Wines of Spain - que ganga!

Over the weekend my sister Zara came to visit and experienced dinner and wine tasting with the Wiemer crew. Usually people bring random wine and we blind taste and try to see who can get the most points for the best guesses. But, this time we decided to organize the education process a little bit by focusing on wines of Spain. Maressa made delicious paella and we each brought a Spanish wine. We learned the following: 1) most mainstream Spanish reds are made from Tempranillo and Garnacha, 2) the Spanish white grape Albarino is pretty reliable, and 3) Spanish wines are a great value! Not 1 bottle cost over $20, and we enjoyed all of them. Zara was a little nervous about her wine (I sent her to get a Garnacha) but it was a hit - 2007 Tres Picos Borsao ($16.99). Joe brought the only white - 2008 Martin Codax Albarino Rias Baixas ($12.99), which we both really liked. I did pretty well too with a classic - 2005 Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza ($14.99). So glad Fred thought of this theme! Maybe Italy will be next... I could use a refresher on that country too.