Paso Primero wines

Tom, the wine-maker for Paso Primero, started out stacking shelves at Tanners Wine Merchants, and studied wine-making at Plumpton in Sussex. Tom now lives in Shrewsbury and makes delicious wines at an affordable price with Batán de Salas in Somontano. Paso Primero has a white and a red that are fruity and easy drinking. Paso Prima changes each year, as Tome will select the grapes that have been growing well for each vintage; last year was Chardonnay and the year before Cabernet Sauvignon.

Paso Primero Blanco, Gewurtz / Riesling / Chardonnay, Somontano, Spain, 14%

This is not a typical blend in the wine world, but it is very common in Somontano to blend aromatic Gewurtztraminer with Chardonnay.  The Riesling gives the wine a subtle honey characteristic. A very floral wine underpinned with citrus and honey, giving it a lovely mouthfeel.  The floral note disappears leaving a clean finish.

Paso Primero Tinto, Merlot / Cab Sav / Tempranillo, Somontano, Spain, 14%

On the palate the first hit is the Cab Sav with its tannic bite, then the Merlot floods through softening the mouthfeel, finishing on a Tempranillo lift of red fruits, then the strawberry and redcurrant finish makes you crave another sip. Very easy drinking, peppery, smooth, without the burn you might expect to receive from a wine with such high alcohol.

Paso Prima Blanco, Chardonnay, Somontano, Spain, 14%

Paso Prima is 100% Chardonnay, in a fruity style, rather than then the earthy Burgundian style, so should even appeal to ABCs (Anything But Chardonnay). This wine is full-bodied, rich with pineapple and mango, and a lime finish. It has been lightly oaked, giving it a slight nutty characteristic, and has a beautiful creamy texture.

Paso Prima Tinto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Somontano, Spain, 14%

Paso Prima is 100% Cab Sav, in a fruit-forward style. Saliva rushes over the tongue on first sip which fades to velvety tannins coating the roof of the mouth. The heat of the Spanish summer days encourage the grapes to become fat and juicy, and the cooler nights allow them to retain their acidity. Big bam blackcurrant fruit, but with soft edges.

Paso Vermu, Somontano, Spain, 15%

A blend of Paso Primero red and white wines, sweetened with grape caramel, and fortified with grape spirit (brandy), then blended with herbs and spiced. This has been made in the tradtitional style of a Spanish red vermouth. Serve over ice with a slice of orange, or cut it with tonic. It's bitter sweet, herbaceous and tangy.

To read more about Paso Vermu CLICK HERE

To read more about Paso Primero CLICK HERE

To sign up to Princess and the Pinot newsletter CLICK HERE 

Princess and the Pinot members get a discount on Paso Primero wines

Paso Primero - Great Spanish Wine!

Yesterday I met a lovely man called Tom who has a wonderful story and he gave me some incredible wines to taste. Paso Primero are wines that are made with love and care, yet are outstanding value for money.

Tom dropped out of uni and started stacking shelves at Tanners Wine Merchants, who were very supportive and encouraged Tom to study wine making at Plumpton in Sussex. With a wine degree under his belt he set off for New Zealand with his then girlfriend (now wife) Emma to make wine in Hawkes Bay. After a couple of years it was time for a change and they moved to Canada to make wines for Flat Rock in Niagara. After three years suffering through the bitter winters they decided to move home and settle in Shrewsbury, where Tom and Emma are able to juggle caring for their baby boy with making delicious wines at an affordable price in partnership with Batan de Salas in Somontano, 2hrs from Barcelona. Sounds idyllic... but obviously hard work as a breakthrough young wine maker in a crowded market where the big guns have the power. I'm hoping I can help Tom and Emma by featuring their wines at my pop up wine bar in Marlow and spreading the word about their wines. So what about the wines?

Paso Primero is the main wine they produce, a red blend of Merlot (72%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) and Tempranillo (14%). The bottle we opened was a little tight on the nose, but that's understandable being the 2016 vintage with only a few months in bottle, give it six months and it'll open right up. On the palate the first hit is the Cab Sav with its tannic bite, then the Merlot floods through softening the mouthfeel, finishing on a Tempranillo lift of red fruits - the strawberry and redcurrant finish makes you crave another sip. Very easy drinking, peppery, smooth, without the burn I would expect to receive from a wine so young and with such high alcohol (14.5%). Selling for a mere £8.50 at Tanners, this is a new favourite!

Paso Prima is Tom's vanity project, the opportunity to choose the grapes that are developing to his tastes, and have a little fun. Paso Prima today is 100% Cab Sav, but the next vintage might be 100% Chardonnay, who knows, a little surprise in wait every year. I think Tom should create a members club so we can get pre-release first dibs on the new Prima each year, and the membership should include an invite for a tour of the winery. I'm in! At only £11.30 at Tanners, this is a special wine. I don't think I've tasted a wine so good for less than £12. I do love a good Cab Sav and this certainly delivers, saliva rushes over the tongue on first sip which fades to reveal velvety tannins coating the roof of the mouth. The heat of the Spanish summer days encourage the grapes to become fat and juicy, and the cooler nights allow them to retain their acidity. Big bam blackcurrant fruit, but with soft edges.

Wonderful story, gorgeous wines, and I wish Tom and Emma the best Primero Paso (first step) into the wine world. You should too, and go buy their wines - or come to my pop up wine bar in Marlow to try Paso Primero. Click here to see if I am currently showcasing these wines.

M&S Rioja for £8

I was going to buy a beautifully oaked Rioja as I'm missing Spain. The bottle I was going to buy was a Reserva at £13, then I thought, no I have to think like you, needs to be cheaper. So I went for the Crianza at £10, but then this non-Reserva, non-Crianza Rioja at £8 caught my eye.

It's far better than I was expecting. It does have some vanilla-oak flavour that I was craving. Although it has quite short length it is rather tasty. I think the Syrah helps balance the temperanillo. I recommend you try a bottle... What have you got to lose?

Well hey, it's a good choice for those of you who like rounded reds with lots of black fruit and something totally drinkable, no effort or wine knowledge required!