‘Ian Scott, Head Sommelier and Spanish Wine Week 2019’

Spanish wine styles in the Castle

Over the years here in the Castle we have seen many wine regions come and go as trendy wines are talked about and savoured, but one that has always held its ground is the Spanish wines. Maybe its to do with the Irish going on summer holidays to the mainland and the surrounding islands. The love the Irish show for Spanish wine has shown in the last 12 months with a rise of 67% increase. For Spanish wine week we are showing some styles that we have on offer.

 

Gaintza Txakolina, Basque Region

Established by Jose Antonio in 1923 in the Basque region in northern Spain, this family run vineyard has become very famous with this style of wine. Jose was an advocate for this style of wine in trying to improve the quality and reputation of Txakolina

The wine is fresh crunchy granny smith apple little ripe pear and a salty finish but the surprise is when it hits the palate as it has a touch of sparkle to it. We feel it goes very well with the likes of Oysters and Smoked Salmon or a rich Pork dish. Perfect for the week of weather forecast for us here.

Cured Organic Salmon

Pickled Cucumber, Oyster Cream, Avocado, Ginger & Soy Dressing

Glazed Pork Belly

Sauerkraut, Swede Puree, Spiced Sweet & Sour Jus

 

Luis Canas Reserva, Rioja

This wine for us here in the castle is the longest serving of all the Spanish. It has been on the list since the start of my time here in mid 2000. It is a very classic style of Tempranillo with a splash of Granacha. A family run vineyard established in 1970 by Luis Canas, now run by his son Juan Luis Canas. The Vines used in the Reserva are an average of 40 years old and are selected for use after vinification and then decided to which oak barrels they will age in.

The wine is rich plummy and stewed prunes with a warm sweet spicy and a hint of smoke in the back palate. Quite Savoury flavours so very versatile. We feel this goes very well with the likes of Beef dishes and Rack of Lamb with Rosemary.

Roast Monkfish

Puy Lentils & Kale, Salt Baked Celeriac, Parsley Puree, Hen of the Woods, Jus Lie

Grilled Tournedo of Irish Beef & Caramelised Short Rib

         Forest Mushroom, Roscoff Onion, Chantennay Carrots, Claret

 

 

Emilio Moro “Crianza”, Ribuero de Douro

Emilio Moro’s family have been making wine in this region for over 120 years. It was not until 1989 that the Vineyard was established as a Bodegas in Spain. The vines they use for this wine can be anywhere from 4 – 75 years old. So this gives the wine an intense flavour profile, but to give the wine freshness the vines are up at 700+ metres above sea level.

The wine is 100% Tempranillo but in a different style form the Riojas, it is a more cherry and red berry with a more earthy notes as it is done on the shale hillside in the area.

 

Roast Rump of Lamb

Shoulder & Polenta, Aubergine Caviar, Tomato, Olives & Sweetbreads, Tarragon Jus

 

Fillet of John Dory

Baby Spinach, Mussel & Clam Escabeche, Red Pepper Tapenade

 

Vina Ardanza, Rioja Alta

One of the very best of Rioja’s produced from fruit exclusively grown in the bodega’s 360 hectare vineyard holdings in the Rioja Alta region, and named after one of the Region’s founding families. Remaining under family ownership, this is of the most sought-after bodegas. Complex and perfumed primary and secondary aromas of earth, spice and red fruits with a long, elegantly structured medium weight body of spicy tannins and layers of flavour. Enjoy over the next decade as the richness and power will soften to spice and earthy tones.

 

Roast Guinea Fowl

Savoy Cabbage, Charred Corn, Baby Leek, Tarragon Jus

 

Puy Lentil & Chickpea Curry (V)

Basmati Rice, Mango & Chilli Salsa, Riatta & Poppadoms