Wine consumption in Spain has dropped dramatically over the last decade. Wouldn't it be nice if Bill Ward's piece (with invaluable help from leading American somms) about which Spanish wines pair well with popular food like pizza, tacos and hamburgers would help to bring moderate consumption back to our daily lives? After attending the launch of Codorniu’s new Ars Collecta range earlier this month, I have updated our review of Spain’s oldest family company. Finally, our wine of the week is Botani 2015, an awesome dry Muscat which could set the standard for a new high quality white wine category in Spain and at the same time help to preserve the Axarquia’s rugged, endangered vineyards it comes from. It isn't too early to start writing our letter to Santa, is it?

Amaya Cervera

Are Spanish wines a good match for Americans’ favorite foods?

Unlike Spain, most popular foods in the US are not associated with particular regions. We ask three restaurant experts which Iberian wines they would match up best with classic American food.

Botani 2015 Blanco

The reintroduction of the label’s original design enhances the pure expression of this dry Muscat, which cleverly leaves a few grams of residual sugar in order to mask the distinctive bitterness of this grape variety. Crisp fruit (like biting into a fresh Muscat grape) and aromas of dried herbs are followed by a balanced palate displaying vibrant acidity. More wines of this kind will definitely help to preserve Axarquia’s endangered vineyards. 16.5 points

Codorníu

With production totalling around 45 million bottles, Codorníu is Spain’s second biggest cava producer after Freixenet. It is, however, the country’s oldest family company, with documented winemaking activity going back to the mid-16th century. The complex of historical buildings in the modernist style – the work of architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch – was recognised as a National Artistic Historical Monument in 1976, and receives 100,000 visitors each year.

Alba Viticultores: Sparkling a rebellion in Sanlúcar

Sparkling wine production in the Sherry Triangle started in the 19th century, but some producers like Alba Viticultores in Sanlúcar are recovering the tradition, with a little help from the winegrowers for whom they demand recognition.

Is Sherry the most versatile wine in the world?

To anyone who loves Sherry, it’s a constant source of bewilderment just how misunderstood this magnificent wine can be. Our contributor Sue Style tries to entice novice drinkers to this multi-faceted wine with a wide array of international pairings.

Wine tastings in November 2016

A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout the month with particular attention to International Sherry Week, which is being celebrated across the world during the second week of November.

Nº 1 Selección Especial 2015 Blanco Dulce Victoria Nº 2 2015 Blanco Dulce Viñas Viejas Nº 3 2011 Blanco Dulce Avancia Godello 2015 Blanco Avancia Cuvée de O Godello 2015 Blanco Avancia Cuvée de O Mencía 2015 Tinto