, Felíx María Samaniego, it is one of only 2 bodegas still inside the …
300. Marqués de la Concordia, Rioja Reserva, 2001
A decent, good value quaffer from Majestic. Mid-depth garnet with a narrow ruby-garnet rim. Moderately intense nose of sweet, toasty spices over leafy blackcurrant …
299. Alvaro Palacios, Les Terrasses Priorat, 2003
Out with Christian and Lauren at El Pirata tapas bar, having finally found Down Street’s dead tube station! A good Spanish wine list also …