Following changes to the laws surrounding Rioja in recent months, Felipe Carvallo reports on the new rules, and what they mean for producers determined to focus on the region’s terroir This summer saw a landmark shift in Rioja’s labelling regulations, which are controlled by its regional body the Consejo Regulador. Until now, the system has […]

Txokos are societies dedicated to celebrating northern Spain’s extraordinary culinary and vinous heritage. Food writer Victoria Stewart reports on how these gastronomic gatherings came about and what goes on behind the societies’ (normally) shut doors Sitting in a room that feels like the intersection of a village hall and a somewhat dated restaurant, on one […]

Best known for producing the wines of Rioja, Tempranillo is a grape with many faces. Here Buyer Catriona Felstead MW talks through the varied styles it produces in Spain and further afield Glorious Tempranillo is Spain’s flagship grape variety. In its traditional heartland, it is revered for its contribution to rich, deep Riojas; structured and […]

As a new bottle from the Basque country lands on our list, Buyer Will Heslop recounts a trip to the region, combining a dose of Bilbao’s best pintxos with a short detour to Bodega Gorosti, the source of our first Txakoli We met at Gatwick at 6.30am. As my companions – my girlfriend Laurie and […]