Ep 275 - Spanish Wine Beyond Rioja: Vino de Pago, New Jerez, Bobal & More with Sarah Jane Evans MW

What are the Spanish wine regions and grape varieties you need to know beyond Rioja and Ribera del Duero? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to Spain with Sarah Jane Evans MW, one of the world's leading experts on Spanish wine, to explore the regions, grapes and wine classifications that deserve far more attention - from Jerez and Castilla-La Mancha to Valencia, Madrid and Extremadura.  At the heart of the conversation is Vino de Pago, one of Spain's most fascinating and misunderstood wine classifications. Sarah Jane explains what Vino de Pago actually means, how it differs from Spain's traditional regional classifications and why these individual estates have the freedom to explore distinctive terroirs, indigenous grape varieties and different winemaking styles.  We also explore some of Spain's lesser-known grape varieties, including Merseguera, Albillo Real, Bobal and old-vine Monastrell, as well as the country's extraordinary heritage of old vineyards. Sarah Jane shares the Spanish wine regions she thinks could be the next big thing, from Jerez and Utiel-Requena to Madrid, Extremadura, the Canary Islands and Catalonia, plus her recommendations for Spanish wines under £20.  If you're looking to discover Spanish wine beyond Rioja, learn more about Vino de Pago, explore lesser-known Spanish wine regions and find exciting Spanish grapes and great-value wines, this episode is a brilliant place to start.  This episode was sponsored by Pago Finca Elez. Their Wines available in the UK through Fareham Wine Cellars as well as through importers in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Philippines, Japan and Hungary, with additional smaller importers across Europe.    Shownotes 02:53 – What keeps surprising Sarah Jane about Spain — after decades of travelling through the country, why new generations, producers and wines mean there is always something new to discover. 03:58 – Jerez: The Spanish Wine Region Reinventing Itself Beyond Sherry — why Jerez is no longer just about traditional Sherry and how a new generation of unfortified wines is changing perceptions of the region. 06:30 – Jerez Beyond Sherry: Palomino, Albariza Soils & Unfortified Spanish Wine — how unfortified Palomino wines and the region's famous albariza soils could offer a new gateway into Sherry country. 10:05 – How to find the good stuff — Sarah Jane's advice for discovering exciting unfortified wines from Jerez through producers, specialist importers and independent wine merchants. 13:21 – What exactly is Vino de Pago? — understanding Spain's unique single-estate classification and why it was created for distinctive vineyards outside the country's famous denominations. 18:07 – Grandes Pagos de España vs Vino de Pago: What's the Difference?  — how this private association brings together leading Spanish wine estates, and why it should not be confused with the official Vino de Pago classification.  20:29 – A Vino de Pago beside Ribera del Duero — how Abadía Retuerta used the classification to establish its own identity just outside one of Spain's most famous wine regions. 23:15 – Why every Vino de Pago is different — individual grape varieties, altitude, terroir and winemaking mean there is no single style connecting these unique estates. 24:16 – Has Vino de Pago been a success? — how the classification has evolved and why producers can use its independence to experiment beyond traditional regional rules. 27:00 – Discovering Merseguera — the little-known Spanish white grape offering citrus freshness, herbal character and exciting potential in the vineyards around Utiel-Requena. 29:13 – The rise of Albillo Real — another traditional Spanish white variety finding renewed relevance as producers and consumers increasingly look beyond the country's famous red wines. 31:38 – Why is Vino de Pago so difficult to explore? — the surprising lack of a complete online resource covering all of Spain's recognised Vino de Pago estates. 32:35 – Pago Finca Élez — discover one of Spain's pioneering Vino de Pago estates, recognised in 2002 alongside Marqués de Griñón, and its high-altitude vineyards in Castilla-La Mancha.  35:28 – How to discover Spain's Vino de Pago estates — Sarah Jane explains where to research them, including her own guide to the wines of Central and Southern Spain. 37:23 – The Wines of Central and Southern Spain — the years of travel, vineyard visits and personal relationships behind Sarah Jane's detailed guide to some of Spain's most overlooked wine regions. 43:15 – Spain beyond the famous regions — why Madrid, Extremadura, Valencia and Utiel-Requena offer fascinating alternatives for adventurous wine lovers. 45:48 – Why Bobal deserves your attention — old vines, extreme growing conditions, freshness and texture are transforming perceptions of this once-overlooked Spanish grape. 48:02 – Spain's extraordinary old-vine heritage — why ancient vineyards and indigenous grape varieties could become increasingly important as the wine industry adapts to climate change. 51:25 – Which Spanish wine region will be the next big thing? — Sarah Jane looks to the Canary Islands, Catalonia and other emerging regions that could gain greater international recognition over the next decade. 56:59 – The Spanish wine region closest to Sarah Jane's heart — why Jerez, its people, food, bars and changing wine culture continue to draw her back. 58:30 – Spanish wine under £20 — Sarah Jane reveals an unexpected first recommendation. 01:00:07 – Sarah Jane's Spanish wines under £20 — six great-value picks including Marks & Spencer Found Balearic Islands Red, Waitrose No.1 Castillo Perelada Cava Brut, The Wine Society's Rafael Cambra Monastrell Garnacha, Morrisons The Best Albariño, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Fino Reserva Sherry and Bodega Cerrón Remordimiento from Majestic. 01:03:44 – Discover more with Sarah Jane Evans MW — find her book The Wines of Central and Southern Spain at Academie du Vin Library and use code EATSLEEP15 for 15% off. 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep\_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024, #22 in 2025 and #20 in 2026 in Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list