Hello! Or should I say, ‘Hola’! I trust you are keeping busy and well and drinking some delicious wine along the way!
As the Vancouver International Wine Festival creeps closer (February 24-March 4), my focus turns to the two feature countries – Spain and Portugal. I have an extensive itinerary set up with lots of trade tastings, seminars, and educational panels. I have been asked to be a ‘Festival Reporter’ this year, to which I said, ‘Absolutely’. So, I will have lots of information coming your way in the next two months on wines from Spain and Portugal.
To kick things off, on the review deck for you today is a great little Spanish gem that will not break the bank but will warm your heart. Bodegas Osborne ‘Solaz’ Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 13.5% abv. is a red table wine from the Spanish region of Castilla la Mancha. I noticed it in the B.C. Liquor store the other day – priced at $10.99, I had to give it a try. I am more than pleased I did.
This wine is an equally balanced blend of the native Spanish grape Tempranillo alongside the structured Cabernet Sauvignon. It is juicy, fruity and medium in body. The flavour profile is enjoyable and full of notes of ripe plum, black cherry, vanilla, mocha, and black currant with a small herbaceous zip on the end. This wine is not overly structured but it delivers excellent value for the money.
If you are a red wine lover and you like a great deal, do yourself a favour and purchase a bottle. You will not be disappointed.
*Thank you for reading to the end of this post. If you would like to be entered into a draw for two free tickets to the Vancouver International Wine Festival’s Friday Tasting Event from March 2nd from 7 PM – 10 PM, please write me a comment and let me know what your favourite Spanish or Portuguese wine is or if you have ever visited either country. I will announce the winner on Wednesday, February 28th. This is a $190 value. Please only enter to win if you are free on Friday, March 2nd.
Enjoy!
XO
C
Girls Go Grape 
I have been to Spain once but never Portugal. I do love the wines from both regions and would love to try this one.
Dear Christine,
In all fairness just talking about 1 spanish wine won’t be right….As you know there are way too many!
Spanish Wines have so much soul…so much passion as far as I am concerned!
I play Julio Iglesias and each bottle turns into liquid gold but yes to narrow down I simply love Beronia and Muga Wines…that toasty oak and little perfume does me in every time!
Thanks & Regards,
Vivek
604 4411139
Been to both. Favourite would be lopez de heredia reserva blanco
I have been to Southern Spain but not the Rioja area. Both Spain and Portugal are on the list for next year. I love a good Gran Reserva but do drink more Portuguese from the Douro. Quinta do vale meandro has always been good. And if I start talking about 20 year Tawnies I’ll never shut up. Albariño’s are also lovely. I have a coworker who writes a column on Spanish wine and so frustrating to nit be able to find them.
From a previous edition of the Vancouver Wine Festival, my husband and I were introduced to Quinta do Vallado from Portugal. We were thrilled to meet winery principal (and festival mainstay) Cristiano van Zeller at the show, who ignited our love for Portuguese wines. Great post, Christine!
I’ve never been to either place! I’d love to go! I have heard the landscapes are gorgeous! I would enjoy going to the Wine Fest – I’ve always meant to go, but never had an opportunity!! thank you!
I have never been to either place and do not have a favorite Spanish wine! Hence why going to this wine evening would be so beneficial to me 😉😉
Thank you for the informed post!
I’d have to choose Port as a favourite from these regions given how spectacularly it can age: I still fondly remember the Graham’s 20yr Tawny I bought at the Wine Festival a few years ago 🙂
I love the 20 year old tawny from Taylor Fladgate that I tried at Port & Chocolate event by Liberty, but I confess that I am not very familiar with Portuguese and Spanish wines. The festival will be a great way to learn more about it a d fo beyond Port, Tempranilo and Albariño. ¡Salud! Saúde!
Does it count if I’ve enjoyed a Tempranillo here and there, but I can’t remember what they were? They were probably on sale.
I’ve never been to either country, all my long flights have been to the UK, but we’re cruising through Barcelona in Spain on a family trip in May. It’s one of the ports we stop in for a few hours. Hopefully long enough to sample at least 17 or 18 reds.
We just bought a bottle of Solaz last week and really enjoyed it! Planning on a culinary trip In the fall to Spain an Portugal so the wine fest this year would be the perfect place to start my research.
I’ve had my fair share of Cava in Barcelona and would love to go to this! Cheers!
I have a soft spot in my heart for Monastrell from Bodegas Costano. It was the wine that got me started on my wine appreciation.
I haven’t visited Spain, but I would love to visit Jumilla some day.
Guess who won the draw! You did! My 7 year old daughter picked your name out of a box. Please contact me via my email address christine@girlsgogrape.com with your email address so I can forward the tickets to you for this Friday evening. If you cannot go, please respond ASAP so we can draw another name. 🍷
Happy dance! Thank you for making my whole week.
My favourite Spanish wine is Rioja wine…I was first introduced to these wines by my friend & I just loved the bottles wrapped in their fine golden wire mesh.