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
