The wines of northern Spain: From Galicia to the Pyrenees and Rioja to the Basque Country (Classic Wine Library)

Over the last few decades Spain has become one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world. Indeed, such has been the growth in the number of producers that it is no longer possible to cover the whole country in one book. Although rightly famed for the wines of Rioja, the north of Spain has even more to offer the wine adventurer. Criss-crossed by rivers, its landscape ranges from the dramatic Pyrenees in the north-east to the low inlets of the Atlantic coast in the west. Growers - and consumers - can enjoy a diversity of terroirs and an exciting array of native varieties. This long-overdue introduction to the wines of northern Spain explores the changes, starting in the west, where the wineries of Galicia - from Rías Baixas to Valdeorras - have multiplied, while Bierzo is building a reputation for aromatic, refreshing reds, and Castilla y León is home to a growing number of individual, top quality producers. Travelling east, the success of Ribera del Duero has attracted investors from outside the region, all eager to gain a share of the limelight, while Aragón is busy building an international reputation for its venerable bush vine Garnachas. Across the country, a new generation is joining established producers in a remarkable blossoming of fine wines. Award-winning Spanish wine specialist Sarah Jane Evans MW brings the wine regions alive, with extensive producer profiles to reflect the birth of a new era for this country's wines. Established and well-known estates mingle on the page with newer makers and small producers to provide a thoroughly up-to-date and indispensable reference. For all wine enthusiasts keen to explore this region - whether in person or from a favourite armchair - The wines of northern Spain is essential reading. Front cover -- Half title page -- Series information -- Title page -- Author biography -- Copyright information -- Contents -- Introduction -- 1. Three thousand years of history -- 2. A guide to the grapes: Albarín to Vidadillo -- 3. Galicia: pilgrims, parrales, pazos -- 4. Asturias and the Cantabrian coast: heroic viticulture and gastronomic delights -- 5. Castilla y León: the transformation of old castile -- 6. Ribera del Duero: the glamour of tinto fino -- 7. Rioja: a world within a world -- 8. Navarra and Aragón: land of kings and garnachistas -- 9. Where to eat, drink and stay -- Glossary -- Bibliography and resources -- Acknowledgements -- Index Spain is Europe's most exciting wine producer. Sarah Jane Evans, the world's leading authority on the wines of Spain, analyses the main regions, Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Navarra and Aragón, including profiles of the most interesting producers and their distinctive wines