Intro to Spain and Portugal

There is more to Portugal than just Port! The cool areas on the north-west coast produce some intriguing white wines, while in the Douro Valley they have been exploiting the Port grapes to make robust, ripe, chocolatey table wines - often some of Europe's best value reds! And in the south we find Ribetajo, Alentejo and the Algarve (where Cliff Richard has a winery!), all capable of producing interesting and complex wines.

Spain also makes some interesting white wines such as fragrant Albarino from Galicia, with a peachy soft juiciness reminiscent of Chardonnay balanced by the crisp finish of a Sauvignon Blanc. And when it comes to reds does Rioja still rule the roost or can Priorat or  Ribera del Duero knock it off its perch?

In just two hours we will give an overview of these two amazing countries - with suitable Iberian nibbles.

Combine this evening with the ones on France, Italy, Germany and Easter Europe to get the full 'Old World' experience!