Can't-Miss Spanish Wines for the Holidays

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Nov 28, 2012) - The holidays are sneaking up on us, and it's time to start thinking about which wines to serve at all those festive get-togethers. This year, why not try something different -- something Spanish? From sparkling wines to a diverse selection of reds to world-class dessert wines, Spain's producers offer plenty of options to make any event special. Wines from Spain asked several top sommeliers and wine buyers to recommend their favorite Spanish wines for the holidays.

"The elegant red wines from Galicia are ideal for afternoon gatherings," said Lucas Paya, wine director for José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup. "There's nothing better than these extremely perfumed wines that show excellent clarity, persistence and finesse. These 'cooler'-climate reds, still a rare choice even among Spanish consumers, are produced from forgotten, and in some cases almost extinct, local varieties such as Caiño, Loureiro and Espadeiro. These wines are arguably reminiscent of high-quality Burgundies. Look for Forja del Salnés offerings for the ultimate example."

"The holidays are the perfect time to share your love of Sherry," said Kerin Auth, owner of Tinto Fino, a specialty wine store in New York's East Village. "With a broad spectrum of flavors and a style to suit every palate and every occasion, the great wines of Jerez create endless opportunities for mind-altering food pairings and unforgettable aha moments. Select a complex sipping Sherry like a dry, savory Amontillado, such as Valdespino Tio Diego, or try Emilio Hidalgo Marques de Rodil Palo Cortado for a style that can be savored well after the holidays have passed. Introducing someone to the glories of Sherry leaves an impression for life, and that is the greatest gift of all."

"The holidays call for sparkling wines," said Erica Landon, wine director for Bruce Carey Restaurants in Portland, Oregon, "and Cava -- offering both value and quality -- is an impeccable choice for celebrating with. For holiday meals with lots of dishes to pair with, I suggest the incredibly versatile reds from the Rioja region in northern Spain. And to accompany the inevitable multitude of holiday desserts, try the dessert wines from Andalusia. Caramel-colored sweet wines from Malaga or off-dry Cream Sherries from Jerez are both complex and will drink well with almost any winter dessert."

About Wines from Spain
Wines from Spain is a promotional division of the Trade Commission of Spain based in New York. For more than 25 years, Wines from Spain has been committed to increasing the awareness of Spanish wines throughout the United States through education, informational materials, special events and promotions. For further information on specific wine regions and producers, please contact: Wines from Spain, Trade Commission of Spain, 405 Lexington Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10174-0331 or visit www.WinesfromSpainUSA.com.