Brenda McCormick | Copywriter
Much like France, Spain has a long, proud history of winemaking and is responsible for some fantastic wines. Here, and in the video below, O’Briens Wine Director Lynne Coyle Master of Wine has picked out her top five Spanish wines to try before you die.
Many Spanish wineries have been in the same family for generations, and decades of knowledge and skill go into each bottle. From refreshing Spanish white wines such as a crisp Albariño to the bold reds of Spain’s famous Rioja region and sparkling Cavas, Spain is truly a treasure trove of quality wine styles. Get set to explore...
Carmel from our Ardkeen store in Waterford pictured with Tandem owners Josè María Fraile and Alicia Eyaralar on a recent O'Briens team trip to Navara where we received an incredibly warm welcome and enjoyed a wonderful tasting of their fascinating range.
Tandem Mácula
Navarra, Spain
WAS €22.95 NOW €18.36 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
“This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a very small boutique winery in Navarra,” Lynne explains. “It’s oak aged Cabernet Merlot, so it’s quite rich and concentrated with black fruits, firm tannins and quite a long, lingering finish the palate.”
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Lo Món Trossos del Priorat
Priorat Doq, Spain
WAS €29.95 NOW €23.96 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
This Priorat is mainly a blend of Grenache and Syrah with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, Lynne says. “There’s pepper, spice, and loads of black fruit. On the palate it’s quite rich and concentrated and the tannins are silky and fruity. Nothing too powerful, a really delicious Priorat.”
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Lagar de Costa Albariño
Rías Baixas, Spain
WAS €21.95 NOW €17.56 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
For those who love a zingy white wine, Lagar de Costa Albariño is a fantastic option. It comes from the Costa family vineyards which are on the Galician coast. “Close to the sea, the Salnes Valley is influenced by the Atlantic, sandy soils and granitic soils,” Lynne explains. “The wines are fresh, crisp and clean and perfect with seafood.”
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Canals Nadal Cava Brut Nature Reserva
Catalonia, Spain
WAS €24.95 NOW €19.95 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
No Spanish tasting would be complete without Cava. This one is fantastic value for money and is made in the same way as Champagne, with second fermentation in the bottle. “This is from a small family winery, a blend of Xarello Parellada and Macabeo,” Lynne notes. “It’s dry and crisp, with a slightly toasty brioche character. It really does deliver.”
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The O'Briens Team at the iconic sign on the Marqués de Murrieta property on a recent visit to Rioja. We enjoyed warm hospitality and an unforgettable food and wine pairing experience.
Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva
Rioja, Spain
WAS €27.95 NOW €22.36 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
Rioja is, Lynne says, the most famous of Spanish wines. This one is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Grenache. “This is a reserve style Rioja which means it’s had two years, in this case, in American oak and a further 18 months in bottle,” Lynne explains. “You have red fruit notes here which follow through to black notes on the palate.”
The O'Briens team were recently welcomed to the winery to try the latest vintages of Paternina GR. Tasting with their winemaker and learning all about their latest innovations and commitment to quality.
Three more super Spanish wines to try:
Federico Paternina Gran Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain
WAS €26.95 NOW €14.95 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
When you think of Spanish reds, chances are a Rioja comes to mind and this is a standout example. It's a smooth Gran Reserva made with Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. Aged for 24 months in American oak followed by three years in bottle in Bodegas Federico Paternina's 16th century cellars, it's a gorgeous wine at an excellent price.
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Samsara Priorat
Priorat DOQ, Spain
WAS €24.95 NOW €19.96 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
Looking to impress a wine buff? This fabulous Spanish red will do the job. Priorat is one of only two regions in Spain to hold the top DOQ/DOCa quality level (the other is Rioja). The area's rugged landscape and unique soils give the wines a fantastic mineral complexity. This one, from the family-owned Coca I Fitó, is a top example - with lots of ripe berry fruit complemented by a herbal note and that minerality.
Rubiejo Barrica Ribera del Duero
Ribera Del Duero Do, Spain
WAS €20.95 NOW €16.76 (Part of our Spanish Wine Sale. Price valid until 30th October 2023.)
If you like a Rioja with 'oomph', this deliciously rich alternative is definitely one to check out. It’s made from Tempranillo grapes (known locally as Tinto Fino) in the Rioja-adjacent Ribera del Duero region. The wines here tend to be more intense than in Rioja and with darker berry fruit and Rubiejo Barrica also boasts a warming touch of oak. Gorgeous.
READ MORE: All You Need To Know About Rioja
READ MORE: Best Wine and Food Pairings
You’ll find more great Spanish wines and offers here.
All prices are correct at time published and a part of our Spanish Wine Sale which runs until 30th October 2023. Please check our website or stores for the most up-to-date pricing and offers.