Spanish wine expert Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW shares his advice on what to put in your cellar and when to drink…
Bearing in mind present day’s diversity and quality in the country , it’d be easy providing recommendations for a large cellar to be filled with just Spanish wine.
It’s much harder to advice on a short list representing the country while providing different opportunities to open a bottle.
The selection below is intended to be eclectic and functional, but if is far from being comprehensive.
What to put in your Spanish wine cellar Credit: Mode Images / Alamy Stock Photo
For each category, several dozen names will deliver what is expected, just have your wine seller advising you.
Classic Spain, to keep as long as you wish
- Rioja Gran Reserva, aged for several years in American oak
- Modern Rioja “autor” style, not having any particular ageing indication, many times referring to a single vineyard
- Top Ribera del Duero, often indicating Reserva, from the best brands
- Priorat, particularly “vi de finca”
- Palo cortado Sherry
- Old amontillado from Montilla
- Fondillón from Alicante
