Gran Familia Clasica Valdepenas Reserva 2007

I am very keen to experiment with Spanish red wines and whilst seldom disappointed with an aging Rioja, will tend to gravitate towards an area I am less familiar with. So here I am recommending a fine red wine made with the Tempranillo grape from the Valdepenas region, in the heart of La Mancha.

I love the mellow nature of this wine and was not surprised to read that this traditional grape thrives in the stony vineyards (bodegas) in this region. This wine is full of fruit – a real bonus for me and can happily be enjoyed on its own, as well as with red meat. I was advised to open the bottle for at least an hour to allow it to breathe and how thankful I was for this advice. It really is very easy to enjoy! There is no doubt that the predominant fruit that can be identified on the pallet, is blackberry. A wonderful accompaniment to roast lamb or Roe Deer (if you can obtain it).

My recommendation is currently available at Tesco for £10.99 a bottle

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March 2011 – Turkheim Pinot Blanc

April 2011 – Amarone Classico Costasera 2006/2007

May 2011 – Vermentino 2009 Poggio al Tesoro

June 2011 – La Serre Syrah Rose 2009

July 2011 – Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC

August/Sep 2011 – Oyster Bay Malborough Pinot Noir 2009

October/Nov 2011 – Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vignobles Gonnet  2008

Dec/Jan/Feb Winer Choice – Riesling Kabinett 2007

March/April 2012 – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2009 Cantine Talamonti DOC & 2007 Gran Sasso DOCG

May/June 2012 – Clocktower  Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010

July/August 2012 – Domaine de Chazalis Merlot ‘Cuvee Richard’ 2009

October/November 2012 – 2010/11  Weissburgunder Trocken (Dry)