January 15th: A Tasting Journey Through Spain with Victor Ordóñez
At Vinonueva | 5145 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33137 | 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Click HERE to get your tickets
In partnership with Jorge Ordóñez Selections.
Jorge Ordóñez Selections, founded in 1987 by Jorge Ordóñez, was the first national importer to introduce Spanish wines to the U.S., transforming the industry at a time when few Spanish labels were available. Today, the company operates as a fine wine agent and importer, representing 27 estate wineries, including five owned by the Ordóñez family.
Join us for a walkthrough tasting with Victor Ordóñez, National Sales & Marketing Manager at Jorge Ordóñez Selections, as we explore Spain's new, old and forgotten wines.
Victor Ordóñez
BACKGROUND
Spain is a land rich in winemaking tradition, yet it continues to reinvent itself with exciting new regions, reinterpretations of classic styles, and the revival of forgotten treasures. This tasting will explore three distinct aspects of Spanish wine—the emerging region of Sierra de Gredos, the traditional strongholds of Castilla y León, and the overlooked dry sherries of southern Spain—to showcase the diversity and evolution of Spanish viticulture.
New Spain: Sierra de Gredos
Map Credits: Indigo Wine
Over the past years, a remarkable new region has emerged on the Spanish wine scene: Sierra de Gredos. Located near Madrid, this high-altitude area has become synonymous with elegant, perfumed Garnacha (Grenache) wines. The combination of altitude, old vines, and unique terroirs has allowed producers to craft wines with finesse, high acidity, and exceptional aromatic complexity.
At the forefront of this movement is the world-renowned producer Comando G, whose groundbreaking wines have brought international attention to the region. Inspired by their success, many local farmers and winemakers have embraced the potential of Sierra de Gredos, creating a dynamic and fascinating new chapter in Spanish winemaking.
Representing the 'New Spain,' we will taste Aurelio García's Alto de la Cruz. This wine exemplifies the region's remarkable qualities.
Old Spain: Castilla y León
Map Credits: Wine Scholar Guild
Castilla y León has long been the heartland of Tempranillo, producing some of Spain's most iconic wines from regions such as Toro and Ribera del Duero. These wines have traditionally been characterized by their power, concentration, and age-worthiness, offering a classic expression of Spain's most celebrated grape.
We will showcase both the old and the new guard of Castilla y León. Representing the old-school style, Bodegas Vatan delivers deeply structured wines that honor the region's legacy. On the other hand, we will explore the work of a new generation of winemakers, such as Francisco Barona and Cuentaviñas, who are crafting wines with a modern twist. These younger producers are focusing on approachability and balance, appealing to contemporary palates and proving that Tempranillo can be as versatile as it is iconic.
Forgotten Spain: Sherry Wines
Map Credits: Wine Scholar Guild
In the southern part of Spain, the fortified wines of Jerez, known as sherry, have a history as illustrious as it is underappreciated. While sweet sherries remain well-known in Europe, the region’s dry styles—such as Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Palo Cortado—have largely been forgotten, especially in the U.S. market. These wines deserve renewed attention for their complexity and versatility.
We will highlight their enduring relevance, inviting participants to rediscover the brilliance of these wines and their rightful place at the table. For this tasting, we will include the Alvear Oloroso Asunción, as an example of the depth and complexity that dry sherries can offer.
Check out the lineup for this tasting:
- Nisia Las Suertes 2022 - Welcome Drink
- Aurelio García Alto de la Cruz 2021
- Vatan Arena 2017
- Cuentaviñas Ribera del Duero 2020
- Francisco Barona Finca las Dueñas 2019
- Alvear Oloroso Asunción