Spain: North, including Navarra & Txakoli
2019 GOLD: 2 SILVER: 4 BRONZE: 3 COMMENDED: 7
2018 GOLD: 2 SILVER: 4 BRONZE: 5 COMMENDED: 6
The make-up of the entries in this flight has changed down the years. We used to get a fair number of well-priced reds from Campo de Borja and Calatayud, and some sleeker offerings from Somontano. But now this part of the Sommelier Wine Awards is increasingly about Navarra and Txakoli.
The rise of the latter has been intriguing, but not that surprising, perhaps. Super-fresh and mineral, they’re very foodie (dare we say ‘sommy’ wines), and with their lack of oak they’re not too big a stretch stylistically for more adventurous consumers reared on natural wines and craft ciders.
This, rather than Navarran Chardonnay, seemed to be our more popular white style, though Navarra put in a decent performance with sub-£10 reds this year, which was good to see.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘I liked the Txakoli the most. It is something different, between classic and modern.’ Virginia Fontò, La Trompette
‘There were some interesting wines here, and some that were really elegant, and good by-the-glass options, with food-friendliness. They started at £7 or £8 and went up to £18, and there were good options throughout that range.’ Markus Dilger, Dilger Sommelier Selection
‘Spain is probably regarded as the most dynamic country in Europe, but in embracing that modernity it has to be balanced.’ Christopher Delalonde MS, The Dorchester
‘This was a very good flight, with the entry level showing character and typicity, while at the £10 mark they were all very good. Spain and Italy both offer fantastic value. Their wines drink well on their own, but they’re also more food-friendly than ever.’ Marco Marcuzzo, Aster Restaurant