Fall Picks From Spain & Portugal
Gulp Hablo, Orange Can – NV $3.99
Gulp Hablo was a project started in 2015 through a collaboration between T. Edwards Importing, Bodegas Parra Jimenez (a winery in Castilla-La Mancha), and legendary Spanish winemaker Juan Antonio Ponce. This iconic collab really took off in 2021 with the release of everyone’s favorite easy orange liter, a blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc that is perfect for any occasion. What does one do after mastering the orange liter? Wine in a can! As fans of Gulp Hablo for many years, my friends and I give our stamp of approval to this little orange can that packs just as big of a punch as its liter sister. Grab a couple and bring them to your next party! – Victoria Pagan, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bodegas Vegamar, Garnacha – 2021 $14.96
On Spain’s eastern coast, the wine growing region of Valencia is home to some of the best wines of the Mediterranean. While Bodegas Vegamar primarily cultivates French varietals, their goal is not to replicate their northern neighbor’s style, but rather to express their own warm climate and diverse, fertile soil. Case in point, this generously fruity Garnacha. It was hard for me to identify a specific berry because the nose explodes with a medley of pretty much every berry I could name, with a hint of vanilla at the finish. I was worried about balance, but rest assured there is just enough tannin and acidity to tame the juice. Grilled red meats come first to mind, but smoked and spicy cheeses would pair just as well. – Doug Yacka, General Manager
Savia Viva, Cava Brut – NV $16.96
When I am in need of a delicious yet value driven sparkling wine, my go-to bottle for a variety of reasons is the Savia Viva Cava. Not only is it made like Champagne, with a delicate toastiness coming from the extended aging with the yeast, but there is a brightness and texture to this wine that is difficult to beat at its price. It is the perfect compliment for mimosas and to serve as your house sparkling for parties and receptions. The farming is fully organic, which is another star on the checklist, and their talented two women winemaking team (Maria Elena Jiménez & Marta Casas) have been at the helm for over two decades. Overall, this bottle is one of the most personable bubblies here at Astor and you can absolutely taste the care that went into its creation! – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager
Albariño, Fefinanes – 2023 $24.96
Year in and year out this Albariño impresses well above its price point. The Palace of Fefinañes has been making wine in the famed Salnés valley since the 17th century, but it wasn’t until 1928 that they became a commercial winery. And it seems the quality only gets higher every year! Albariño is a unique grape, being that it exhibits both the maritime influence of coastal Spain as well as the rugged granite that it grows upon. Smooth yet chiseled on the palate, with an abundance of notes ranging from citrus, stone, and tropical fruits in addition to a delightful kiss of honeysuckle. The salinity found on the palate only enhances the fruit’s notes, much like adding salt to an entrée heightens the flavor of the dish. This is truly a remarkable wine to pair with anything from the sea! – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager
Bierzo “Petalos”, Descendientes de José Palacios – 2022 $24.99
Although Alvaro Palacios hails from one of Rioja’s famous families, he cut his teeth at Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux. Upon returning to Spain he ventured northeast to Bierzo where he rediscovered a forgotten varietal called Mencia. These grapes, grown in a unique quartz-rich soil, on steep, terraced vineyards display remarkable acidity and minerality. Mencia is often light to medium in body, but boasts deep, focused dark fruit. Palacios ups the ante, coaxing remarkable complexity. The fruit is offset by earthy and vegetal notes. Lean tannins almost go unnoticed, but provide a sturdy backbone. If you’re curious about discovering Mencia, this is an ideal place to begin! – Doug Yacka, General Manager