Historically, Spain has been synonymous with fine red wines, but its white varieties were often overlooked or not widely available. Apart from few offerings such as Viña Sol from Torres and a lesser amount of white Rioja, the consumers opted to give other regions a miss. However, the narrative has shifted in recent times.
In the aftermath of the popularity of Albariño, the Spanish white wine that won the hearts of many, there has been an introduction of an impressive selection of Spanish whites. Now, wine enthusiasts have a plethora of great choices varying from Verdejo from Rueda, Godello from Valdeorras, Xarel-lo from Catalunya, Viura from Rioja, and countless others.
Predominantly, these wine regions find themselves in the temperate north of Spain. However, warmed regions known for their sunshine such as Valencia, Malaga, Alicante, and Jerez (renowned for its sherry) are stepping up their game by producing bright, fresh and light white wines from an abundance of local grapes. Despite the image of southeastern Spain being a sunny, hot and sandy tourist resort, there are still cool climate areas that are nestled within mountainous regions.
At present, local grape varieties may still be classified as not as widely known. Prominent among these is the Godello variety from Galicia, touted as one of Spain’s finest and utilised in the Alma Godello here featured. Three other varieties, curated from southeast Spain, are produced from Macabeo, Muscatel, Malvasia, Verdil, Merseguera and Tortosina – names not as recognisable to wine connoisseurs. These wines are lighter in alcohol and are ideally suited for sipping on sunny days, whether in the UK or sunny southeast Spain.
The Alma Godello 2022, from Monterrei, with its earthy fruit flavours and a striking crisp acidity, is just the right thing to pair with a crab salad or a nicely cooked white fish. The En la Parra Blanco 2022, cultivated in Utiel-Requena is an organic offering, characterised by its floral notes and pear undertones, providing a lively, refreshing acidity.
[If you are unsure how to pair your food with the suitable wine, do not hesitate to ask for suggestions for fail-safe pairings.]
Cullerot 2022, a wine offered by Celler del Roure hailing from Valencia, is an appealing choice, priced between €20-21. This 12.5% wine boasts a rich selection of flavours, from juicy ripe stone fruits to zesty lemon, even offering a spicy hint for those with more adventurous tastes. The finale is a dry, refreshing finish, making this wine a versatile complementary choice for most seafood dishes, particularly shellfish and fish. You can find this at various retailers, such as Pinto Wines, Clontarf Wines, and Sweeney’s.
Another great wine to consider is the Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Blanco 2021, priced at €24.95. Carrying an alcohol content of 13%, this wine combines a divine blend of floral and citrus notes alongside the flavours of fresh pear, fennel, and dill. Those looking for a bone dry finish will find it here. Seafood lovers are recommended to pair this wine with scallops or grilled black sole. Stockists include Avoca, Baggot St. Wines, and The Winehouse, among others.