The Spanish Wine Cheat Sheet | CHAR x LOCOS DEL VINO
Words: Luxmi Shanmuganantha
Images: Jeann Frederico
As part of the Eat Spain Drink Spain festival running throughout September, Char and Locos Del Vino joined forces for an evening of Spanish wine and nibbles.
Summer may be ending, but we can keep living our continental holiday memories through Locos Del Vino — Torres Winery’s latest range, crafted to celebrate non-conformity, unafraid to be bold and different.
Alongside a selection of Spanish tapas, we tasted through four wines from Locos Del Vino. Here’s what we tasted on the night, a little cheat sheet for the next time you’re dreaming of your summer holidays.
A Main Character White Wine
Grapes: Albarino
Tasting notes: The Clean Girl of wines but she’s a little salty, we know her and we love her. Perfect to keep in the house for when you clock off early to bask in the September sun with your mates. Close your eyes and all of a sudden your European summer doesn’t feel so far away. Stone fruit and floral notes on the nose, with fresh acidity on the palate to balance out the volume.
What to pair it with: Perfect with anything bright or salty — think briny green olives, flaky white fish, end-of-summer veg or creamy goats cheeses.
The Impress your Impressive Friend Wine
Grapes: Verdejo
Tasting notes: This is to bring to your wine friend, go ahead and mention the fennel undertones. A transitional weather wine when you’re not quite ready to admit summer is over. Think sitting on a patio but wrapped in a tiny little scarf. Fragrant and fresh on the nose, with surprising herbal notes. It’s silky and lush on the palate, with loads of citrus fruit.
What to pair it with: The complexity in this wine will pair well with some slightly heavier fare– think roast chickens, bean or grain salads. Lean into the herbier notes with some dill, tarragon, parsley or chives.
The Grand for Any Occasion Wine
Grapes: tempranillo
Tasting notes: A crowd-pleaser for a reason, this wine is perfect for a divided table of wine drinkers. Your cool younger cousin back from Amsterdam who only drinks chilled reds? Your auntie who wants a glass of Cab Sauv filled to the brim? This will please both. This wine opens up with sweet and slightly spicy aromas. On the palate, expect deep red cherries and juicy red fruit all the way through the finish.
What to pair it with: Perfect for upcoming cooler evenings, this wine is ideal with roast lamb, pork or sausages.
A Big (Cool) Daddy Red
Grapes: tempranillo
Tasting notes: A dad wine but if he was a sound dad. There’s structure and big flavours but still a bit playful. There’s an explosion of black fruit on the nose, with a silky, velvet finish on the palate. There’s a delicate smoky note that complements the ripe fruit flavour.
What to pair it with: Lean into the richness of the perfectly ripened fruit — think roasts, stews and hearty soups.
