In the middle of February, amidst the crisp Canadian winter, the Toronto Vintners Club hosted an unforgettable evening dedicated to the exploration of Ribera Del Duero wines. Wine enthusiasts gathered to delve into the rich tapestry of flavours that this renowned Spanish wine region has to
offer.
The evening commenced with a refreshing reception wine, a 2021 Petit Caus Blanco from the Catalunya region in Spain. Crafted from a blend of organically farmed Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc, this is a lively and extremely expressive wine. The picture of pale straw yellow, exuding aromas of mineral scents of crushed rock and white-fleshed fruit. Upon the first sip, its dry and vibrant character unfolded, showcasing lively acidity and perfect balance.
A highlight of the event was the resentation from our guest speaker Jason Axmith, a distinguished winemaker, wine enthusiast, and the founder and principal of Cosecha Imports. Jason led the audience on a journey through the nuances of Tempranillo, the flagship grape of Ribera del Duero. He explained how the terroir shapes the expression of Tempranillo, telling a story that captivated everyone in the room.
As the evening progressed, guests were treated to a nine different wines, carefully curated to showcase the diversity and complexity of Ribera Del Duero's terroir. Amongst the selection lay a surprise wine, shrouded in mystery and anticipation, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tasting experience. A set of appetizers was served to ccompany these wonderful wines.
Each guest had the opportunity to sample all the wines and rank them based on personal
preference. Towards the end of the event the wines were unveiled, allowing participants to
compare their rankings with those at their table and the guest speaker.
One wine emerged as the clear favorite—the 2006 Balbas Gran Reserva. Tar and sanguine notes framed the plum, licorice, and mineral flavors in this savory red, showcasing good density, firm tannins, and balsamic acidity that provided solid structure—a true embodiment of Ribera Del Duero's winemaking process!
Here is how the group and our guest speaker ranked the wines.
