Spain: Shining a Light on Value

Rioja is Spain's pre-eminent wine region, renowned for its graceful, stylish wines, mainly from the tempranillo grape. The Society's Rioja is made in the classic, traditional style that Society members so adore by Bodegas Palacio, who are based in the spectacular fortified village of Laguardia. Ageing in oak for 15 months results in a smooth, mellow and juicy tempranillo with red-fruit flavour complemented by hallmark savoury, leathery complexity. The ageing of wine in barrels is absolutely integral to winemaking in Rioja, and our new label for this member favourite pays homage to the cooperage tools that are used to make these traditional vessels.

In an off-the-radar region near Zaragoza in northern Spain, Mario López is crafting exceptional wines, with organic and sustainable practices always taking centre stage. This gateway to his whites is a gorgeous, unoaked wine, fresh, zesty, yet full of breadth and personality. Picked in the early morning after the cooling Cierzo wind swept through the Ebro Valley, this garnacha blanca is made from the finest free-run juice, with gentle winemaking and native yeasts preserving purity and aromatics. Notes of lemon balm, white flowers and subtle tropical fruit lead to a precise palate with an excellent finish. Naturally light in alcohol too, drink it well chilled with king prawns with garlic and white wine.

A refreshing, lemony and aromatic expression of Ribeiro's leading grape, treixadura, with ripe melon, citrus and apricot, well-balanced acidity and a touch of weight from three months on the yeast lees. The absolutely perfect wine for clam dishes like a Galician almejas a la marinera, or clams in a white wine and tomato sauce, or with spaghetti alle vongole.

Juicy, peppery and wonderfully moreish, this vibrant red from leading Valencian grower Rafael Cambra punches well above its weight. Fresh, fruit-driven and made with a light touch, it offers exceptional value for lovers of Spain’s more elegant side.

Navajas is a family-run estate, situated just outside the small town of Navarrete in La Rioja Alta. Established in 1918, they initially sold wine in bulk to many of the top Rioja estates. However, since 1962, under the leadership of Antonio Navajas, the bodega began bottling under their own label. In January 2008, a new winery and cellar were built, providing extra space to age the wines. This traditional white Rioja combines troprical fruitiness and toasty, nutty flavours from oak ageing.

A modest, inexpensive Spanish red from the country's most famous grape. This is smooth, fruity and more mellow than usual with a touch of cedar. Everything about Bodegas Príncipe de Viana is vast. Owners of over 400 hectares of vines in Navarra, they control a further 500 hectares, but the winemaking approach is sensitive and modest, aiming always for clean, balanced flavours and offering superb value for money. It makes a delicious partner to Serrano ham and other Spanish charcuterie.