Divine Offering, Dimples, and I attended Metrovino Fine Wines All-Stars: Spain event ($78.75). Metrovino partner Sarah Boucher showcased six valued producers from their portfolio. Let’s listen to Foxy Lady for this post.
My friends and I attend so regularly, we’ve fallen into a comfortable routine. We check in, drop off our coats and dash over to the table laden with Peasant Cheese treats to fill our plates. As we munched away, we listened intently to Sarah as she delved into the world of Spanish wines.
1. 2025 Bodega Cerrón ‘Remordimiento’ Blanco, Jumilla ($32)
Juan and Carlos Cerdán are siblings and fourth-generation winemakers in Fuente-Álamo. Though this is a Chardonnay, my friend Dimples and I wouldn’t have known. Soft and clean, it isn’t the buttery Chardonnay you pour for cheesecake night with the Golden Girls. Sarah described it as “crisp and fresh, with amazing acidity.” Divine Offering found it refreshing, while Dimples commented that it went down dangerously easy, like water.
2. 2024 Luis Pérez ‘La Escribana’, Jerez ($54)
Father and son Luis and Willy Pérez make what were described as “delicious, exceptional wines.” The wine is made from Palomino, the grape that goes into all dry sherry. Their approach is a green, early harvest, which gives the wine its bright acidity.
The wine smelled as good as it tasted. Dimples commented on its fragrance and flavour, calling it a good sipper. This was my second favourite wine of the evening. I noticed the wine tasted even better with the cheeses. Sarah recommended pairing this wine with fried olives, potatoes, seafood, and veal.
3. 2022 Terroir Al Límit ‘Històric’, Priorat ($49)
Dominik Huber, with winemaker Tatjana Peceric, is based in Torroja, in Priorat. Sarah told us that Priorat has a reputation for strong, high-alcohol wines. Dimples took a sip and noticed a bite to it and felt it on the side of her tongue. Divine Offering found it soft and fruity and took to it at once.
4. 2023 Alegre Valgañón Rioja Tinto ($40)
Next up was Oscar Alegre and Eva Valgañón, in Sajazarra. This is their entry-level wine, and Sarah described it as a “tasty treat: fruit-forward, plush, and giving.”
Divine Offering, Dimples and I each bought a bottle. The wine tasted like it was alive, and the price was right ($34 with a 15% discount).
5. 2012 Bodegas Bhilar ‘Phinca Abejera’, Rioja ($178)
My favourite wine of the evening was from David Sampedro-Gil and Melanie Hickman, in Elvillar de Álava. Sarah described this wine as herbal and balsamic, as in sappy, with lavender and thyme. I could taste mint, a cooling sensation similar to that of a menthol cigarette. This wine was so unusual and fun. If it were within my budget, I would have bought a case. Sadly, it was not, but I was so pleased to have sampled it.
6. Emilio Hidalgo Oloroso ‘Gobernador’, Jerez ($56)
Fernando Hidalgo’s family has been making sherry since 1874. Their Oloroso, made from the Palomino grape, is aged with exposure to oxygen, which gives it its colour and its hazelnut and brown butter notes. Sarah explained that solera is an aging process that blends old and young wine.
I don’t recall ever trying sherry before. I was expecting something sweet. Instead, it had an edge and a savouriness that surprised me.
Schwing: Metrovino’s 15% Event Discount
Sarah gave all guests a 15% discount on all wine purchases that evening. I showed Dimples the Rieslings I bought from the previous German All-Star tasting, and we all stocked up on AJ Adam Riesling Trocken ($30.60 with a 15% discount) and the Leitz Eins Zwei Dry Riesling ($24.65 with a 15% discount). Dimples also bought me a gift: cans of Lambrusco. She was horrified when I told her I only drink wine socially, so these are in case I get the itch. Indeed, she is a very dear friend.
My friends are looking forward to Metrovino’s finale, All-Stars: Italy. We also booked our tickets for Metrovino’s 30th Anniversary at Lougheed House ($60). To learn more about their anniversary party, visit their website.
For a regularly updated list of tastings and special events, visit my Calgary Wine Tastings & Events Guide.
