I was all set to continue my investigations into whether there’s any decent supermarket wine out there this week, but after a truly awful bottle of albariño and a none-too-inspiring red Sinols from the Empordà cooperative, it was back to my trusted local bodega and into something familiar.
Martúe is a modern Spanish winery located in Toledo, falling within the Castilla La Mancha D.O., a region that has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years. The winery was only completed in 2002 with state-of-the-art equipment geared up for global exportation. Yet despite their aspirations to world domination, they make exceptional wines for the price with plenty of character. In particular, the table reds of 2006 and 2007 make the perfect weeknight accompaniment to this beastly weather. Winemaker Fausto Gonzalez made a decision early on to produce wines that were keenly priced for the day-to-day drinker.
I have not yet tried their Chardonnay though if the reds are anything to go by, I’m betting it will be a cracker with a cheese plate. But to take the chill out of your bones, the reds seem a more appealing option. Martúe 2006 was a particularly good year that blended primarily warming Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of spicy Syrah. However, in all likelihood, you’ll only be able to get your hands on the 2007. Aged for seven months in French oak, the result is a rich, fruit-forward glass of juiciness with chocolatey notes that will warm the cockles of your very soul. Cost: approx €7.50.