Last Thursday, I found myself transported to the sun-drenched vineyards of Spain without ever leaving Kansas City. The Spanish Wine Roadshow rolled into town, and as someone who’s never met a wine tasting I didn’t like, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore Spain’s liquid treasures right in my own backyard.
Setting the Scene
The event was held at one of KC’s at La Bodega restaurant.
The Wines that call my attention:
What struck me most about this tasting was the incredible diversity of Spanish wines. From crisp whites to complex reds, each bottle told a unique story of tradition, terroir, and passion. Here’s my rundown of the standouts that had me mentally booking flights to Spain by the end of afternoon:
Piqueras Wild Fermented Verdejo (Almansa)
My journey began with this absolute revelation of a white wine. Coming from the high-altitude vineyards of Almansa, this Verdejo undergoes wild fermentation (meaning they use naturally occurring yeasts rather than adding commercial ones), and wow, does it make a difference!
With notes of passion fruit and guava mingled with fresh herbs and a distinctive minerality that lingered long after I swallowed. The representative explained that Almansa’s elevation creates dramatic temperature shifts that give this wine its complexity. I immediately imagined pairing it with the seafood paella at my favorite local Spanish restaurant.
Castillo de Jumilla Blanco (Jumilla)
Next up was this refreshing white from Jumilla in southeastern Spain. The region is known for its arid climate and limestone soils, which the sommelier explained is why this wine has such a distinctive character.
Bright citrus notes practically jumped from the glass, with hints of green apple and a clean, crisp finish that had me reaching for a second pour. This is the kind of wine I’d love to sip on my patio as the Kansas City summer heats up—preferably alongside some grilled vegetables or light tapas. Simple yet sophisticated, it was a crowd-pleaser among the tasting group.
Páramo de Corcos 2019 (Ribera del Duero)
As we moved to the reds, this elegant offering from the prestigious Ribera del Duero region made quite an impression. Made primarily from Tempranillo (which I learned is locally called Tinto Fino), this wine showcased why this region is so highly regarded.
Deep garnet in the glass, it delivered rich dark fruit flavors—think blackberries and plums—with subtle oak and the kind of velvety tannins that make you close your eyes in appreciation. The representative explained that “páramo” refers to the high plateau vineyards where these grapes are grown, contributing to the wine’s exceptional balance and aging potential. I couldn’t help but imagine this alongside a perfectly cooked lamb chop at my next dinner party.
Finca El Empecinado Roble 2023 (Ribera del Duero)
Staying in Ribera del Duero, this younger wine represented the modern face of Spanish winemaking. The “Roble” designation indicates it’s had just a touch of oak aging—enough to add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Vibrant cherry and blackberry notes dominated, with a touch of vanilla and spice from its time in oak. What impressed me most was learning how Bodegas Veganzones crafts this wine with respect for tradition while embracing innovation. At the tasting, they served this alongside a mushroom crostini that created a pairing greater than the sum of its parts—I’ve already jotted down the combination for my next gathering.
Ossian 2021 (Segovia)
If there was a showstopper of the evening, it might have been this extraordinary white from Segovia. The story behind this wine is as fascinating as its taste—it comes from ancient pre-phylloxera Verdejo vines, some over 200 years old! These survivors from before the great phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards produce incredibly concentrated fruit.
The result is a complex white with remarkable depth that made several red wine devotees at my table do a double-take. Notes of stone fruit mingled with toasted nuts and a subtle minerality that spoke of its ancient origins. The sommelier described it as “a white wine for red wine lovers,” and I couldn’t agree more. I’m already planning to pair this with roasted chicken the next time I can get my hands on a bottle.
Milsetentayseis Tinto (Ribera del Duero)
The name alone had me intrigued—Milsetentayseis (1076) refers to the impressive altitude of these Ribera del Duero vineyards, 1,076 meters above sea level. This high elevation creates dramatic temperature shifts between day and night that develop incredible complexity in the grapes.
In the glass, this translated to intense dark fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity, with elegant tannins and a finish that seemed to evolve for minutes. This was a wine that demanded attention and contemplation. Several tasters around me were taking notes furiously, and I overheard more than one person asking where they could purchase bottles locally. This would be my choice for a special occasion wine, perhaps with beef tenderloin or a rich stew.
Marañones Garnacha Tinta 2022 (Sierra de Gredos, Madrid)
Our Spanish journey concluded with this exceptional Garnacha (known as Grenache elsewhere) from the Sierra de Gredos mountains near Madrid. I’ve always had a soft spot for Garnacha, but this expression was unlike any I’d tried before.
Grown on granite soils at high elevation, this wine showed remarkable freshness and purity with notes of red berries, violets, and a distinctive mineral character that spoke clearly of its mountain origins. I learned that Bodega Marañones is at the forefront of Spain’s natural wine movement, and this bottle made a compelling case for their approach. Light enough to pair with grilled vegetables yet complex enough to stand up to charcuterie, this versatile wine was the perfect conclusion to our tasting journey.
Beyond the Glass
What made the Spanish Wine Roadshow truly special wasn’t just the exceptional wines, but the stories behind them. Each pour came with a narrative—about families who have tended vines for generations, about microclimates that create unique growing conditions, about ancient traditions meeting modern techniques.
The representatives were passionate and knowledgeable, answering questions with enthusiasm and offering insights that deepened my appreciation for each sip. By the end of the evening, I felt like I’d taken a master class in Spanish wine regions without the airfare or jet lag.
The Verdict
Spain has always been high on my travel bucket list, but until I make it there in person, I’m grateful that these wines brought a taste of Spanish sunshine to the heart of Kansas City. Sometimes the most memorable journeys happen right in your own city, one glass at a time.
Have you attended a wine tasting event that transported you somewhere special? Share your experience in the comments below!
CosmopoliTips is a blog dedicated to exploring the world through food, drink, and travel experiences. Subscribe for weekly updates on culinary adventures both near and far.
CosmopoliTips 