Wine with Leslie: a taste of Spain even if we can't get there

— plus one of the best under €15 Albariños that I’ve tasted in the last year — creamy peaches and lemon pie aromas, textured and fruity on the palate with a zingy crisp salty-fresh finish

The Spanish flag, flying

One week into January 2021 and time to think about holidays — I know there is no confirmation we will be allowed abroad this summer, especially to Spain, but I’m determinedly optimistic.

Last year I had planned a trip through France into Northern Spain via Brittany Ferries from Cork to Roscoff with a return journey from Bilbao to Rosslare. I had hoped to drive across Northern Spain on the coast road to Santiago de Compostela and then to linger a little in Rueda, Toro and Ribera del Duero, basing ourselves in Valladolid. Our cancellation vouchers are valid for two years and I suspect we may have to wait until 2022 before we can do this trip, but fingers crossed.