Beber este vino es como hablar con Dios

For France - I think wine is identity.

For Spain - I think wine is soul.

When I think of Spanish wines my mind spins in memories and images of deep flavors, earth-stained hands and muddy leather boot's. I think of the grapes emerging from dark muddy tombs tunnelling out to become liquid sun.

Like France, Spain officially recognizes and geographically defines and qualifies wine regions. For the higher quality (better than a table wine) there are 4 general categories:

1. Vinos de Pago (Estate Wines)

2. Qualified DO (DOc)

3. DO

4. Quality Wines with a Geographical Indication (Quality Wine from...)

If you see DO or DOc and the wine is at a price that you are comfortable with, then go for it.

Now for another trick to quickly find a great Spanish wine. Look at the back label and is you see that the wine is a Jorge Ordenez Selection then you will be very happy with your purchase. This might be a good way to branch out and try more nontraditional varietals (but traditional in Spain).

Jorge Ordenez is an importer of Spanish wine and is able to provide insight into smaller bodegas and unique wines. So far, I have always really enjoyed his selections. Although he has been identified twice as Wine Personality of the Year, everyone has a critic. Here, the complaint is that Jorge Ordenez is inappropriately influencing and promoting wines that appeal to an American palate and not truly representative of Spanish wine.

As someone from America who consumes her own fair share of wine and from different countries, I do not feel that these selections are being tailored to an American palate. But it is entirely possible that I lack any capability to have that level of palate objectivity.

I think that we are going to start seeing an increase focus on Spanish wines. In part because the Wine Spectator and other wine writers are highlighting more Spanish wines. My suspicion is that part of this focus is due to our current economy issues there is a real push to find quality prices with lower overhead prices for restaurants. Spain is capable of providing a high quality wine with a reasonable price.

(For these same reasons I think we will probably see South Africa popping up on more wine lists.)

So...for what it is worth...if you are making a winter stew or roast and want something special to pair with it that is smooth yet spicy and encourages long conversations - try Spain.

As they say, "Beber este vino es como hablar con Dios."

[Tasting this wine is like talking with God.]