Howard Friedman of South River Imports

Howard is back...
with new direct-import arrivals from Spain

Saturday 10/17 1:00-4:00

The now-famous Howard is back to bring his passion and knowledge of all things Spanish, and he has a terrific lineup for fall drinking. From green, misty Galicia to the slate hills of Bierzo, and from organic Penedès to Montsant (the region that wraps around Priorat like a horseshoe), he’ll walk you through five wines that drink like a trip across northern Spain.

The lineup

2024 Pago de los Capellanes, O’Luar do Sil Godello
Capellanes is one of Ribera del Duero’s best names, and in 2014 they started a second winery in Valdeorras just to make Godello. Old vines on granite hillsides at about 450 meters give you pear, apple compote, and orange blossom, with bright mineral lift. A great white for anyone who loves Chardonnay and wants to try something new.

2022 Casar de Burbia, Mencía
A small organic estate in Valtuille de Arriba, Bierzo. This one comes from clay-rich plots with vines around 40 years old and sees 10 to 12 months in used French oak. Cherry, blueberry, violet, and a little geranium, vibrant and spicy with a mineral finish.

2021 Casar de Burbia, Mencía Hombros
The estate’s old-vine cuvée, from the Valdaiga parcel on quartz and slate soils, with vines 50 to 100 years old. Native yeasts, under 10,000 bottles a year, and a deeper, more layered expression of Mencía. Pour the two Casar de Burbia wines side by side and you’ll see exactly what old vines add.

2023 Ramon Canals, Onna Organic Red
A family winery 30 km from Barcelona, three generations deep. Onna is a vegan, organically farmed blend of 70% Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo) and 30% Syrah from Penedès, with three months in French oak. Ripe red fruit, a touch of spice and licorice, soft and easy.

2024 Ramon Canals, Siana Garnatxa Negra, Montsant
100% Garnatxa from Els Guiamets, grown on clay, slate (llicorella), and sandy loam, with 9 months in American and French oak. Ripe red and black fruit with elegant, toasty notes, and the kind of Mediterranean warmth you want on a cool fall night.