Category Archives: Spain

Three Fine Tempranillos

Posted on November 13, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Thanksgiving is a busy time for wine geeks, with Tempranillo Day on the second Thursday in the month (today!), Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the third Thursday, and, of course, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday. Here’s what I enjoyed for Tempranillo Day … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Food pairings: Freixenet’s Cava and other wine

Posted on August 20, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Recently I spent several days exploring Spain’s Cataluña winemaking region. I learned about the region’s famous Freixenet Cava as well as many other beautiful wines being produced there. (This post is Part IV about the visit; other posts’ links are … Continue reading →

Posted in Cava, Food, Restaurants, Spain, Tempranillo, Travel | 3 Comments

EXCELLENT: Two Ribera del Duero wines

Posted on July 20, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

I’ve enjoyed nearly every Spanish wine I’ve tried, and these two Tempranillos were just lovely. Wine has been made in the Ribera del Duero area for more than 2,000 years. Today, wines must be at least 75% Tempranillo in order … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

PREVIEW: Mia line of Spanish wines, just released in the U.S.

Posted on June 26, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Pictured here is a 187ml bottle of Mia sparkling Moscato, a well-made sweet wine. Weighing in at 7% ABV, it’s light enough to enjoy with lunch without spoiling the rest of your day. And, it’s delicious, with a bouquet of … Continue reading →

Posted in Moscato/Muscat, Spain | Leave a comment

Catalan cuisine: Cooking with “Chef Isma,” Ismael Prados Soto

Posted on June 8, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

What better way to learn about Catalan wines and cuisine than to experience a cooking class? As part of my tour of Cataluña, I did just that. Our guide and chef was the talented “Chef Isma,” Ismael Prados Soto. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberino, Cava, Food, Spain, Tastings, Tempranillo, Travel | 4 Comments

René Barbier vineyard: Innovation in Cataluña’s Penedès district

Posted on June 7, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This is Part Two of my report on Spain’s Catalan Freixenet properties. Part One covered my visit to Cataluña’s Priorat district and the Morlanda winery. This post will focus on the René Barbier vineyard in Cataluña’s Penedès district. Once again … Continue reading →

Posted in Macabeo, Parellada, Spain, Technical Stuff, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers, Xarel-lo | Leave a comment

A visit to Cataluña’s Priorat district and the Morlanda winery

Posted on June 5, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Recently, I went on a media/trade trip to Spain to visit the Freixenet (pronounced “fresh-a-net”) properties. I learned about their famous Cava, the sparkling wine made in the Method Champenoise (more on that in another post). But besides Cava, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cava, Grenache/Garnacha, Spain, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers | 3 Comments

Expanding The Frugal Wine Snob’s Mission

Posted on March 23, 2013 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Friends, I’ve been stuck. (Could you tell? No blog posts since January.) Finally figured it out. This blog has grown in TOTALLY unexpected ways (and has grown me as well). Besides being interested in good, affordable wines, for me wine … Continue reading →

Posted in France, News, Spain, Travel | 2 Comments

A bounty of 2011 rosé: The San Francisco Chronicle recommends

Posted on June 5, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This is an interesting shopping list/summer project!Out of 100 roses tried, 30 made their “Recommended” list. Most cost less than $20. The San Francisco Chronicle’s list of 2011 rosés. Written by Jon Bonné. Panelists: Jon Bonné, Chronicle wine editor; Wayne … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, California, France, Italy, News, Rosé, South Africa, South Australia, Spain | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Torres, Sangre de Toro, 2009 Red Wine, Catalunya, Spain. Garnacha and Cariñena blend, 13.5% ABV. $11.99.

Posted on December 9, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This wine was recommended by one of our readers, so when I opened it, decanted it, and found the first scents and tastes to be young, rangy, and slightly funky, I thought, “Oh-oh. Hope I don’t have to disappoint someone, … Continue reading →

Posted in Carignan, Grenache/Garnacha, Red Blend, Spain | 5 Comments