Hudin’s pick: a taste of Somontano
For more recommendations of wines from Somontano, go to Decanter.com
Aldahara, Rasé Chardonnay 2018 93
N/A UK www. aldahara.es
Chardonnay aged for six months in French oak barrels. Fresh orange peel, potpourri, heady orange blossom, green peppercorn and a wealth of perfumed aromatics. Structured on the palate but not overwhelming, with a nice balance of strength as well as crisp acidity and a sweetish profile that gives it real character. Drink 2021-2023 Alcohol 13%
1 Viñas del Vero, La Miranda Secastilla Garnacha Blanca 2018 92
£ 12.50-£ 13.99 Amps, Martinez Wines, Songbird Wines, The Oxford Wine Co, Thorne Wines Fermented in stainless steel, then aged for four months in French oak barrels. Light white pear, bitter melon, subtle grapey notes and juicy lime. Very crisp acidity on the palate with more green fruit character, good persistence and a pleasing, open and fresh aspect.
Drink 2021-2025 Alc 13.5%
2 El Grillo y La Luna, Canto del Grillo 2016 90
£ 33-£ 34.95 Christopher Keiller, The Whisky Exchange
Chardonnay fermented in French oak
barriques and aged for six months on the lees. Rather subdued profile, light lemon peel and floral touches with a hint of dried apricot fruit. Crisp and zesty on the palate, lighter definition overall, but pleasing to drink. Drink 2021-2023 Alc 14.5%
3 Otto Bestué, Viñadores 2016 93
N/A UK www. bodega- ottobestue.com
80% Garnacha, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon with 24 months in French oak barrels. Big, plump boysenberry and blackberry aromas, but with lots of subtle character despite the initial weight, streaks of vanilla, light toasted notes, chopped fennel and fresh liquorice. Quite fine on the palate, a good deal of tannins and weight to the wine, but at the same time it holds its balance really well in this style. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 14.5%
Obergo, Expression Garnacha 2017 92 N/A UK www.obergo.es
Garnacha aged for six months in French oak barrels. Powdery dried red-cherry aromas, cracked black pepper, chalky notes, dried lemon peel and a touch of plum. Fresh, crisp, very engaging and while a bit light in the mid-palate, holds a great deal of juiciness and freshness. Drink 2021-2024 Alc 14.5%
Sommos, Colección Syrah 2017 91
N/A UK www.bodegasommos.com
Syrah aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Ripe, dark fruit with a light touch of baked red strawberry and forest fruits, fennel, rosemary, touch of graphite, plum and dried orange peel. Rather delicate on the palate with a good brace of tannic structure, but doesn’t overwhelm and makes for a pleasing, albeit larger-in-style take on the wine. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 14.5%