Wine with Leslie: A look at some lesser known Spanish whites

This week I focus on two Spanish grape varieties that do not get nearly enough love 

Recommendations are all from north western Spain — four fruity, crisp verdejos and two juicy ripe mencías.

Sales of Spanish wines continue to be very strong in Ireland, especially the better-known wines such as albariño from Rias-Baixas and tempranillo and tempranillo blends from Ribera del Duero and Rioja. This week however I focus on two Spanish grape varieties that do not get nearly enough love — verdejo and mencía.

Verdejo is the principal grape of Rueda and I will be hosting a Rueda tasting (Nov 29) in L’Atitude 51 wine bar on Union Quay, with Beverley and team providing food to match, my first such night there since before Covid so I’m hugely looking forward to it.