*tasting note at the bottom

**Part of the ‘Spanish Value Experiment

The final bottle of the Spanish Value Experiment is another Ribera del Queiles wine; not intentionally so, but as I chose one or two wines with no geographical denomination, there was some slight overlap. The last wine I tried from this region was the unpleasant ‘Tres al Cuadrado’ wine from winery arts, which was a bit of a mess. Ribera del Queiles is an IPG appellation, typically meaning it has broader geographical boundaries (although certainly not always) and more lax regulations on grape varieties used, yields, harvesting techniques etc.

Bodega Guelbenzu are one of the oldest wineries in the appellation, hailing back to 1992, and indeed, pushed for its creation in the first place. Like many wineries using the appellation, they’re growing grape varieties that wouldn’t be permitted in the regions of Aragon which it overlaps. Vierlas Guelbenzu is their entry level wine, which I suppose is how it fits into our experiment, and seems to be a mix of just about every grape they grow. In my experience, these wines are almost impossible to predict and the only thing for it is to open it up and find out!

Tasting Note

Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha in unspecified quantities. 6 months ageing in a mixture of French and American oak. 14.5% ABV

Deep ruby in colour and quite obviously aromatic; lots of sweet oak. Ripe red and black fruits are quite muddled together, then comes the caramel, vanilla, baking spices and toasted aromas – for only 6 months of age, the oak aromas really dominate here. Soft tannins yet tart acidity and as with the nose, the palate really relies on the oak for flavour, which is never a good idea. Out of balance and I can assume that these are the grapes simply not good enough for their better wines, which is why so many varieties are thrown together and slathered with oak. Even at an incredibly modest price, not worth it. 80pts.

Purchased from Vinissimus for €5.70