A Tour of Spanish Wines

A country rich in viticultural history, grape vines have been grown on the Spanish Iberian Peninsula since at least 3000 B.C.  It was not until 1000 B.C. that winemaking began in earnest – a skill brought by Phoenician traders from the eastern Mediterranean. Today, the country is home to more vines than any other country and has a national wine output only exceeded by France and Italy.

Historically, winemaking culture throughout Spain was very rustic. Oxidized styles are common as well as the heavy use of American oak for lengthy periods of barrel ageing.  However, in the past few decades, Spain’s wine industry has engaged in a great deal of modernization and an embrace of New World techniques. The result has been a significant improvement in quality and reliability.

Topography plays a fundamental role in defining Spain’s many wine styles. From cool, green Galicia and the snow-capped Pyrenees in the north, via the parched central plateau, to sandy, sunny Andalucia in the south, the Spanish landscape is very diverse.  The cool vineyards of the far north and northwest create light, crisp, white wines, exemplified by Rías Baixas and particularly Txakoli.  Those in warmer, drier regions further inland tend towards mid-bodied, fruit-driven reds such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Bierzo. Those close to the Mediterranean can produce heavier, more powerful reds except in higher altitudes, where reduced heat and humidity allow the production of lighter reds and, of course, white sparkling Cava.

Our tour guide for this event is Federico-Martin Pisani.  Federico, a Belgium native, studied international trade as an undergrad.  He also holds a Masters Degree in International Business from UCLM, Albacete, Spain.  With this background and an interest in wine, he’s enjoyed two decades in the industry as Export Manager, Horticoalba, Albacete; Export Director at Morgante SL – Bodegas Cristo de la Vega, Albacete/Socuéllamos/La Mancha; and now the Export Director at Neleman Organic Vineyards, Valencia.

Our event Friday, November 10^th at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg features ten wines, five from Federico’s organic portfolio and five from Keystone Importer’s portfolio in order to examine wines from Spain’s major regions and best-known grapes.

Spanish wines demand Tapas—yes?   So, accompanying our wines is Manchego, Prosciutto Grapes, Spiced Almond Chorizo, Olives, Heirloom Tomato Puff Pastry and Beef Empañadas with Chile Sauce. This sounds like a great menu!

Please inform us of any food allergies well in advance in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurer with concerns.

Reservation deadline is Tuesday, November 7^th .

      Member —$80

      Patron —$75

      Nonmember —$100

You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.

Please note any food allergies EARLY in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurers with concerns.