Introduction

In August, we reached the milestone of the 150th tasting of wines for this group, founded in 2010. In this time, we have tasted well over 1100 wines, mostly from the Valencian region, but more recently wines from DO Jerez, DO Cava, other Spanish regions and France.

In this 150th event we tasted wines from bodegas we have been most associated with and thank them for their support over the years.

The Aperitif

1. Vermut Rojo, La Serranilla, Bodegas Utielanas, 15% ABV

We tasted their White Vermut at a couple of events, we tasted the red, made with a white wine base (it takes its colour from the ageing process, aromatics, botanicals, etc.). Wormwood, Alyssia, and herbs such as thyme predominate; it has good volume and, critically, the sweetness and the bitterness are very well balanced.

Mahogany with reddish hues. Sweet aromas of ripe fruit mingle with hints of citrus fruit and herbaceous notes. On entry, it is full of flavour, velvety and balanced. A bitter finish, with a delicate and distinctive nutty aftertaste.

The White & Rosé Wines

2. Finca Collado Blanco 2025, Chardonnay/Moscatel , Bodega Finca Collado, DO Alicante 12.5% ABV

The first vintage of this wine was produced in 2009, and we tasted it in a very early meeting of the group. We have maintained relationships with the bodega ever since, on more than one occasion tasting the full range of wines they produce, and some of us have been privileged to have tasted the wines vertically over good dinners!

Today, the range of wines is very different, concentrating on producing expressive, monovarietal wines from very old vines grown on chalk, clay or sandy soils (including next to the old Roman salt lake in Salinas)  

Finca Collado Chardonnay Moscatel is a wine where Chardonnay (65%), Moscatel and wood blend equally and where none of its features stands out above the others: It is fresh, complex and balanced.

It has a pale gold colour, with a youthful hue but a delicate feeling. Tropical aromas blend with the floral notes, with memories of honey and citrus, and with the fine presence of the light, newly toasted wood.

Gentle, pleasant entry and a silky path, with the acidity needed to give that feeling of freshness. This balance in the mouth gives way to a long finish where the aromas of ageing mixed with tropical fruit stand out.

3. Sericis Viognier, 2024 Vino Ecólogico, Bodegas Murviedro, 11.5% ABV

Our relationship with Murviedro also goes back to the beginning of the group. This wine was first introduced in 2021 and debuted at the Mostra de Vins. We tasted it very shortly afterwards.

Bright yellow with delicate greenish reflections. An intense nose that combines notes of peach and apricot, enhanced by an elegant floral touch and subtle mineral undertones. Silky and round on the palate, with flavours reminiscent of apricots and dried peaches. A wine with Mediterranean character, perfectly balanced acidity, persistent and pleasant finish.

4. Pasión Cuvée Rosado, Cava de Guarda Brut, Bodegas Raíces DO Cava de Requena, 12% ABV

Bodegas Raíces, formerly Bodegas Sierra Norte, have also been regulars at our tastings over the years. (Most recently, the Raíces Ibéricas tasting).

Pinot Noir 85% – Garnacha 15%. Minimum 9 months en rima. Pale strawberry colour, clear, with fine bubbles forming a slow-evolving rosary. Aromatic and very fruity, with floral notes, currants, and cherry, accompanied by hints of honey and toasted bread. On the palate, it is powerful and intense, a perfect balance between presence and elegance.

5. Pasión Cuvée  Brut Nature, Cava de Guarda, Bodegas Raíces DO Cava de Requena, 11.5% ABV

Chardonnay 50% – Macabeo 30% – Xarel·lo 20%. Minimum 9 months en rima.

Lemon yellow colour with golden hues, clear, with fine and abundant well-integrated bubbles. Aromatic and very fruity, with notes of peach and citrus, as well as fine pastry. On the palate, it is very expressive and elegant, with a fresh and creamy texture at the same time.

The Red Wines

6. Sueños de Garnacha Tintorera, Bodegas Utielanas, DO Utiel-Requena. 11.5%ABV

Second wine from the Utiel bodega, and this is the light red wine chosen by the DO to represent it in all its events this year and especially the  ‘Requena, European  City of Wine’ events.

Intense violet coloured red wine, medium to full-bodied red wine with long legs. The nose has fresh red fruit and mature black fruit, well-integrated spices. Youthful on entry, the fruit and oaky notes are well-integrated, with the mature fruits adding complexity, with an elegant and silky finish.

7. Mainetes Monastrell, 2023 ,Vino Naturalmente Dulce, Bodegas San Dionisio, DO Jumilla 13.5% ABV.

A naturally sweet wine which we tasted at the Xmas tasting after two separate tastings involving wines from this bodega. From overripe, naturally sweet Monastrell, slowly aged in oak. No additional sugar is added; the sweetness comes from the natural residual sugars in the partly dried grapes. Violet colour, dense with oaky and smoky notes below the dried grape base. Hints of black olives and capers. Fresh, approachable, sweet, and with a very notable, long finish and aftertaste. A versatile gastronomic wine which goes well with fruit, cheese (especially blue cheeses) and foie gras.

8. Aula Brut Rosé, Cava de Guarda, Coviñas, DO Cava de Requena, 12% ABV.

To end with, an offering from Coviñas. Increasingly good quality and a wider selection than in the past. From Garnacha, with 9 months en rima

Bright and rose pink in colour with small, long-lasting bubbles. Red fruit with a backdrop of hints of patisserie and jam. Elegant in flavour, both fresh and light alongside a delightful touch of sweetness.