Valencia

The Calvestra Estate is located at an impressive 900 metres above the Mediterranean. You may not yet have heard of the Merseguera grape variety, but if you think of a Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier blend, you will not be far away. A year’s ageing in Burgundian barrels adds mealy softly honeyed notes to a citric core, and gentle hints of cinnamon and clove adorn the back palate in deference to the prospect of a dignified development. 
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

The blend in 2011 is divided equally between Grenache, Syrah and Marselan, but when one considers that Marselan is itself a hybrid of Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, the algebraic make-up becomes a little more complicated. Be that as it may, this wine is as charming and approachable as ever, wearing its expensive décolleté of 15 months new French oak ageing with considerable aplomb, one may even say dignity.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer This family run Valencian property sits at 550m altitude on limestone soils covering 30 hectares, making it a relatively boutique producer compared to most, larger Spanish bodegas. The maritime influence here allows Syrah and Cabernet Franc to flourish, alongside Monastrell (Mourvèdre) and Garnacha. International white varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling also thrive here. The impressive, affordable wines of El Angosto clearly show the huge potential laying outside Spain’s major wine regions.

One word summarises the Mustiguillo message and that is Bobal, one of the greatest and most under-rated Spanish grape varieties, now on the cusp of a renaissance. Mustiguillo is a family project, dedicated to organic viticulture and the pursuit of elegance and finesse rather than excess oak and the like. A well-rehearsed mantra maybe, but one that does not have many adherents of such pedigree.

Located on terraced escarpments of ancient Dolomite limestone, the vineyards of Quincha Corral are seen by many as the definitive statement of the Bobal varietal. The bonus of the superlative 2012 vintage underlines this statement with a deeply coloured wine, its rich, smoky, floral aromas and luxuriant, grippy mouth-feel harnessing an ensemble that has a long and successful life to look forward to.

Mustiguillo were delighted when this outstanding site was awarded a stand-alone Vino De Pago status. Located on terraced escarpments of ancient Dolomite limestone the vineyards are seen by many the definitive statement in the Bobal varietal.

These old vines, some of which were planted before 1940, do not hurry to mature; in 2011 the harvest finished at the end of October.

The result is unabashed complexity, encouraged by fermentation in open-top 225 ltr vats and a 19 month barrel maturation. Intense red and blue fruits, hints of soft spice and violets and a grippy, rich palate. Mediterranean wine with altitude..and attitude! Excellent.  

Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer