Back from 10 days in Madrid > Toledo > Barcelona. Some highlights:
This tiny producer from outside Toledo making really good tempranillo without the heaviness of Rioja.
This white made out of Malvasia grapes from Catalonia. Very nicely made *if* you like lightly oxidative, off-dry wines with tons of acid.
This was my first taste of anything made out of the marselan grape. And it was awesome. (As was the sumoll we had by the same producer). If you're ever in Barcelona and like wine, go to Monvinic and don't think twice about it. (We went to a bunch of others I can recommend to.)
In Madrid I learned that I really liked sherry. And you're never going to drink better sherry outside of Jerez than at La Venencia in Madrid. Straight from the cask to your glass. The most expensive pours are 2.20. Though my favorite (fino) was just 1.80. Simple tapas. Photos not allowed (minor ops, thats our tab). No tipping.
Oh yeah -- and we booked a place for the wedding wine getaway. Just outside of Tavel and Lirac in the Southern Rhone Valley. Short drive to Chateauneuf du pape, Gigondas and the like.