The Valencia growing region, on the east coast of Spain, may not have attained the international recognition of an area like the Rioja, but it is gaining more and more notoriety. Recently, our tasting panel had a chance to sample a handful of wines from Valencia and we discovered some very good values.

 

Marques de Caro 2009 Tempranillo

Grape(s): 100% Tempranillo

Region: Valencia, Spain

Price: 5-10

Review:

Aromas of cherries and raspberry jam with accents of earth and brown sugar greet the senses. The palate delivers flavors of bing cherry and raspberry that mingle with suggestions of balsamic and earth. A dry, smooth wine, fans of easy-going reds should try this bottle.

Rating: 85

Marques de Caro 2006 Crianza

Grape(s): 60% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet, 10% Bobal

Region: Valencia, Spain

Price: 10-15

Review:

Aromatics of dried cherries, plums, sun-dried tomatoes, and earth rises up from a glass. A sip delivers flavors of red currant and cherry with accents of forest floor, pepper, and cocoa. A lighter wine that would pair well with mushroom dishes or teriyaki, fans of softer, earthy reds should try this bottle.

Rating: 87

Venta Del Puerto 2007 No. 12 Selection Especial

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo

Region: Valencia, Spain

Price: 10-15

Review:

A bouquet of cherries, dark raspberries, cedar, and balsamic rises up from a glass. Flavors of bright red berries meld with spice, earth, cedar on the palate. A dry, smooth wine, it will pair nicely with pork chops or chicken pizza, fans of softer reds with a bit of earth and spice will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Reymos Espumoso de Moscatel

Grape(s): 100% Muscat (Sparkling)

Region: Valencia, Spain

Price: 10-15

Review:

Notes of peach and citrus fruits are accented by floral and nutty suggestions on the nose. With a sip, flavors of orange blossoms and peach meld with hints of walnuts and honey. A light sparkling wine, it’s lively and crisp yet lush and semi-sweet, making it very approachable.

Rating: 88