Perhaps when you think of Spain, you think of high alcohol, heavy red wines. Not anymore! Spain is a wine and beer lover’s paradise. From coast to coast the range of styles, traditions, climates, regions, and innovations make Spain one of the most diverse countries in the realm of adult beverages. With such variety, every drink menu and shop benefits from the flair that Spanish libations bring. This month we are featuring our best-loved Spanish wines and beers at special pricing that you do not want to miss.
Rootstock Cellars “Side by Side” Rioja
We believe that some of the best wine values to be found come out of Spain, namely Rioja. The quality of the wines from this region is exceptional, and since our goal is approachable everyday wines that deliver the most for the dollar, our Side by Side line is one that everyone should taste. Custom crafted by our longtime partner, Familia Bujanda, who are known for award winning and exceptional Spanish wines.
- Rioja Crianza – This lovely, fruit forward bottling is perfect for any occasion and is an amazing addition to any by the glass list. Hearty and easy to drink, this is a crowd pleaser.
- Rioja Reserva – This is just one step up, with additional aging and a little more American oak to add to the complexity of the wine. Earthy and savory, with deep black fruit flavors, this is one to spend a little time on.
- Rioja Gran Reserva – This bottle is meant for celebration, but won’t break the bank, either! More nuanced flavors and aromas abound, and the more subtle oak profile adds to the sophistication of this wine.
Barón de Ley
Housed in a monastery that was built in the 1500’s, Barón de Ley focuses on the traditions of Rioja while continuing to innovate to create next-level wines. In 1985, Barón de Ley was born with the ambition to become a new benchmark of premium quality Rioja, specializing in Reservas and Grand Reservas. Their entire portfolio is exciting and classic, making their wines the perfect addition to your wine lists.
- Semi Dulce White Rioja – this aromatic and fresh Sauvignon Blanc undergoes cold fermentation that creates a delicious semi-sweet wine. With notes of passionfruit, mint and honey, this wine is great with appetizers and desserts alike.
- Rosado – this rosé is made with Garnacha. The winemaker’s aim was to create a complex, but clean wine and succeeded. It is reminiscent of white blossoms, ripe red fruit, and balsamic making it a perfect apéritif. It also goes well with white meats and Asian cuisine.
- Reserva Rioja – after 20 months of aging in American oak, this wine is concentrated, balanced, and drinkable. It is packed with red fruits, spices, and herbs. This is an excellent pair with traditional Spanish dishes and roasted meats.
- Museum Reserva – made from old vines (some over 100 years old!) this Tempranillo is bold yet smooth. With notes of vanilla and leather weaving with red and dark fruits, this wine is dynamic and longs to be paired with f
- Varietales Garnacha – this floral, toasty, and berry-forward wine personifies the most celebrated Spanish variety: Garnacha. This wine is a versatile companion to strong flavored dishes.
- Varietales Tempranillo – one sniff of this wine and you will be transported to a bakery; aromas of red berries and vanilla. We love this wine with paella or tapas.
- Gran Reserva Rioja – this wine is the essence of Rioja’s elegance, complexity, and gracefulness. Aged for a minimum of 5 years, this blend of Tempranillo and Graciano has hints of lavender, ginger, saffron, toasted wood and dry fruits. A gorgeous wine to pair with grilled meat
Olivier Rivière La Bastid
Working with grapes in Rioja, Olivier Rivière has an innate sense of terroir- and yes, he’s French! While most winemakers in the Rioja region focus more on the proper boundaries and length of barrel aging, Olivier lets the grapes, soil, and climate shine in all of his wines. La Bastid is a wine made from the indigenous grapes Viura and Garnacha Blanca. Aromas of lemon pie and green apple with some perfumes follow through to a full body with a balanced center palate and attractive fruit and mineral undertones. Linear and tight with beautiful length and intensity, if you’re looking for a unique and special addition to a Spanish wine list, this is it.
Celler del Roure Safrà
Pablo Calatayud has transformed Celler del Roure by seeking out centuries-old (and nearly forgotten) indigenous grapes, viticulture techniques, and traditions. For Safrà, native grapes Mandó and Arcos are blended and aged in subterranean clay amphorae. The result is a wine full of nuance that is soft and floral with fresh fruity aromas. It’s light, fresh, and absolutely perfect with a slight chill. This wine is a great way for your customers to get a taste of the vibrant Spanish wine traditions – this one balks at traditionally made Spanish wines and shows what hands off winemaking can really do.
Pazo de Señorans
Rías-Baixas, a wine-growing region on the Atlantic coast of Spain, is known for its magnificent use of the Albariño grape variety. Pazo de Señorans lies close to the Atlantic Ocean on acidic, sandy soils. With the influence of these soils and the sea breeze, this particular vintage has been regarded as one of the most elegant and ethereal wines Pazo de Señorans has produced. A salty, beachy Albariño like this is a great addition to your favorite seafood fare, or pair it with classic Spanish tapas.
La Calavera
At La Calavera they say NO to normalcy. Known for their funky, farmhouse, barrel-aged beers owners Mikel Mendizabal and Marc Baulida are driven by creativity and innovation. Their goal is to push the boundaries on Spanish beer and beyond. Here are some of our favorites that are sure to be a unique treat for your customers.
- Bretternity – a Sour Grape Saison style beer aged in white wine barrels for 12 months then the maturation is continued for 3 months more with whole Xarel-lo and Moscatell grapes. A great zingy sipper for a warm day!
ABV: 8.6% - Converge – in collaboration with Vadia Cerveja Artesanal & MØM Brewers this mixed fermentation sour ale is aged in red wine barrels for 12 months giving it complexity and an acidic bite.
ABV: 6.4% - Iconoclast – a Sour Saison with plums and peaches that is aged for 16 months in red wine barrels. This beer has fruity and warm notes that work harmoniously with the acidity of this beer style.
ABV: 6.7%
- Cuvee – an Imperial Red Sour Ale that is aged for 12 months in Oloroso barrels. These Sherry barrels provide aromatic and spicy qualities to this invigorating beer.
ABV: 9% - Regression – a Dark Sour aged in peated whiskey barrels that is complex and an explosion of flavors. Peaty, smoky, sour, with notes of coffee, wood, and fruit.
ABV: 8% - Maguey – this Imperial Gose is aged in Tequila barrels for 10 months. This beer is exciting and well-rounded. A great addition to lunch on the patio.
ABV: 10.6%