Sainsbury's Spanish Wines

Yesterday was Sainsbury’s Press tasting. There were few surprises here, with seven New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs on show, it indicates where they think the market lies currently in consumer preference.  Overall there were few new exciting finds, indeed the selection looked as though the current buying strategy was to play it safe.

With one exception, Spain. Here there was imagination with a selection of wines from less well known varieties such as Bobal, Mencia and Graciano.

What’s more all below £9.00 – giving people an opportunity to ‘experiment’.

Good also to see Sainsbury’s sourcing wines from first rate winemakers. The best example for me was LLebre Tinto 2009 from the excellent Catalan producer Tomas Cusine. A cracking blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Carinena and Syrah. Don’t be put of by the label with its eye catching Hare on it, and which no doubt is a direct acknowledgement to the Catalan name for Tempranillo which is Ull de Llebre – eye of the hare.

This is a delicious wine full of Spanish warm, ripe and spicy berry fruit, combined with just a little oak, full of character and interest – a steal at £7.99.

Graciano for me is a fabulous grape, It produces wines with a real freshness, perfume and deep colour. The best Rioja Gran Reservas always have a small percentage in their blends. Few make varietal examples, although its popularity appears to be on the increase as winegrowers are overcoming its difficulties in cultivating it. Mas de Victor Graciano 2011 is a young example and really shows off the character of this lovely grape (£8.99).

Bobal is not the most fashionable of Spanish varieties, neither is the DO Utiel Requena – near to Valencia  -  so to list a wine that embraces both of them is brave these days. The Seleccion de Otono Bobal 2011 is from vines from between 60 and 80 years of age. The wine has intense fruit and is quite meaty but has brilliant vibrant acidity that lifts the tannins. For me it’s a wine full of character and promise. £8.99.