A red and a white from Spain

I'm still drinking a lot from Spain, which I think has so many great values. A few weeks ago with grilled shrimp, I went for a white wine and had the 2007 Burgans Rias Baixas Albarino. This is a very good white wine that is a great match with shellfish, simple with some light floral notes. It's also a great value, and a different type of white that I prefer over a standard Chardonnay.

Last week I tried a new red wine, the 2004 Finco Sobreno Toro. This was a new producer for me, from a region where I've had a few really good wines. On the first night, this wine did not have much to offer, and I was a bit underwhelmed. On the second night though, it started to show more dark fruit. Overall, it still seemed like maybe a little bottle time would help this out. It's certainly a different style than something like the Termes that I've enjoyed, and I may get more to see if it can age for a few years and improve more.

1999 Numanthia Termes Toro

I went to the cellar one night last week as I was in the mood for a good Spanish wine and came out with this older vintage of a wine I've found to be pretty exceptional for its price range. The 1999 Numanthia Termes Toro did not disappoint. I've had the 2004 when it was quite young, and loved it though the wine at that time still showed some oak. This aged vintage had fully integrated the oak, and still had plenty of dark fruit flavors. It was really in a great spot, not overpowering but still with plenty to offer.

This is the entry-level wine from Numanthia (their namesake Numanthia is the next step up, with the luxury cuvee Termanthia among the elite level of Spanish wines) but it is no slouch. The wine has gotten consistently good reviews in most recent vintages, and is usually still priced under $25. I've got a few bottles of other vintages still waiting, and definitely recommend that anyone looking for a really top-level wine without breaking the bank should try these wines.

2004 Bodegas Dos Victorias Elias Mora Toro

More illness kept the wine bottles corked at home until the middle of this week. When I finally was able to open something again, the choice was the 2004 Elias Mora, from the Spanish region of Toro. The wines of Toro are made from a Tempranillo clone, and usually are quite robust. This wine was no exception, though it didn't quite pack the fullness and fruit I've had from a couple of other Toros. Nonetheless, it did present a good amount of dark fruit with a little more elegance than others I've had. The wine costs about $22, so it's not cheap compared to some other Spanish wines, though it is a pretty good price for Toro. While I'm not running out to buy more, it's a producer I'd be willing to try out again.