GREAT WINES TO PURCHASE FROM SPAIN by Philip S. Kampe

2009 in Spain, was marked with great heat and little rain.

Many regions in Spain labeled 2009 'A DROUGHT YEAR".

In dry (drought) years, the Best Wines come from soil types that can retain water.

Converesely, in wet years, the Best Wines come from easy draining soil types, like sand, gravel, steep slopes and river stones.

Heat is another factor that determines quality.

High elevation vineyards escaped the 100+ heat and were blessed with cooler nights.

In 2009, vineyards with higher elevation and access to water made the Best Wines. Both the clay dominated Ribera del Duero and Rioja Alta come to mind.

High elevation vineyards, fertile soil types, old vines with deep root systems are the key factors determing success in 2009.

In 2008 the vintage would be considered a "COOL VINTAGE" in Spain.

The harvest in 2008 took place two to three weeks later than usual due to the cooler than average summer. The late harvest allowed the winegrowers to pick grapes that are Bright in Aromas with good Acidity and Ripe Tannins.

The 2008 wines will have bright floral expression coupled with an exceptional ripeness.

The following wines come from balanced climates that had access to water in 2009.

The 2008 wines I chose are outstanding, primarily due to the craft of the winemaker.

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All of the wines are available and should be in your local wineshop.

If you have trouble locating the wines, go to http://www.winezap.com/ for information, location and prices or visit http://www.martinscottwines.com/ , who distributes many of these MUST BUY Wines.
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IPSUM RUEDA 2009
Producer: BODEGAS HERMANOS del VILLAR
DO: RUEDA
Grape Varietal: 60% Verdejo, 40% Viura
Suggested Price: $ 10.99
Wine Advocate: 87 Points

The wine has a pale green straw color. The nose is full of herbs, flowers and minerals. Strong citrus notes dominate the mineral and herb undertone. The wine has an exceptionally long finish.
At $10.99, this wine is a true bargain.
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CORTIJO ROSADO 2009
Producer: BODEGAS DON SANCHO de LONDONO
DO: RIOJA
Grape Varietal: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha
Suggested Price: $ 11.99

This bargain priced wine has high minerality on the nose. Cortijo Rosado is a rather dry wine with strawberry overtones on the palate. The finish is long and memorable.
This value wine has good structure and balance.
A true value at $11.99.

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PAPA 2009
Producer: LADERA SAGRADA
DO: VALDEORRAS
Grape Varietal: 100% Godello
Wine Advocate 90 Points
Suggested Price: $ 16.99

PAPA 2009 is a very special, interesting wine that has it's own taste, thanks to the GODELLO grape. The wine is intense, dry and a palate pleaser with mango, pineapple and lime mineral overtones. The wine is very complex with hints of buttered popcorn and pear.
"
THIS MAY BE THE BEST WHITE WINE IN AMERICA at $16.99 A BOTTLE" PsK
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PELTA 2008
Producer: BODEGAS ENGUERA
DO: VALENCIA
Grape Varietal: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Monastrell
Wine Advocate 88 points
Suggested Price: $ 9.99

The scent of blackberries and blueberries dominate the nose. This rich and deep wine has juicy dark fruit overtones on the palate. The finish is both fresh and bright.
A true treat at $9.99 a bottle.

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b.b.de Exopto (BIG BANG) 2008
Producer: EXOPTO CELLARS
DO: Rioja Alavesa
Grape Varietal: 50% Garnacha, 40% tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Wine Advocate 90 Points
Suggested Price: $19.99

Deep purple in color, this exceptional wine has a rich nose that smells like expresso mixed with tobacco and blueberries. The complexity of the acidity on the palate mixes well with the intense, structured wine. BIG BANG has an unusually long, pleasing finish.
This is a great wine to cellar and drink within the next five years.

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Many other Spanish wines are Worth Buying from the 2009 and 2008 crop.

A few wines to look for include:

MUTI 2009, 100% Albarino from Rias Baixas ( November arrival)

ULTREIA St. JACQUES 2009, 100% Mencia from Bierzo (October arrival)

VICO 2008, 100% Mencia from Bierzo (October arrival)


PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com