Wine blog

Have you ever tried a red wine and felt your mouth dry out? In that case you have experienced tannins. Tannins are one of the most important, and sometimes misunderstood, components of wine that gives structure. But what exactly are tannins, and where do they come from? What are tannins? Tannins are naturally occurring compounds that belong to a group called polyphenols. They are found in many plants, such as tea leaves, walnuts, and most importantly for our line of business; grapes. In wine, tannins cause the drying, slightly bitter sensation you experience on your gums and tongue when drinking certain styles. Most often when you drink full-bodied reds. Tannins are not flavours, but a texture or mouthfeel. Tannins are often described as “grippy,” “firm,” or even “velvety,” depending on the style of the wine. Where do tannins come from? In winemaking, tannins mainly come from four sources: 1. Grape skins Red wines are fermented with their skins, this actually gives them their colour. T

The flagship grape variety that captures the essence of Spain vividly is Tempranillo. This red grape is at the heart of Spanish winemaking for centuries, delivering some of the country’s most iconic wines. From the oak-aged reds of Rioja to the rich and fruit-forward wines of Ribera del Duero. Tempranillo reflects both tradition and versatility. It is a grape that continues to inspire winemakers - and delight wine lovers - around the world. The origins of Tempranillo The name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word temprano, meaning “early,” referring to its tendency to ripen earlier than most other red grape varieties. While its precise origins are debated, most agree it has been cultivated in the Iberian Peninsula for over a thousand years. Today, it’s the backbone of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, including Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, and La Mancha. Tempranillo has also traveled well. You can find it thriving in Portugal (where it’s known as Tinta Roriz or Aragonez) and e

Barcelona may be famous for architecture, beaches, and food, but just beyond the city lies one of Spain’s most exciting wine landscapes. When people search for Wineries in Barcelona Spain, they are often surprised to learn how close world-class vineyards are to the city. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find historic cava producers, bold Priorat estates, and family-run wineries shaping the future of Spanish wine. What makes this area special is not just the quality of the wines, but the variety. Sparkling, powerful reds, and elegant terroir-driven bottlings all coexist within a compact region that’s easy to explore. Wine regions near Barcelona Barcelona sits at the crossroads of several important wine regions. The most accessible is Penedès, the heart of cava production. Travel slightly further inland and the dramatic hills of Priorat and Montsant reveal some of Spain’s most intense red wines. These regions form the backbone of wine tourism around Barcelona. If you want context before vi

What to expect from a wine tasting in Barcelona? Barcelona is famous for art museums, the beach and obviously its Mediterranean lifestyle. Did you know it also one of the best cities in Europe to explore Spanish wines? Whether you just discovered the beauty of wine or a seasoned wine enthusiast, a wine tasting in Barcelona is always a great activity to discover the country’s diverse flavours. As a certified sommelier, I held many wine tastings in Barcelona for visitors, expats and locals. They are all impressed by the quality of the wines that Spain makes and the beautiful stories behind each bottle. If you’re considering booking a wine tasting in Barcelona, here’s what to expect. A Relaxed, personal wine experience in Barcelona When you join our wine tasting in Barcelona, do not expect it to be super formal or using difficult terms (unless you want us too). Our tastings are designed to be a small social setting with friends, family, colleagues or even strangers. Don’t worry; you won’t

Tasting wine in 4 simple steps Whether you drink the occasional glass at home, visiting a restaurant or joining a wine tasting in Barcelona, knowing how to approach a glass of wine can make the experience even better. It is not about being a snob about wine but it adds a lot of fun to tasting a glass of wine. Tasting wine is not just about just drinking; it’s almost like playing a game of Cluedo; you are look for clues about the wine by observing, smelling, and tasting so you can understand what’s in your glass. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has developed an internationally acknowledged structured approach to wine tasting that professionals and enthusiast around the world use. They use different levels but for the use of this wine tasting we apply level 1. Our sommelier is certified on level 3 and working on level 4. We use the level 1 approach to tasting during our wine tasting in Barcelona to make it easier for our guests. Here’s how you can apply it yourself in four simpl

Wine making method for still wines When people join our wine tasting in Barcelona, one of the most asked questions is: “How exactly is wine made?” We’ll give you a brief overview of the wine making method in this blog, in this case we’ll leave vineyard management out of scope. While harvest is an exciting moment for any wine maker, the real transformation of fruit to the wine you enjoy happens inside the winery. This wine making process combines tradition, science, and centuries of experience. In Spain, where wine culture is deeply rooted in history, the methods vary by region and by style. Still, there are some essential steps that every winemaker follows. Let’s take a closer look at what happens once the grapes enter the winery. Sorting, de-stemming and crushing The first stage is sorting. Grapes are carefully checked to remove leaves, stems, or damaged fruit. This ensures only the best grapes make it into your wine. You can imagine that for fine wines this will be done more diligent