A Taste of the Iberian sun
Hello and welcome to the October edition of the l’Art du Vin wine club!
If you have ever dreamed of sipping wine under the Iberian sun, we have got just the ticket — no passport required! Spain and Portugal are home to some of Europe’s most exciting wine regions, where ancient vines meet bold innovation. With this month's selection we are spotlighting two of our favourite producers, who are shaking things up in the best way possible.
Alta Alella (in Barcelona's region) and Castello d'Alba (Douro) both champion indigenous grape varieties, and produce wines which are fresh, expressive, and very food-friendly. We hope you will enjoy them as much as we do!
As always, thanks for your continued support and, if you have any comments or questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Cheers!
Philippe
Branco, Castello d'Alba, Douro, Portugal 2024
Producer
Nestled in the Douro Valley, Castello d’Alba was founded by visionary winemaker Rui Roboredo Madeira. The estate embodies a philosophy of innovation rooted in tradition. Madeira, who trained internationally before returning to his native Douro, set out to craft wines that reflect the soul of the region while embracing modern techniques. The result is a portfolio of wines that are as expressive as they are elegant.
The region's steep slopes and schist soils play a key role in shaping the wines’ character. Cooler temperatures at higher elevations preserve acidity and freshness, while the mineral-rich soils lend complexity and depth. Indigenous grape varieties — Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz — thrive in these conditions, producing red wines with bold fruit profiles and structured tannins. The estate's white wines are bright and floral, with citrus notes and a mineral backbone that make them perfect for warm evenings and seafood pairings.
Tasting Notes
Crafted from native Douro grape varieties — Rabigato, Viosinho, and Códega do Larinho — this wine showcases the elegance and freshness of high-altitude vineyards. The 2024 vintage continues the estate’s tradition of expressive whites with a modern twist, offering citrus and tropical fruit aromas with a creamy, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing
Ideal pairings include baked fish, shrimp curry, and soft cheeses.
Pansa Blanca, Alta Alella, Alella, Spain 2024
Producer
Alta Alella is the closest winery to Barcelona, located 2 kilometres from the Mediterranean between the towns of Alella and Tiana. It is a family-run project that began in 1991 with Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen. Now the estate is headed up by their daughter, Mireia. Alella is one of the smallest appellations in Spain yet it possesses a fascinating terroirs that the Alta Alella team have harnessed in their journey to being recognised as the premier estate in the region.
All the vines are planted on slopes and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, between 100 and 250m above sea level. One of the key elements is the Sauló soil found throughout the vineyard. Particular to this region, Sauló is an acidic and sandy soil with a low limestone content, low organic matter and good natural water drainage – ideal for the production of clean wines with a mineral edge.
Tasting Notes
This is probably the purest experience of Alta Alella’s terroir, produced from the emblematic grape variety of the DO Alella appellation – Pansa Blanca (also called Xarel-lo). Crisp with a great mineral base and clean notes of white flower, apple and green almonds. Well-rounded and balanced, refreshing and friendly.
Food Pairing
Perfect with seafood, Mediterranean salads, and light cheeses.
Tinto, Castello d'Alba, Douro, Portugal 2023
Producer
Nestled in the Douro Valley, Castello d’Alba was founded by visionary winemaker Rui Roboredo Madeira. The estate embodies a philosophy of innovation rooted in tradition. Madeira, who trained internationally before returning to his native Douro, set out to craft wines that reflect the soul of the region while embracing modern techniques. The result is a portfolio of wines that are as expressive as they are elegant.
The region's steep slopes and schist soils play a key role in shaping the wines’ character. Cooler temperatures at higher elevations preserve acidity and freshness, while the mineral-rich soils lend complexity and depth. Indigenous grape varieties — Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz — thrive in these conditions, producing red wines with bold fruit profiles and structured tannins. The estate's white wines are bright and floral, with citrus notes and a mineral backbone that make them perfect for warm evenings and seafood pairings.
Tasting Notes
The 2023 vintage of Castello d’Alba Tinto is a vibrant expression of the Douro’s native grape varieties — Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Sourced from south-facing, terraced vineyards at 450 meters elevation, the wine reflects the region’s sun-drenched slopes and mineral-rich schist soils, offering aromas of wild berries, rock rose, and spice.
Food Pairing
This modern Tinto pairs beautifully with grilled meats, Mediterranean dishes, and aged cheeses.
Garnatxa, Alta Alella, Alella, Spain 2023
Producer
Alta Alella is the closest winery to Barcelona, located 2 kilometres from the Mediterranean between the towns of Alella and Tiana. It is a family-run project that began in 1991 with Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen. Now the estate is headed up by their daughter, Mireia. Alella is one of the smallest appellations in Spain yet it possesses a fascinating terroirs that the Alta Alella team have harnessed in their journey to being recognised as the premier estate in the region.
All the vines are planted on slopes and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, between 100 and 250m above sea level. One of the key elements is the Sauló soil found throughout the vineyard. Particular to this region, Sauló is an acidic and sandy soil with a low limestone content, low organic matter and good natural water drainage – ideal for the production of clean wines with a mineral edge.
Tasting Notes
This expressive red is made from Garnatxa Negra (Grenache) grapes. Surprising and well-balanced, it truly captures the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and the freshness of the coastal breeze. Berry-flavoured, peppery and soft on the palate with low tannins and a fruity after-taste.
Food Pairing
Perfect for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and Catalan cuisine such as the botifarra sausage.
