This Saturday we’ll be stomping around the Spanish wine regions. Some are old and respected while the reputation of others is on the rise. All are a blend of tradition and modernity; old vines and new equipment. It’s the best of both worlds.

2011 Bodegas del Medievo Blanco (Rioja)$11
100% Viura
Medievo is located in Aldeanueva de Ebro at 500 meters high, in one of the most prestigious of Rioja where the clay-calcareous poor soils are perfect to grow high quality vines. The Blanco is very fresh with aromas of tropical fruits, pear, with a crisp clean finish.
 
2011 Bodegas Naia, Las Brisas (Rueda) $11
50% Verdejo, 30% Viura, 20% Sauvignon Blanc
Bodegas Naia is located in La Seca, a region that is considered grand cru in Rueda, focuses on making great white wines from indigenous old vines Verdejo. Their vineyard has untrained vines (some pre-philloxeric) and includes some strains that are more than a century old. “Bright citrus and mineral aromas, plus a hint of quince. Smooth and silky on the palate, offering lively orchard fruit and tangerine flavors and a hint of ginger. Finishes with good tangy bite and a suggestion of pear nectar.” –International Wine Cellars:
 
2011 Bodegas Terra Sigilata, Filón (Calatayud) $10
Garnacha from 30- to 40-year-old vineyards
The Calatayud region in Northern Spain resembles parts of Utah or Arizona with tall red buttes and dry arroyos in a high plains atmosphere. The arid landscape is punctuated by old vine Garnacha grape vineyards as well as cherry and almond orchards tended by the local farmers. The old Garnacha vines have deep root systems to draw moisture from the arid soil. These old vines produce dark, concentrated fruit that in turn makes rich expressive wines. The Filón is full of aromas of cherry and other fruits smoke and licorice.
 
2009 Pazos del Rey, Sila, (Monterrei) $14
Mencia
Monterrei is located in the south-eastern corner of Galicia, bordering Portugal is warm and dry with very little rainfall. Here Mencia takes on a more robust and darker in comparison to its other traditional homes Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra. The Sila has bright cheerful red berry fruit with integrated aromas of sandalwood, cracked pepper and spice and a longing velvety texture finish from time aged in French oak.
 
2010 Bodegas Tabula, Damana 5 (Ribera del Duero) $18
Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) 20 years old vines.
Bodegas Tabula farms 22 hectares of limestone rich soil in Olivares de Duero on the far western side of the Ribera del Duero DO with prestigious neighbors such as Pesquera & Vega Sicilia. The Damana 5 is dark and intense with a nose of blackberries, black cherries, creamy notes of fine oak, some spices and underbrush aromas. On the palate there is a wealth of fresh, lively berry fruit flavors leading to a sumptuous yet elegant finish.