Presented by

Michael Messum MA, ACIM, MCE

the art of

fine w ne

2012

josep moscardó street party

Welcome to

The Art of Fine WineSpain is a land of beguiling contrasts. Often described as 17 nations within a nation, each ‘Autonomous Community’ is fiercely proud of its own individuality. I’ve never met a Valencian who prefers Gazpacho to Paella for example. Even if they did, they would never admit it! This enthralling diversity is without doubt one of the major reasons why I still find myself living in Spain four years after I had intended to return home (although my Spanish fiancée might also have something to say on the matter!).

But while such variety is to be celebrated it can also be a source of great confusion. Only in Spain could a single grape (the Bobal) have 18 different names. By marrying some of Spain’s finest wines with some of its finest contemporary artwork, Brand España 2012 aims to create a single, understandable vision of the diverse culture that makes this nation so enticing.

Like the artist, the wine maker draws his inspiration from nature to create the perfect expression of his surroundings. At Brand España the canvas becomes the vine; the brushstroke, the skill of the oenologist. As with the paintings all of the wines are hugely individual, unmistakably branded by the hand that made them. Little wonder that in Spain they are revered as ‘Vinos de Autor’ (Author Wines).

United by their differences and supported beautifully by the paintings, the wines of Brand España 2012 serve as a window into the lives and societies of the families that produce them. I invite you to take a look through this window and discover first-hand the artistry of their creation.

Michael Messum

2012

Organised and promoted by www.messumexport.cominfo@messumexport.com+34 675 367 683

The Invention and Reinvention of Cava

Don Vicente García, owner and founder of Pago de Tharsys is a central figure in the history of Cava. In the 1980’s he singlehandedly fought off conglomerate competition to ensure the production of certified Cava outside Cataluña thereby guaranteeing the economic future of many a small bodega throughout Spain.

Today Pago de Tharsys continues to reinvent Cava with a refreshing emphasis on quality over quantity; a philosophy that has brought the bodega both domestic and international acclaim.

Pago de Tharsys – Millesime Brut Reserva, 2009

D.O. Cava. Macabeo, Chardonnay | Parellada

The Millesime shows great finesse with its fine, natural mousse and balanced, well delineated acidity. It is surprisingly open on the nose with hints of peach and biscuit developing elegantly. The pallet is bold and rich with the Parellada, the traditional Cava grape, providing ample grip. Another remarkable effort and more proof that, when made correctly, Cava can challenge the very best Champagnes on quality, and blows them away on price.

josep moscardó café scene

Pago de Tharsys, Vendimia Nocturna, 2011

D.O. Utiel Requena. Albariño 80% | Godello 20%

A wonderfully original white showing a glossy yellow hue with light golden tones. It is delicate on the nose with hints of jasmine and white rose. In the mouth it exhibits balanced sharpness and a smooth finish. The innovative blend of Alabriño and Godello grapes make this a truly unique white wine.

The Night Harvest – Hard work and Sausages.

It is extremely rare to find Albariño and Godello grapes outside their native lands of Galicia but then again, Pago de

Tharsys rarely do things by the book. One of the first bodegas to start

harvesting their grapes at night, the annual ‘Vendimia Nocturna’

has become something of a social event.

Every year, on a cold night in September, an army of grape-pickers, drafted from uncles, aunts and long-lost cousins, descend willingly on the vines collecting the year’s precious harvest. It is a gruelling task but a constant supply of grilled, meaty sustenance keeps the spirits up.

miguel macaya still life

alejandro quincoces pink light in new york

Bobal – Don’t Judge a Grape by its Skin.

In so many ways the Bobal grape reflects the character of the people that grow it. In an area that has known conquest, ‘re-conquest’ and bitter civil war, the history of Requena is not without suffering. As a result there is a stubborn brashness among the region’s residents which can be easily mistaken for unpleasantness. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. Basic human values are ever-present and local hospitality is almost embarrassingly generous.

Much the same can be said of the Bobal. A thick skinned, insensitive exterior belies the elegance to be found underneath. On the surface it is a brute but given the right treatment, it can surprise and delight.

Pago De Tharsys – Nuestro Bobal, 2006

D.O. Utiel Requena. Bobal 85% | Cabernet Franc 15%

With great skill (and a touch of Cabernet Franc) the bullish Bobal has finally been tamed. Deep ruby red with complex dried fruits on the nose, this is a smooth, balanced offering that lingers on the palate. The second sip is pure pleasure and it only gets better from there.

magí puig suspended life

Bodega Vinessens – Modern Tradition

Among all the doom and gloom surrounding Spain’s unemployment woes there are beacons of hope. Bodega Vinessens is one of those. So ably run by the youthful couple Andrés and Marta

(with moral support from one year old Dani!) the young bodega is built on

those unpopular, old-fashioned principles of hard work and

sacrifice.

Highly qualified and hugely talented the young winemakers are starting to make ripples on the Spanish fine wine scene. Under difficult circumstances their energetic appetite for endeavour is reflected in the quality of their produce.

Vinessens, Sein, 2009

D.O. Alicante. Monastrell 60% | Syrah 40%

Benefiting from the cooler temperatures at over 600m above sea level this delicious Monastrell/Syrah blend is a heady combination of tobacco, spice and caramel.

The oak has thankfully been reined-in but there is still plenty of grip with touches of cassis and raisin. It can be enjoyed with red meat or strong cheese, though at 15% it’s not for the faint hearted!

In a sector awash with Michelin stars and nutty professors it is a refreshing treat to be sat at a table, eating and drinking some of the most astonishing produce, focused on the people around you and not the plate in front of you. This seems to happen a lot in Spain. Good ingredients are a matter of course. It’s probably written somewhere in the constitution!

However, as the crisis continues to knock the wind out of domestic demand, producers are depending increasingly on foreign markets for their livelihood. Many have never before had to shout about their products so find it difficult to gain a voice abroad.

I set up Messum Export to help change this. Working closely with producers and understanding the philosophy behind their brands we are able to adapt their products to the demands of the new consumer.

Messum Export also works alongside importers and private clients developing unique marketing experiences, (such as Brand España 2012) to gain valuable exposure for all the products that we represent.

Based in Spain but with offices in the UK we are also uniquely positioned to offer product sourcing services for anyone wishing to uncover the next hidden gem from this enchanting nation.

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Michael Messum

2012

Organised and promoted by www.messumexport.cominfo@messumexport.com+34 675 367 683