Spanish organic wines

Since the first attempts at making organic wines in Spain in the 1980's (not counting the centuries before the introduction of synthetic chemical treatments), the number of wines being produced and their overall quality has risen dramatically.

In February, at BioFach, an important international organic food and beverage trade fair, over 50 Spanish wineries presented their products, to which 35 medals were awarded (9 gold, 26 silver and 18 bronze).

Writing this past Sunday in his column en the El Pais newspaper, wine critic Carlos Delgado reviewed six new releases of Spanish organic wines:

Luzon Organic 2005, D.O. Jumilla, a red crianza made from Monastrell, retailing at 4.25€. Score: 9 (out of 10 points).

Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba 2003, D.O.C. Rioja, a red crianza made from Maturana Tinta, a native variety that this winery has recovered, retailing at 17 €. Score 8.8 points.

Albet i Noya Xarello 2005, D.O. Penedes, a white made from Xarello, retailing at 4.30€. Score 8.7 points.

Qubel Nature Crianza 2003, D.O. Vinos de Madrid, a red crianza made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, retailing at 19.72€. Score: 8.7 points.

Ruiz Villanueva 2005, from the Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla area, a white made from Chardonnay, Airén and Moscatel, retailing at 5€. Score 8.6 points.

Quaderna Via 2004, D.O. Navarra, a red crianza made from Tempranillo, retailing at 15€. Score 8.6 points.