For variety and quality, consider Spanish wine, columnist says

On The Coast'smaster of wine Barbara Philip says when it comes to variety and quality of wine, Spain is at the top of its game.

Philip has been travelling through northwest Spain to see and taste "exciting" regional offerings first-hand.

"From Ribera del Duero to Galicia, the wines of [north-central and western] Spain...are top notch," she told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

"Here you can find the best white table wines in the country along with intense and layered reds from tempranillo and beyond."

Here are some of Philip's picks for Spanish wine this week.

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Luzada Val do Salnes Albario. Rias Baixas. Spain. 2014. $15.99

"Fresh acidity with flavours of peach, mineral and wet stone mean this white wine is meant to go with seafood. Try it with ceviche or cold, cooked prawns."

Paramos de Nicasia Verdejo. Rueda. Spain. 2014 $23.99

"This is exotic wine made from verdejo grapes from the Rueda region. The nose is complex with fresh herbs, stone fruits and tangy citrus. It would make a nice partner with lemon chicken."

Gotindel Risc Mencia. Bierzo. 2012. $17.99

"The exotic mencia grape brings sweet herbs, dark fruit and currant notes to this northwest wine. Think of drinking it with grilled, even slightly charred meat."

Casajus'Seleccionada.' Ribera del Duero. Spain. 2012. $21.99

"This tinto del pais (tempranillo) is super complex on the nose with warm red fruits, spice, mocha and strawberry preserves. Tannins are integrated and give just enough support to the ripe fruit. Try with slow-cooked ribs."

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast