Wine Recommendations from Iggy Campos - Chef, Restaurateur and Wine Connoisseur!
Written by Iggy Campos
 Spain is a wonderful country from which to source wine and should have a fantastic reputation, however, it is often overlooked in favour of larger cousins such as Italy and France. The third largest producer of wine, Spanish vineyards are hundreds of years old, and have adapted over the years to incorporate the changing climate of the country.
The geographical layout, combined with the warm, dry climate should - in theory - create a wonderful environment for the regions wine producers. However, this creates its own problems with new threats such as drought and poor fertility of the land. As such, Spanish winemakers developed their own viticulture, planting vines further apart to put a lesser strain on resources. The result is wine that is rich in flavour with a real and full taste of the land. Uniquely, Spanish winemakers see their involvement in the wine making process as one of nurture. The wine making philosophy in Spain is that wine makers and growers tenderly encourage the grapes to produce the finest end result – this differs slightly from the usual reference to wine makers as producers.
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Spain produces some of the finest wine I have ever tasted and this is reflected in the fact that I only source wine from this country for both my restaurants. Not only is the country not recognised enough for this aspect of their agriculture, but it is important for me to support the producers of my home country.
Here are my top 5 picks for wine from Spain:
- Cava - Codorniu Non Plus Ultra
A recent favourite for a huge Cava fan! Cava is a sweet, sparkling wine which is produced in the Catalonia region of Spain and uses the same methods as Champagne production. A floral, bubbly Cava which is easy on the palate, with balanced floral aromas, this particular bottle is a perfect replacement for white wine if eating shellfish or white meat.
- White - Veracruz (Grape - Verdejo, Region - Rueda)
A constant and consistent favourite. This wine is crisp, racy and weighty. It is reminiscent of a Sauvignon but has a more modern, adaptable twist.
- Red - Vina Ardanza Reserva (Grape - Tempranillo, Region - Rioja)
The classic Rioja: a wine that represents the best of Spain's infamous wine-making region and is arguable the most well known wine from the country. This particular Reserva just ticks every box. It is deep, vibrant and broad - a time-spanning, easy-going wine.
- Sherry - Palo Cortado
Sherry (finally enjoying a rebirth in popularity and level of fashion) once again brings us a show-stopper. This rare variety shows a complex creation process with distinctively elaborate flavours - perfect with Spanish Manzanilla olives, Manchego Cheese - weighty and exciting.
- Rose - Prado Rey Rosado (Grape - Merlot, Tempranillo, Region - Ribera del Duero)
A Rose from Ribera del Duero - noted as being one of Spain's top wine-making regions for Reds. This is a Rose of spicy complexity, brilliant in colour and in a class of its own with flavour. This is great for wine drinkers and those looking for an independent glass of wine.
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