Homage to Catalonia - Spanish Wine Tasting with Peter McCombie MW

This was a really enjoyable tasting. Peter McCombie is a fantastic educator and we all learned a lot. Most importantly, he encouraged everybody to really open up and talk and trust their palates (which is something I strongly believe in). The wines were sadly disappointing on the whole. I'd say 2 were worth the money they cost, but I wasn't impressed by any of them.

• 2007 Finca Mas Macia Xarello Catalunya 85 Points

  Spain, Catalunya

  Smells pretty much exactly like cava (makes sense as this is a grape used in cava). Well made wine, no off notes or flaws, well balance. Dry, low acid, palate fruitier than nose. Basic, soft, very nice, pretty decent finish though a toouuch alcoholic at the back. For £7, this is decent.

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• 2007 Marqués de Alella Pansa Blanca Alella 86 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Alella

  This is a cool-fermented wine made from Pansa Blanca, which is the same thing as Xarel-lo, just a different name. Smells exotic and zesty with pear drops and a touch of bubblegum. Very fruity, slight fizz on the tongue gives it a lift. Pear, very fresh, although a little awkward and perfume like near the back. Retails at £10, which I don't think is good value, but I picked up a bottle for £6. if you can find this for sub-£7 then definitely get a bottle. A decent, non-cava-like example of Xarel-lo.

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• 2007 Torres Catalunya Nerola 84 Points

  Spain, Catalunya

  Nose of white flowers, fruityness, a little earthy, minerality. Pretty good weight on the palate, but too alcoholic at the back (alc content 13% if you're interested), though of course you get used to it.

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• 2007 Raimat Albariño Costers del Segre Viña 24 85 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Costers del Segre

  A little aromatically challeneged, with a touch of melon. Very fresh and tasty, a little alcohol but not too bad. Tastes a touch oaky, but apparently this is due to stirring the lees, not oak ageing. Med-high acid, citrus-y. For £8, probably a pass.

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• 2007 Torres Catalunya Viña Esmeralda 88 Points

  Spain, Catalunya

  Nose: Elderflower, more flowers, grapes. Fruity, fresh, flowery, a little spicy. Off-dry, a little taste of perfume put me off rating this higher. Great though, and always worth a bottle for the £6-7 it costs.

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• 2006 Ramón Roqueta Ull de Llebre Pla de Bages 79 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Pla de Bages

  90% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Warm, red fruit nose, slightly thin and alcoholic, some creamy oaky vanilla. Better on the palate but yet again slightly alcoholic finish (maybe I'm just over-sensitive tonight). Medium sweet fine-medium grained tannins, low-medium acidity. Boring.

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• 2006 Gran Monasterio Monastrell Santa Cruz 87 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Tarragona

  Actually a blend of 60% Monastrell and 40% Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache). Nose dominated by tar, black fruit and liquorice, almost pruney. Medium-high tannins, ballsy, 13.5% alcohol well handled. Very good.

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• 2005 Raventós i Blanc Penedès Isabel Negra 86 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Penedès

  Boy was this disappointing. Very warm nose, smells very good, full dark stewed fruit, touch of cranberry. Earthy herbaceousness. High tannins, fine and mouth-coating. Too young. Hopefully this'll grow over the next 3-5 years to become an excellent wine but right now the price tag (£16) does not suit.

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