ON THE GRAPEVINE

BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS

With more land under vine than any other country and as the third largest producer in the world, Spain offers myriad wines – and when it comes to style and quality, we’re spoilt for choice.

■ Codorniu Brut Cava Vintage 2019, £11.99, Majestic: In Catalonia’s cava country you’ll find value and vibrancy with Codorniu’s vintage release. From the oldest winery in Spain, it’s a pleasure to drink. Deliciously crisp and refreshing with well-balanced fruit and hints of citrus, honey and toast, enjoy with seafood tapas, salty snacks and charcuterie.

■ Ramon Bilbao Rosado Rioja 2021, Spain, £8, Tesco: Time to push your Provencal pink to one side and reach for the scented, red berry fruit flavours this delightful Spanish rosé offers. Soft and rounded with just the right balance of fresh acidity, it avidly over-delivers for the price.

■ Taste the Difference Discovery Collection Mencia 2019, Valdeorras, Spain, £11, Sainsbury’s: This Galician red from the northwest proves the mencia grape variety is just as impressive as Galicia’s whites. The high altitude granite soils lend the wines a stony minerality, while savoury red cherry, blackberry, pretty florals, earthy, herbal undertones and fresh acidity are at the heart of this. Delicious with grilled meats.

■ Capricho GodelloDona Blanca, Bierzo 2020, Spain, £12.95, The Wine Society: This ripe, citrusy white has gentle floral notes, hints of herbs and orchard fruits. A great alternative to chardonnay.

■ Baron de Ley Club Privado Reserva Rioja 2016, Spain, £12.99, Waitrose: The driving force behind our love for Spanish reds, Rioja remains the king of the castle and a staple on our wine racks. A classy reserva in the classic style and a real beauty with its pretty aromas of violets, sweet oak and spicy accents, it’s broad and ripe with good structure and length.