Pla de Bages is a small and old winemaking region that gained its DO status in 1995 and by 1998, international recognition for their exceptional wines. Located 43 miles northwest of in the southeast Catalunya, the name of Pla de Bagés is rumored to have come from the Roman town of Bacassis, as written in [...] More info at www.catavino.net...

2005 Tobia Rioja Alma de Tobia - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (10/4/2006)50% Malvasia, 40% Viura, 10% other grapes - Fermented in French oak barrels, stirred on it’s lees for 4 months. Sample bottle sent to me from the Bodega.Not sure how to describe this one. Very clear as you pour it into the glass, almost [...] More info at www.catavino.net...

2002 Tobia Rioja Alma de Tobia Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (10/14/2006)85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Grenacha, 14 months new French oak - Deep dark reddish in color. Sour cherry and chocolate nose that shows hints of anise and rich earth aromas. Full in the mouth with a medium tannin, medium to light acidity [...] More info at www.catavino.net...

The Codorníu family’s wine business goes back to the middle of the 16th century. A document of that period states that the family had several machines and implements relating to the wine industry. In 1659 Anna Codorníu married Miguel Raventós and the families, each with a long wine tradition, were united. Years later, in 1872, Josep Raventós produced cava for the first time in Spain using...

It has been 275 years since Don Diego de Alvear y Escalera, began in 1729 the production in the town of Montilla, region of Andalusia, Spain, the very first wines of Alvear. Since then, Alvear has continued to progress and develop in a harmonious manner. Eight generations of the family have over time made their contribution both in terms of technical modernization of the cellar...

1996 Mestres Cava Brut Nature Millessimé - Spain, Cava (9/18/2006)Great wine, deeper in color than most showing golden(rich) and with super fine bubbles. The nose was pure lemon confit to me with hints of green peach, vanilla and light caramel. Might have been a bit oxidized. In the mouth it is soft and creamy with [...] More info at www.catavino.net...

2002 Alvear Montilla-Moriles PX Fino “En Rama” - Spain, Andalucía, Montilla-Moriles (8/28/2006)Light yellow gold in color. The nose show’s subtle wood notes, and light almond hints. Delicate melon and light citrus come in towards the end as it opens. Soft in the mouth with a gentle creaminess and rich nutty finish. Light steely notes at [...] More info at www.catavino.net...

Grenacha is the queen of Campo de Borja, in fact the regulator for the DO is calling the place 'the Granacha Empire', sounds like a good catch phrase to put on a license plate.  This is a co-op wine and a very good one at that. These guys produce about 30 wines from local and 'International' varieties, but grenacha is really where its at.The reserva is 100% grenacha from 40 year old vines...

Marques de Riscal have branched out from their home base in Rioja with a couple of projects, this one just outside of DO Toro and a white wine project in DO Rueda.  I haven't tried any of the whites as yet, but this one is quite interesting. Made from Tinto de Toro, the wine sees 6 months in American oak.  It was more integrated and approachable on the second night, so give it some time...

This is the first of three wines I tried over the weekend from Campo de Borja.  All three are Garnacha, the leading grape from this region. From the stats I have it looks like most of the wines from Campo de Borja head out of Spain to the US, Parker is a big fan of some of the bodegas here ... .  International in style, but the fleshy, fruit profile makes me think Spain.  More blackberry and mulberry...