Category Archives: Spain

Tasting of mixed new releases with a few heavy-duty Super Tuscans included

Posted on December 27, 2014 by vintomas

Earlier in December I tasted a selection of recent releases on the Swedish market. This type of “purchase a ticket and taste the wines at your own pace”-tasting is arranged a number of times per year by a Munskänkarna, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Champagne, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Munskänkarna, Port, Sherry, Syrah, Tuscany | 1 Comment

A white Rioja on Saint Vincent’s day

Posted on January 26, 2014 by vintomas

22 January is Saint Vincent’s Day, and this day is a sort of “the day of wine” in some countries and regions, in particular in France. The Vincent in question is Saint Vincent of Saragossa, an early Christian martyr gathered unto … Continue reading →

Posted in Rioja, Viura | Leave a comment

Mixed wines – “December news”

Posted on December 8, 2013 by vintomas

This was a news tasting of various wines that only had that in common that they were lauched as news (in their current vintage or release) in the Swedish monopoly stores at the start of December. This government-controlled monopoly has, … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne, Chardonnay, Merlot, Munskänkarna, Pinot Noir, Rhône, Rioja, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Mixed wines including some five Rhônes and two traditional Riojas

Posted on September 13, 2013 by vintomas

Last week a major wine tasting club in town, Munskänkarna, arranged a tasting of various wines, having that in common that they were new arrivals at our “dear” monopoly. Many were new vintages of old classics, rather than brand new … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Chablis, Chardonnay, Douro, Grenache, Loire, Munskänkarna, Rhône, Rioja, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tuscany, Umbria, Viura | Leave a comment

Tio Pepe Fino En Rama 2013

Posted on July 16, 2013 by vintomas

In 2010, the major Sherry producer Gonzalez & Byass started an annual tradition by releasing Tio Pepe Fino En Rama in spring or early summer. The difference between the En Rama versionen (rama = “raw” in Spanish ) from regular Tio Pepe is that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Sherry | Leave a comment

Older vintages of Faustino I Gran Reserva including a birthday Rioja at the end of the world

Posted on December 22, 2012 by vintomas

Off and on there are many insults one has to stand in life, but one of the worst I’ve suffered is that that the goddamn Mayan calendar put the end of the world on my birthday, 21 December. Well, since … Continue reading →

Posted in 1964, 1968, 1970, Rioja, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Goose dinner wines

Posted on November 25, 2012 by vintomas

On St. Martin’s Day, now some two weeks ago, a goose dinner is customary in some parts (especially the Germanic ones) of northwestern Europe. In Sweden this tradition is particularly strong in the southern parts of the country, in particular Scania/Skåne, since … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Loire, Pinot Noir, Spain | 1 Comment

Mixed reds and fortifieds served blind

Posted on February 9, 2011 by vintomas

The course-intensive Swedish wine tasting association Munskänkarna only arranges tests at the highest level (“level 3”, should roughly corresond to WSET Diploma level) every second year – typically theoretical test in November of even-numbered years followed by a practical test … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Italy, Madeira, Munskänkarna, Muscat, Port, Rhône, Sherry | Leave a comment

San Vicente 1995

Posted on December 12, 2010 by vintomas

After the presentation of Eguren wines, I thought it might be a good idea to dry how one of these wines showed with some maturity, so I uncorked a San Vicente 1995, bought for € 31 at Alter Vinum. (The … Continue reading →

Posted in Rioja, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Eguren wines with Marcos Eguren

Posted on December 8, 2010 by vintomas

Late October I participated in a presentation of some of the Eguren family’s wines in Brussels, presented by Marcos Eguren. Eguren has their base in Rioja where they have several bodegas, as well as having one in Toro. To many, … Continue reading →

Posted in Rioja, Tempranillo, Toro | Leave a comment