Dominio del Urogallo is a small biodynamic winery based in the lush, green region of Asturias in northwest Spain. It is owned and run by the larger-than-life Francisco Asencio who skilfully crafts some of the most unique wines I’ve tried from Spain. The production is centred around the native varieties of Albarin, Albillo, Carrasquin, Verdejo Negro, Albarino Negro and Mencia which, I must be honest, most I’d never heard of before meeting Francisco. The winery has 13 hectares of vineyards split between the two regions of Cangas del Narcea and El Bierzo. This is a mountainous area on slate and quartz soils which is influenced by a maritime climate. It is ideally situated to produce fresh, coastal influenced wines. As I type, the region of Asturias does not have D.O. status although there is a strong voice calling for its introduction and on tasting Fran’s wines, you can see why.

Francisco also makes some magical boutique Sherry in Jerez at Bodegas Alonso. In addition to the famous fortified wine, he also produces a dry white called El Desnudado which is made from Palomino. It is a beautiful expression of Palomino which we love.