With over 2.9 million acres of planted vines, Spain is the world’s most widely planted wine producing nation, a mantle almost hidden amidst its traditional holiday appeal. The third largest wine producer on the planet, the fertile Spanish soil nurtures over 600 native grape varieties including the ubiquitous Tempranillo, Albariño and Macabeo. Tempranillo is most commonly used in Rioja reds. A great food match with lamb, the varietal from the Northern edge of the Mediterranean nation is one of its high profile exports and an excellent choice for Easter suppers.
Rioja aside, the sun scorched, rolling vineyards of the Iberian peninsular also produce Ribera del Duero, La Mancha and Navarra. Spanish Wines come in many different styles, the most common being Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. However, these labels don’t come easy; wine makers have to comply with strict legal conditions to be able to use them on their products, including minimum periods of oak ageing.
With more national holidays than most European nations, it’s no surprise that the leisure loving Spaniards have invested heavily in Cava, a well priced alternative to Champagne. Recognised as one of the world’s best value sparking wines, it is produced in and around the Catalan town of San Sadurní de Noya. Think gorgeous vanilla aromas and warm toasted oak with fruity summer fruit flavours.
Wine merchant Majestic Wine has reduced the price of its Spanish wines by 25% over the Easter period, including a quarter off Codorníu Selección Raventos Cava. Historically this cuvée was reserved for the Raventos family, with its commercial release only approved to honour 125 years of Cava making. With a Marzipan like finish and peppery spice, this Cava would be perfectly paired with a traditional Easter simnel cake.
Also included as part of Majestic’s Easter offers, the Rioja Reserva 2005 Marqués de Riscal is packed with deep fruit and vanilla flavours. Delicious with lamb on Easter Sunday, this Rioja is blended from 90% Tempranillo grapes, sourced from vines aged between 15 and 30 years, and oak-aged for 24 months.
Bethany Guard, online marketing manager at Majestic said: “Although neighbouring Italy and France are two of the largest wine producing countries in the world, Spain is not far behind. Spanish wine offers excellent value for money, as well as being extremely versatile in terms of when and where it can be drunk.”
The Spanish Wine Easter Offer from Majestic Wine is available online until 26th April 2010. Browse the range and buy any of Majestic’s Spanish Wines online at www.Majestic.co.uk
About Majestic Wine UK
Majestic Wine Warehouses is the UK's biggest and best retailer specialising in sales of wine by the mixed case, with 153 stores throughout the UK. Majestic offers an extensive range of superb wines in large quantities, giving real choice and value.
Majestic’s staff are passionate about wine and are always on hand to give advice on what to buy. Majestic are also the only wine retailer to operate a FREE delivery service for cases of 12 bottles throughout mainland UK. For gifts of less than 12 bottles Majestic operates a Gift Solutions service at http://www.majestic.co.uk/
Majestic Wine are also different from mail order and internet wine merchants, who may try to tempt you with artificial savings on a mixed case of indifferent wines. Their promotions often last several months at a time and boast hundreds of multibuy offers, which represent genuine savings. They are famous for their 'one-off' special parcels, which are worth looking out for!
