I’ve found a goldmine of big reds in Spain

In my job, there’s nothing like the thrill of discovering something new, from somewhere off the beaten track, that you just know people are going to love.

So if this sounds like your kind of adventure, then read on...

There's something in the water

Let me take you to Catalunya - in the far north-eastern corner of Spain, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean, right next to the French border.

This is Empordà - the mystical land of Salvador Dalí and El Bulli.

You’ve got the wild and dramatic Costa Brava, and of course Girona - one of the world's biggest foodie destinations.

And it's only a matter of time before Empordà’s wines become just as famous.

There’s something in the wine too

Wine has been made here for centuries, ever since the ancient Greeks arrived and set up trading ports along the coast.

But the region’s reputation has never quite caught up with its potential.

Which is a shame, because Empordà everything you need to make world-class reds...

• A smorgasbord of clay, slate and granite soils, which means the grapes can develop amazingly varied and complex flavours
• The fierce tramuntana wind, which blows in from the Pyrenees and keeps the vineyards healthy and fresh
• A patchwork of old vines going back decades, including some of the oldest Carignan in Spain.

As recently as 20 years ago, Empordà was dominated by 13 big co-ops churning out bulk wine by the litre.

World-famous restaurants like El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca, right on their doorsteps, wouldn’t touch the local stuff.

But that’s all changed.

As top restaurants started demanding local ingredients, local winemakers stepped up to the challenge. Today there are just 3 co-ops left, and 54 thriving independent wineries.

And one name in particular is on everyone’s lips right now.

A tip from the top

My friend Ferran Centelles, former head sommelier at El Bulli and Spanish wine writer for Jancis Robinson, is always the first person I call when I’m hunting for wine in Spain.

When Ferran tells you someone is the real deal… you act.

So when he told me about a young winemaker called Carlota Pena doing amazing things in Empordà, I had to find out more.

And he’s not alone - Tim Atkin MW, another one of the world’s most respected wine critics, recently crowned Carlota as Cataluyna's Young Winemaker Of The Year.

(This includes Priorat and Penedès, so it's a big deal!)

A Ryanair special to Girona was booked, and off I went

At the end of October I nipped over to Empordà for my last wine trip of the year.

I knew that if it all came together, I could get the wines to you in time for Christmas. No pressure then!

I needn’t have worried. I went over hoping to bring home a couple of reds - but I was so blown away I ended up taking five wines!

After spending time with Carlota, all the hype made sense. Her meticulous vineyard work, and a relentless dedication to organic farming and biodynamic practices really shine through in the quality of her wines.

The wines have just landed

With a serious nip in the air and festive gatherings coming up, these big Catalan reds couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

I’ve mixed a case so you can taste the potential of Empordà, in the good hands of one of its brightest talents.

Here's what's come in:

• Vinyes d’Olivardots Gresa 2019 - Carlota’s flagship red and a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. It’s a blend of several small vineyards on varied soils, giving you the perfect introduction to Empordà. The nose is incredibly bright and vibrant, with blue fruit and savoury notes, while the palate is juicy, pure and spicy. This reminds me of a great Priorat, at a fraction of the price (€26.34)
• Vd’O 1 Carinyena 2019 - a real treat - a single-vineyard, old-vine Carignan on slate soils - just like the famous llicorella in Priorat. It’s dark, smoky and peppery, with layers of wild herbs, oak and white pepper. Incredible stuff and straight onto the list of potential bottles for the big day coming up
• Vd’O 2 Carinyena 2019 - there are 19 officially-classified Grand Cru vineyards in all of Catalunya, and just one in Empordà. Carlota is the lucky owner of that precious 115 year-old plot, and makes this wine from it. Made in the same way as Vd’O 1, but the granite-sandy soils add an extra level of richness and intensity - this is just sensational.

If you love Priorat or the Languedoc (and who doesn’t) - then you’ll be right at home here.

As a member, you’ve made a smart move

This is exactly the kind of discovery I love to bring to members - an under-the-radar region with huge potential, and a winemaker whose stock is rising fast.

If you went looking, you’d only find one other Empordà wine in Ireland. And it’s from one of the big co-ops, not a small artisan producer like this.

And not only are you getting something here you’d never otherwise find - you’re also saving 40% on the case thanks to your membership.

So thank you to our members, as always, for making it possible!