Marquès de Alella Clásico in the UK's TOP 10

Spanish wine has earnt its place in the sun

From crisp whites to the great fortified brands, Britain just can't get enough of such diverse originality, writes Jonathan Ray

• 2006 Marqués de Alella Clásico, 12% vol, DO Alella (£8.25; Moreno Wines 020 7286 0678).
Made in the north-east of Spain from the pansa blanca grape variety - otherwise known as xarel-lo of cava fame (or should we say infamy?) - this is utterly charming. Cold-fermented, it is crisp and dry, with hints of lemon and lime and a vibrant freshness. It's ideal for those people who are fed up with chardonnay or sauvignon and spot-on with an enormous bowl of paella.

Jonathan Ray

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