Showdown Series: Spain’s Big Five with Michael Franz

2 hours, $85

When I began writing about wine for The Washington Post in 1994, discussions of greatness in red wine from Spain were largely limited to Rioja, with an asterisk attached in recognition of a single estate from elsewhere, namely, Vega Sicilia.  Today, remarkable advances have made five regions genuine contenders for flagship status in the red Spanish Armada, including Priorat, Toro, Ribera del Duero and Bierzo…in addition to Rioja.  This class will give all five a fighting chance to show their merits, as we’ll taste two examples from each region—blind—with both a newer release and a mature example included for each appellation.  Two “ringers” will also be shown to round out the lineup of a dozen wines—and also to give vent to the devious side of my personality, for reasons I cannot now disclose.  If you haven’t recently enjoyed an opportunity to taste critically across the best red wines from Spain, this tasting will catch you up in a hurry.

Wine samples available for pickup by appointment on Friday, December 11 between 12pm – 5pm.

**Important: If you are registering for more than one person, please be sure to include the other participants’ email address(es) when registering if they will be viewing the class from a different location/device. 

**If this event is sold out please email michael@franzwine.com to be added to the waitlist.