Andalucia Steve

I've a particular fondness for the wines of Jumilla. I lived in Murcia for six years and there are two main wine growing regions, Bullas, near where I lived and Jumilla which was an hours drive to the north. Well I made the drive whenever I could because it was worth it. Jumilla produces some formidable wine, some of the strongest I've seen at 16% or more (Bodega Silvano Garcia) and with a corresponding body that leaves quite an impression.

This particular crianza is oak aged for six months and while fairly strong at 13% retains a little youthfulness so is not too overpowering. It has a rich ruby red colour, a fruity nose with a hint of raspberry, while to the tongue there is just a touch of vanilla mixed with liquorice. I picked this one up for and amazing 1.39 € though it has recently gone up - for the last few years in the local Albeyco supermarket it was available at 1.18 € How much would you pay in the UK I wonder?

This wine is one of my regular favourites. At 2.78 euros per bottle it is the bargain of the century if you like OAK AGED wine with a high tanin content.

This a great wine to have with spicy Mexican food like Burritos or a good hot Indian curry. This is because the flavour is very robust and fruity. It is a blend of Temperanillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes and is blended in such a way is to mimic a gran reserva, though infact it is fermented in stainless steel and given 12 months in oak barrels, so it's pretty much on the way to being a reserva anyway.

Of all the cheap wines I've tried since coming to Spain, this one impresses most. You can get better if you go over the three euros mark but under three, this is the one for me.

Oh and in case your're wondering it has a real cork and the alcohol is a creditable 14%. The bodega name is Garcia Carrion.

I bought this bottle today in the local 'Dia' a national Spanish supermarket chain with stores in most towns. I paid 3,20 euro and it was not on any special offer. The description says 100% tempranillio and the alcohol 13%.

I'd never had Ribera del duero until I moved to Olvera where I was introduced to it by some local devotees and I too have become a fan. Will open later this evening and add my tasting notes to this post....

....mmm rich. There was a real cork in the bottle which is always somehow reassuring. No age is shown on the bottle but a look near the lip of my tilted glass suggests it is not a young wine. First taste was shock as there was an unexpected narrowness to the palette as if some of the flavours one expects had been clipped. There was a long pleasant aftertaste and having adjusted to the nose I enjoyed what is quite a dark fruityness coupled with a hint of liquorice and a touch of tannin. This is one of those wines that rises to the nose as a Chardonnay has a habit of doing. Not my favourite Ribera but I'll definately have it again if it's the best one on the shelf as it may well be in one of my local Spanish supermarkets.