Geoff Last, journalist for the Canadian daily, the 'Calgary Herald', sings the praises and virtues of Spanish wines in a recent article for his newspaper. The critic also throws in his own particular vision of some of the grape varieties while comparing regions, specifying prices and making recommendations.

In his article headed, ‘Spanish wines offer plenty of personality’, Last explains that rare is the week in which he does not taste yet another well-made Spanish wine, and usually at an attractive price. “I’m talking about liquid testimonies to Spain's ability to deliver well-made, affordable wines rarely short on personality”, all of which is being carefully noted by Canadian wine-lovers, he states.

The journalist is especially taken by wines made from the Mencía variety and recommends two to his readership: ‘Cuatro Pasos 2004’, available in Canada for $19 and ‘Villa de Corullon’, with a price tag of around $70.

Last also admits to being a lover of DO Priorato wines and highlights a wine from the region with an affordable price, ‘Rotlan Torra 2001 Reserva’, made from Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cariñena. And from one of his “perennial favourite” regions, QDO Rioja, he highlights the quality of ‘Ostatu Crianza 2003’.

Coming to a close, Calgary Herald’s critic also highlights a wine from DO La Mancha, ‘Venta La Ossa 2005’ and states that this region, known traditionally throughout the world for mass-produced table wine, has started to produce wines of extraordinary quality, such as the one he recommends.

Last wraps up his article with an inviting reflection: “Spain arguably has the hottest wine culture in the world right now, and -- in most cases -- you don't have to spend a fortune to discover it. Cheers!”