Sketches of Spain: New Arrivals from Venus La Universal, Albamar, and More!
7/21/25 -
Today’s email turns our attention to a fresh lineup of new arrivals from some of our favorite producers in Spain, each offering tremendous value, made with low-intervention practices, and brimming with personality. These are wines that capture so much of what we love about Spain’s wine scene, and we’re happy to be sharing them with you.
Priorat’s power-couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier Jr. come from two of the most storied winemaking families in Priorat, and together they craft soulful, low-intervention wines under their Venus La Universal label in Montsant. We’re featuring two of their best values:
The 2022 Dido Rosado is a stunner. Lifted aromas of red berries, citrus peel, and rose petals give way to a textured, almost plush palate. Subtle earthiness and a longer palate make this rosado stand out from the rest of the crowd. It’s both refreshing and substantial.
Dido Tinto is a juicy red with vivid fruit, and a whisper of tobacco. Tied nicely together with subtle tannins, this wine punches far above its weight—balanced, expressive, and ideal for grilled meats or a night in.
We’re thrilled to have two standout wines from Albamar, one of the leading producers in Rías Baixas. Xurxo Alba’s newest release of his entry-level Albariño is a perfect embodiment of the region’s coastal charm—bright, saline, and snappy. It's a quintessential summer white: refreshing acidity with a clean and delicate palate.
But the real value here is Finca O Pereiro, a more structured and elegant cuvée sourced from a formerly underwater vineyard. 9 months in large, neutral barrels take this Albariño into more serious territory, all while maintaining the oceanic freshness that defines Xurxo’s style. A must-try duo for fans of Galician whites.
Diego Magaña is the son of the legendary Juan Magaña of Navarra and now making his mark in Rioja Alavesa. His 2023 Rioja ANZA captures the energy of the region's trend towards wines that are more ready to drink, without eschewing the rich, powerful qualities so many of us associate with the region. First fermented whole-cluster in open-top vats, and then aged for a year in barrel, Diego emphasizes fresh, lively fruit while preserving the structure and seriousness that Rioja lovers crave. Note that he rejects designating his wines according to the Crianza-Gran Reserva hierarchy, indicating here an uncompromising winemaker in pursuit of his own expression. It’s Rioja with both lift and soul—a beautiful evolution of tradition.
No list of great Spanish producers is complete without Raúl Pérez. Despite a brutal 2023 vintage where hail wiped out much of his Godello crop, his La del Vivo may be the most compelling release in years. The wine is textured and waxy, with a subtle flor influence (up to 10% of the blend this year) from his Dona Blanca, adding an extra layer of complexity. It’s a beautiful combination of salinity, orchard fruit, and tension—stunning in its structure.
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Wrapping up today's lineup are two lovely, classic expressions of Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and Mencia from Bierzo respectively. Spain owes so much of its identity to these styles, and we'd be remiss not to include them in this love letter to Iberian viticulture. The wines in today's offer reflect the diversity and dynamism of Spain’s best growers—each one a snapshot of place, philosophy, and personal vision. Whether you're sipping Albariño by the water or hosting folks for a dinner, this is a lineup worth exploring!
