Des Maison Selections

In 1996 André Tamers founded De Maison Selections – an importing company specializing in high-quality, boutique wines from Spain and France. André has lived extensively in France and Spain allowing him to nurture winemaker contacts in both countries. Unlike most of the Spanish importers, De Maison Selections offers a portfolio of which half the wines are white, not just big Riojas and Dueros. In fact, André loves Basque wines from the northern part of Spain and his portfolio contains more wines from here than anyone else. He brings white wines both still and sparkling from the Txakolina D.O. made from varietals that most of us have heard little about. De Maison Selections also offers beautifully made reds from the popular growing regions of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat and others with the focus being sustainable viticulture and balanced wines. If you want to try some amazing artisan wines that truly reflect their specific Spanish terroir – look no longer – De Maison Selections will keep you happy for a long time to come.

Xarmant Txakoline, Arabako Txakolino   Xarmant means “charming” in French and is the name given to this racy, crisp white wine referred to as Txakolina from the Basque region of Spain. Txakolina is a D.O. wine (appellation controlled) and can only be made from three regions within the Basque area. It is an easy drinking white wine synonymous with tapas in the Basque Country; a region that covers over 20,000 square miles in the north of Spain anchored by the prominent cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián. Production of wine in this ancient land dates back to 760 AD, but like many vineyard areas in Europe, phylloxera took its toll in the 19th Century and much replanting has occurred since. This wine is made from 80% Hondarribi Zuri, 10% Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia, 5% Izkiriota and 5% Izkiriota Ttippia – and though Txakolina is a white wine the Hondarribi Zuri is actually a red grape. Txakolina is generally light gold in color, brisk and zesty, with scents of chalk, green apple and pear. It is fermented only in stainless steel using only indigenous yeasts to reflect the true qualities of the unique soils and site. Firm and juicy with sound acidity, it often has good flesh, citrus flavors and hints of tangerine. In Basque eateries it is served fully chilled in tumblers or even water glasses.

Bodegas Pucho, Bierzo   The Bierzo D.O. is located in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest region of Castilla y Léon. Vineyards in this region are planted at elevations of 1,700 and 1,800 feet and the Mencia grape is king. In fact, reds from Bierzo must contain a minimum of 70% Mencia and can be bottled as joven, crianza and reserve, with an occasional gran reserve. Owned by Jose Luis Martinez, Bodegas Pucho is a winery that is sustainably farmed and meticulously managed. Yields are kept very low because the Martinez family conducts several “green harvests” throughout the growing season and because Luis prunes back the vines leaving only a maximum of four shoots per vine. Mencia flourishes in this country and results in a very fruity, aromatic red wine that reveals qualities similar to a style between Beaujolais and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Pucho is bright red, subtly pungent with floral aromas of cherry, bitter chocolate, licorice and tobacco.

Luberri, Rioja   Owned by Florentino Martinez Monje, Luberri is located in Elciego in the heart of Rioja. Florentino farms 35 hectares of old vines with yields around 34 to 45 hectoliters per hectare (2.5 to 3 tons per acre). Florentino is a farmer at heart and he practices minimal intervention in the vineyard using only natural fertilizers and organic composting. Vineyard sites are separately fermented and vinified and by keeping yields low he extracts great concentration and flavor. Seis is 100% Tempranillo and fermented in stainless steel before being transferred to French and American oak for six months. The wine reveals flavors of bright red cherry surrounded by spices, sweet round fruit and just a hint of toast.

Bodegas Ostatu , Rioja   Bodegas Ostatu is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Rioja with vineyards averaging 50 years old. The vineyards are protected by the Sierra Cantabria mountain range and the soils are comprised of mostly chalk and clay. The age of the vines along with the unique vineyard site and terroir make for very full flavored wines exhibiting world class style. The style of the wines was enhanced greatly when only a few years ago the winery moved away from carbonic maceration and back to traditional fermentation techniques while also reducing the yields in the vineyards. Ostatu wines are now more age worthy, they have beautiful balance and they have a mature sophistication not evident some years ago. These are Riojas that show wonderful texture, deep, rich flavor and an element of polish not seen in most wines from this popular growing region.

Garciarévalo, Rueda   Made from 100% “free run” juice and fermented entirely in stainless steel, Casamaro Blanco is a refreshing blend of 90% Verdejo and 10% Viura. Garciarévalo is a family owned property with 40 hectares of Verdejo. Some of the vines are approaching 145 years old greatly adding character, flavor and complexity to a white wine that is often lean and insipid. The family farms the vineyards naturally using sustainable techniques such as organic composting and biodynamic practices. Bright melon flavors and notes of citrus highlight this fun little drinker perfect for a summer evening party of salads, appetizers and grilled prawns.

Rotllan Torra , Priorat   One of the pioneers of the new wave of “cult” winemakers in the Priorat, Jordi Rotllan Torra founded his family winery in 1984. The winery is located in a former monastery in the small village of Torroja del Priorat two hours southwest of Barcelona. The growing region is home to some of the oldest vines in all of Spain – many of the Grenache, Carignan and Cabernet vineyards are over 100 years old. The soil is composed primarily of black slate, the hillsides are extremely steep, and the hot, dry climate forces the plants to dig very deep for water. These factors combine to produce extremely low yields and ultimately very concentrated and ripe fruit. The bodega is sustainably farmed and all the fruit is hand-picked. In 1997 Rotllan Torra exploded on the Spanish winemaking scene with the release of Amadis 1995 – a wine made from 100-year old vines. The Wine Advocate awarded the 2003 Amadis 94 points and the 2003 Tirant 96 points.

Joan D’Anguera, Montsant   Since the passing of their father, the two sons, Josep and Joan, run this domain under the watchful eye of their mother. Their intention is to produce the best Syrah-based wines in Spain. Known as “Mr. Syrah” in Spain, Josep (the father) had extensive knowledge of the international wine scene. He was introduced to Syrah by a Spanish enologist who had travelled to California and by 1977 he began planting the grape anywhere he could find space in his vineyards.  La Planella is a blend of 40% Carignan, 20% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. L’Argatà is 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Cabernet and El Bugader is 100% Syrah. Vintage after vintage  El Bugader consistently garners top press from all the top wine publications in the world.

Avinyó, Penedès   Penedès is a large viticultural region (DO) with wide-ranging climactic differences. It is home to the Cava Denomination of Origin where 90% of the wines designated “cava” originate. Cava came about as a designation when the European Union enforced a law that only sparkling wine from France could be called Champagne. Cava (meaning cellar) became the name for a Method Champenoise product originating in Spain. Cava must go through secondary fermentation in the bottle and must be aged a minimum of six months on the lees before being disgorged and sold to the public. The main grapes used in Cava are Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. In addition to these three grapes, some foreign grapes have been approved including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Bodegas Aragonesas, Campo de Borja   Located in the Campo de Borja about a 3 hour car ride northeast of Madrid, this region is truly the “up-and-  coming” wine region of Spain. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best values! The cool thing about Bodegas Aragonesas is that it is a co-op inspired winery where hundreds of growers tending nearly 10,000 acres of planted vineyard country, harvest their fruit according to the winery’s specifications. Some of the Garnacha vineyards are over 100 years old and the character they exhibit is nothing short of yummy. These wines show tons of vineyard character but with a modern style of fruit juiciness that will beg you to drink more. Don’t confuse these wines with some of the earthy, bitter, cheap Spanish wines you’ve had in the past. These wines exhibit wonderful terroir and good ripe flavors. Finally, good Spanish wines at great prices that you can’t wait to share with your friends!

Coto de Hayas, Campo de Borja   Coto de Hayas, one of the brands of the Bodegas Aragonesas co-op, stands apart with its luxurious value selections. The premium fruit is reserved for these wines that embody the character of the old vine Garnacha, with high acid and clean fruit notes.

Serra da Estrella, Rias Baixas   Albariño is the Spanish name of the distinctive grape grown in northern Spain that is almost Viognier-like in its expression of peach flavors and wonderful aromatics. The Rias Baixas region, located just north of the Portuguese border, is producing some of the country’s most sought-after dry white wines. Albariño is one of the few Spanish white grape varieties produced as a varietal and encountered on labels. Sometimes it is oak-matured and it can age well, however it is made. This one is 100% stainless steel fermented and shows intense aromatic richness, hints of apricot and peach together with a zesty lemon-lime mouth feel.

Emina, Ribera del Duero   Located in the western edge of Ribera del Duero near the town of Valbuena del Duero, Emina produces wines of elegance, structure and complexity. Emina was started by Carlos Moro of Matarromera in 1996 and has 42 ha (103 ac) under vine with excellent production facilities and a focus on producing  wines of distinction every vintage.  100% Tinta del País and aged for 12 months in American and French oak barrels,  this wine is wrapped in reddish morello cherry hints indicating its evolution in barrel and in bottle. On the nose, it exhibits powerful aromas of ripe fruit with spicy overtones, and on the palate, it is balanced and harmonious.

Bodegas Berceo, Rioja and Navarra   Established in 1872 in Rioja Alavesa by the Gurpegui Muga family.  This winery is producing some of the most refined Rioja wines in the region including one of the very rare pre-phylloxera vines in Europe. The pre-filoxerico is produced from 140 year Tempranillo vines in a vineyard of only 2 ha (4.94 ac) along with The “36” which was originally planted in 1936 on a vineyard of only 8 ha (19.76 ac).  Fantastic!