After a month-long absence, SWL is back with a renewed newsletter: mobile-friendly and with the possibility of choosing between English or Spanish. We haven’t been totally idle in August: news broke about Xavier Ausàs leaving Vega Sicilia so we rushed to interview him; Cruz Liljegren, lucky him, attended a great tasting of old sherries from the 1940s organized by Taberna der Guerrita in Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Jerez). Yolanda Ortiz de Arri also visited the region. She ate and drank wonderfully at Taberna Mayeto and managed to visit a few wineries, including Hidalgo La Gitana, before compiling our monthly agenda with the best tastings and wine events in Spain.

This month the focus shifts from Jerez to Rioja. On the 18th and 19th, Haro will hold La Cata del Barrio de la Estación, an ambitious event organized by what is arguably the highest concentration of centuries-old wineries in the world. As a taster, we have written about Cvne, where “wine is much more than just a bottle”, according to CEO Víctor Urrutia. Under such a wave of nostalgia, it was inevitable to feature Viña Tondonia 1970 as our wine of the week. I was lucky enough to taste it with María José López de Heredia on my last visit to her winery. Is there a better way to leave behind the post-summer blues?

Amaya Cervera

Tio Pepe comes of age and proves its longevity

Very old sherries are very hard to find, hence the tasting led by Antonio Flores at Taberna Der Guerrita in Sanlúcar de Barrameda this summer with selections from the 1940s was exceptional.

A walk through 21st century Cvne with Víctor Urrutia

A legendary producer based in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, Cvne is living a sweet moment backed by awards and recognition. Nevertheless, CEO Víctor Urrutia is far from relaxed.

Xavier Ausàs: “I don’t forget that I’ve made a name thanks to Vega Sicilia”

The Spanish wine world has been rocked by the news of Xavier Ausàs departure from Vega Sicilia. SWL has talked to him about his time at this iconic winery and his plans for the future.

Wine tastings in September 2015

August is over and wine activities return to (almost) usual levels. Harvest Fiestas abound across the country this month, including Jerez and Rioja Alavesa. Nearby, the wineries in Haro’s legendary Barrio de la Estación en Haro hold a joint event.

Viña Tondonia 1970 Tinto

This is the equivalent of a Gran Reserva although at that time most wines were released as Crianza. The current aging indication became compulsory in the early 1980s, says María José López de Heredia. As it is usually the case with old vintages from this producer, the slow, natural decanting process marks the texture a great deal. Decaying green olives, balsamic and dust (like in an old attic) aromas are followed by a gentle, polished palate. Dry and austere, yet deep and long. 17.5 points

Taberna Mayeto

Local specialty papas aliñás (seasoned potatoes) are an everyday dish on the counters of bars like Barbiana or Casa Balbino in the main square of Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz), but Juan Pedro Cantero, who runs Taberna Mayeto, has chosen to set his tiny tapas bar apart from his neighbors in Plaza del Cabildo with an alternative and heterogeneous menu.

Hidalgo-La Gitana

The origins of Hidalgo La Gitana go back to 1792, when José Pantaleón Hidalgo bought from his father-in-law Roque Vejarano a small storage winery in Sanlúcar de Barrameda's Barrio Bajo, close to the river Guadalquivir. But success and fame did not materialize until the middle of the 19th century, thanks to his son.

Gómez Cruzado 2014 Blanco Gómez Cruzado Crianza 2011 Tinto Gómez Cruzado Vendimia Seleccionada 2013 Tinto Gómez Cruzado Reserva 2008 Tinto Gómez Cruzado Honorable 2010 Tinto Pancrudo 2013 Tinto