What, no jamon?

That was the cry of many hoping to find good, semi-bootleg iberico ham at this year’s Spanish Wine Cellar and Pantry event in San Francisco. Sadly, the masses had to make do with smoked marlin, almonds, and olive oil galore… and lots of Spanish wine, much of it from producers looking to find a distributor.

I tried a dozen or so wines (as Toast of the Town, report to come soon, was the same day), and veered away from the many 3-euro bottles on offer. Overall, had mixed results.

No easy favorites, but I found a soft spot for Bodegas y Vinedos Qumran’s 2006 Crianza Ribera del Duero, a lovely and lush little wine that is sold (ex-cellar) for under 10 euros.

Spanish Wine Cellar 2010 Tasting Notes

2005 Abadia de Acon Ribera del Duero Targum / $24 / A- / racy

2006 Arturo Garcia, Vinedos y Bodegas Bierzo Solar de Sael Crianza / $14 / C+ / funky, bitter finish

2005 Bodegas Briego Ribera del Duero Adalid Briego / $22 / B+ / smooth with a curious finish

2006 Bodegas Briego Ribera del Duero Briego Crianza / $14 / B+ / young, not challenging

2004 Bodegas Briego Ribera del Duero Briego Fiel / $33 / B+ / earthy and rocky

2003 Bodegas Esterfania Tilenus Pagos de Posada Bierzo / $24 / A- / tart and easygoing

2005 Bodegas Esterfania Tilenus Crianza Bierzo / $13 / B+ / dusty, green pepper notes

2004 Bodegas Naranjo Casa de la Dehesa Crianza La Mancha / $13 / B / jammy

2006 Bodegas y Vinedos Qumran Crianza Ribera del Duero / $13 / A- / lovely, especially at this price

2005 Finca Egomei Alma Rioja / $28 / A- / character like California cabernet, feels young

2007 Finca la Valona “Seleccion” de Castilla / $17 / B+ / tight, shows promise

2005 Pago de Vallegarcia Hipperia Castilla / $16 / C+ / off notes, licorice finish