A series of good vintages and an influx of investment have propelled Spain to the forefront of the vinous consciousness. Rioja remains perfectly poised between the traditionalists such as C.V.N.E. and the more modern wines of Artadi, whilst other classic regions like Ribera del Duero and Navarra continue to innovate and improveat an astonishing pace.

We have also unearthed some extremely exciting finds from other regions which up until fairly recently would not have been associated with quality wines,including, Alicante, Priorat and even La Mancha in central Spain.

The whites are becoming a real force to be reckoned with, with the new wave Riojas the antithesis of the fruitless oxidative examples of old, and the whites of Rias Baixas in the far north-west, an excellent showcase for the aromatic charms of the indigenous Albariņo grape.