Spain – Cadus Vinum | Curated Natural Wines Wine Consultant

June 7, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Bodegas Maranones Picarana Albillo 2020

Picarana 2021 is the purest expression of Albillo Real, representing the unique environment of the Marañones estate. Natural aeration, the altitude, and the orientation of the plots provide an outstanding balance in the vineyard. The vines are between 30 and 70 years, are trained in goblet form with a creeping growth habit, resulting in very low yields and limited to small clusters. Their respectful approach to growing and making wine showcases the unique qualities of the grape in every bottle.

June 7, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Artomaña Xarmant Arabako Txakolina 2023

Xarmant is made from sustainably farmed, estate vineyards of indigenous grapes from the Arabako Txakolina DO in the verdant Basque Country, close to the Bay of Biscay on Spain’s rugged Atlantic coast. This proximity to the ocean creates an ideal microclimate, defined by the brisk northerly waters and the humid north-northwest wind, which cool the vines even on the hottest summer afternoons.

June 7, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain, War of the Rosés

Ca’n Verdura “Supernova” Rosat 2022

The Supernova Rosat is a limited production (250 cases) rosé wine produced from the red mantonegro grape, indigenous to the Binissalem region of Mallorca. These grapes are grown in “call vermell soils” (a clayey, red-colored soil) consisting of iron-rich clays and limestone with small and medium-sized pebbles. Supernova Rosat originates from a plot of 25-year-old, bush-trained mantonegro vines.

May 23, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Viña Nora Albariño 2022

It has a bright straw-yellow color with green shades. The nose offers aromas of apricot and mango, while flavors of pineapple and guava are complemented by a soft dusting of thyme that lingers into the finish.

May 9, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Save For Later, Spain

Ca’ di Mat Valautin Albillo 2021

Fresh flowers, with a lovely crisp aroma of lemon, followed by a silky-smooth mouthfeel and notes of fresh stone fruit. This white wine exhibits a beautiful soft glycerin texture and finishes with a clean, refreshing touch.

April 4, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Gramona Gessami Blanco 2022, Penedes

Great wine shop owners remember their customers and pay attention to their purchases. On this occasion, I sought a recommendation for something new, offering two (take out) food options: Indian and pizza. The shop owner displayed a mix of intrigue and contemplation, as if wondering, “Which wines in will make the grade?” He then confidently perused his wine shelves and selected the Gramona Gessami from Penedès.

January 18, 2024January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerSave For Later, Spain

Rioja Gran Reserva Vina Arana La Rioja Alta 2015

A brilliant ruby robe, some warm spice, black raspberry and cherry on the nose, and a hint of coconut and tobabcco. Chewy and full, still young and concentrated. Anise as the wine opens. A lovely oak spice, nice clarity and tannins. Beautiful finish. This wine will get even better with age over the next 10 years.

July 7, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Tinto de Verano

From the New York Times June 28, 2023 By:Rebekah Peppler A drink built and named for summer, Spain’s effervescent tinto de verano (summer red wine) matches the season’s easy-going nature. At its most traditional, the recipe sticks to just three ingredients: ice, red wine and citrus soda. (La Casera, from Spain, is most classic, but 7Up and Sprite also work.) This version includes an option […]

March 28, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerSpain, Wine Tastings

Castilla y Leon, Calatayud, Rioja & Pedro Ximenez

Balnea 2021 Located in Castilla y Leon on the Duero river, approximately 90 miles northwest of Madrid, Rueda is renowned for its dry and aromatic white wines primarily produced from the Verdejo grape. This producer practices organic farming and rely on 100% manual harvesting, using only grapes from the over 25-year-old vines. The grapes are estate-grown and crafted by Maria Jesus Hernandez, one of the […]

February 17, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

The second most common red grape variety in Spain

Remember the name Bobal, a red grape variety that is native to the Utiel-Requena region in Valencia, Spain, which is located on the southeastern Mediterranean coast, is the second most commonly grown grape in Spain. Atance Bobal 2019 is a wine that is 100% Bobal and is produced by Toni Sarrion, the winemaker of Bodegas Mustiguillo. He has taken it upon himself to champion this […]

February 13, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

An Absolute Crowd Pleaser

A few months back we were at an event tasting a number of different wines from various countries and regions. We came away with a handful of new bottles. One of which was the Ladeiras do Xil Godello . I didn’t get a chance to look at the label but once in my possession I saw that the maker was Telmo Rodriguez. For those of […]

February 12, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Save For Later, Spain

Tinto, the Other Village Wine from Telmo Rodriguez

Gaba do Xil are the estate-grown red and white village wines of Ladeiras do Xil, they are handmade Galician wines offering incredible value for everyday drinking in addition to stashing a few away for a few years to mature further. The tinto is a blend of 70% Mencía and 30% Merenzao all hand-harvested grapes that are fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel then aged in steel […]