Casa Mon Frare Monastrell-Cabernet Sauvignon, Valencia, 2003; Pétalos del Bierzo, Descendientes de J. Palacios 2003.
When the most powerful man in the wine world, the US critic Robert Parker, singles out Spain as the country to watch over the next decade, the rest of us should probably take notice. Some really exciting wines with uniquely Spanish flavours are beginning to emerge from regions less well known than Rioja. Here are two holiday-weekend treats to look out for. Both taste superb with roast lamb.
Casa Mon Frare Monastrell-Cabernet Sauvignon, Valencia, 2003 The gutsy, sun-loving Monastrell grape - the Spanish equivalent of France's Mourvèdre - flourishes in the pocket of Valencia where this smashing organic wine hails from. With a bit of Cabernet in the blend, it is smooth, spicy and rich yet surprisingly refreshing. Best decanted: throw it into a jug, then pour slowly back into the bottle. Exposure to the air will magically round it out. From Redmonds, Ranelagh; No 1 Vintage, Goatstown; Searsons, Monkstown; Kellys, Clontarf; Grape Escape, Lucan; Murtaghs, Enniskerry; Patrick Stewart, Sligo; Bubble Brothers, Cork; Urru, Bandon; Lonergans, Clonmel, 10.95-11.95.
Pétalos del Bierzo, Descendientes de J. Palacios 2003. Alvaro Palacios - talented, experimental and obsessed with quality - is still young enough to be considered the wunderkind of Spanish wine. This soft, fleshy beauty with hints of blueberries and blackberries and a long, juicy finish showcases the local Mencía grape in the increasingly impressive northwestern region of Bierzo. Not cheap, but everything this guy produces tastes sensational. From Listons, Camden Street; Michael's Wines, Mount Merrion; Brechin Watchorn, Ranelagh; Andersons, Glasnevin; McCambridges, Galway; Wicklow Wine Co; Sky & Ground, Wexford, 17.95-€18.50.