If I asked you to name three Spanish wines, my guess is they would be cava, rioja and sherry. Nothing wrong with that, of course – they’re all terrific value for money – but Spain has a lot more to offer. Whites, for a start. Albariño, which I wrote about last month, may be the country’s rising star, but don’t overlook refreshing, spritzy txakolina, which is produced around San Sebastián; godello, which should appeal if you’re a chardonnay fan; and rueda, if you fancy ringing the changes on sauvignon blanc (Aldi has a decent one for just £5.29 in its Baron Amarillo range).
Rioja also comes in white, as well as rosé, or rosado as it’s known in Spain. Rosado tends to be more savoury and full-bodied than the Provence version, and is therefore really good with barbecues and gutsy Spanish rice and bean dishes. The Baron de Ley wine in today’s pick is a well-priced example.
