Three Spanish wines for less than $18, including a bottle for less than $10

Spain is a land of contrasts. And the world’s largest vineyard – nearly a million hectares of vines planted in 2023 – is anything but a monolithic block that produces only big, woody reds. Especially not now!

From north to south, hundreds of winegrowers have set out to reconquer historic vineyards that have fallen into oblivion, revealing magnificent terroirs to the whole world. Altitude is also a key vector of Spanish renewal. Several wine-growing regions located on the high plateaus which form the center of the country welcome dozens of young winegrowers in search of freshness. Freshness which is also measured in the glass, for our greatest pleasure. The offering at the SAQ is quite diversified and sold at prices that are still affordable. So many reasons to take advantage of it!

Health ! Santé!

Bodega Mureda, Arbolencia 2023, Sauvignon Blanc–Verdejo, Wine from the land of Castilla

Spain 11.5% – Organic | ★★ | $ | $9.60

Code SAQ : 14728810

Mureda is one of the largest European producers of organic wine. Their Arbolencia is the fruit of a blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, grown in the Meseta sector, a vast plateau located south of Madrid. If it is simple (at less than $10, you should not look for complexity), this white wine has the merit of being clean, invigorating and well made, with pretty citrus flavors.

Tajinaste, Traditional Red 2022, Tenerife

Spain 13% | ★★★★ | $$1/2 | $28.40

Code SAQ : 13619321

The Teide volcano dominates the landscape of Tenerife, one of the eight islands of the Spanish Canary archipelago, located off the coast of Morocco. This giant, which rises to an altitude of 3718 m, also splits Tenerife in two, geographically and climatically. When they collide with the volcano’s crest, the moist northern winds condense and dump copious amounts of rain – and more rarely snow – onto Teide’s northern slope; the other side, deprived of water, is almost desert. Agustín García Farrais’ family has been producing wine on the North Slope for three generations. Its Tinto Tradicional seems to me a notch more polished in 2022, without sacrificing the delicately astringent grain of the listan negro grape nor the singular profile of the grape variety. An elegant, racy and complex red, to be enjoyed at the table, with eggplant pasta.

Altolandon, Mil Historias 2021, Garnacha, Manchuela

Spain 13% – Organic | ★★★ | $1/2 | $16.60

Code SAQ : 13794111

The vines of Rosalía Molina and Manolo Garrote climb to more than 1000 m above sea level, in the very north of the Manchuela appellation, in the Castille–La Mancha region. The strong winds that blow there limit fungal diseases and facilitate organic work. Their garnacha looks like Beaujolais in 2021. A pure treat of fruit and suppleness, with notes of tart cherry and delicate peppery accents. Serve it chilled, around 15°C.

Envinate, Albahra 2022

Spanish wine 13% | ★★★1/2 | $$ | $23.60

Code SAQ : 13566732

Envinate is a group of winegrowers who, each in their own way, revalorize forgotten terroirs of Spain. The Albahra vintage is the fruit of a blend of Garnacha Tintorera, Moravia Agria (a super rare black grape variety), Garnacha and Pardillo (a white grape variety), grown at 800 m altitude in the Almansa sector, southeast of Castile–La Mancha. The 2022 stands out for its suppleness, its aromatic freshness and the very digestible sensation it leaves in the mouth. An authentic red wine, with integrity and strong character; without artifice or woody makeup. Perfect to accompany fall cooking.

Telmo Rodriguez, Al-Muvedre 2022, Alicante

Spain 14% – Organic | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.50

Code SAQ : 14000511

Telmo Rodriguez is present in several wine regions of Spain, from Andalusia to Galicia. The Monastrell (Mourvedre) grapes that make up its al-muvedre come from vines planted in the heights of Monóvar, a small town located near the Mediterranean coast, in the province of Alicante. The wine ferments without wood or added yeast and it reflects both the generosity of the climate and the nature of the grape variety. A red that is both velvety and crunchy, enhanced with frank flavors of blackberry and blueberry, to which are added original nuances of leather and star anise.

★ Correct

★★ Bon

★★★ Very good

★★★★ Excellent

★★★★★ Exceptional

More stars than dollars: well worth the price.

As many stars as dollars: worth the price.

Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive.