I had the distinct pleasure (and I truly mean it) to have been engaged in the retail element of the wine and spirits industry for nearly 20 years. I was able to share both customer interests and my insights about interesting and unique beverages over that time. I assumed that customers were honest in their interests and that, in turn, they trusted me for advice. Conversely, if I have regularly trusted sommeliers and wine retailers to share with me their insights as to wines and spirits they recommend.

This trust in local wine and spirits merchants has been particularly important as we have moved to South Carolina, and the process has served us well as we have traveled the country and the world. There are many more qualified palates than mine, and there are many more qualified advocates for specific wines and spirits. This approach to trust has served us well as we have traveled across the country and Europe have enjoyed a wide variety of wine and spirits from Slovenia to Oregon.

In Summerville, South Carolina, we have come to appreciate the extraordinary talent of proprietor Stephane Peltier, and his excellent staff at Accent on Wine, in both by-the-glass and bottle choices. The same holds true for the newer, but also excellent, sommeliers at Graft Wine Shop (and wine bar) on Upper King Street in Charleston. A smaller footprint than Accent on Wine, their use of a Coravin wine preservation system allows them to offer a wider range of excellent (although more expensive) by-the-glass options. However, the choices offered by Graft are outstanding.

This brings us to our recent trip to the south of Spain.

Friends invited us to visit them in their long-time second family home outside of Malaga. Their house offers a spectacular view of a Mediterranean marine sanctuary and offers easy access to both Granada and Sevilla. While both Granada and Sevilla were extraordinary, one of the most enjoyable experiences was visits to their favorite tapa’s bars in the wonderful local town of La Herradura.

Referred to by locals as Bola 1,2 and 3, (three separate locations) we had the pleasure of visiting both Bola 2 and 3 (Bola 2 twice). We tasted a wide range of the wines offered by the glass (each served with a ‘free’ plate of tapas – the Calamari and meatballs were outstanding, and the wine was only $4 a glass). We were never disappointed.

I focused in reds. I first enjoyed the excellent products of Rioja. The 2015 Izadi is a 100% Tempranillo at 14% ABV that is aged for 14 months in oak (mostly American). The wine sells for $19 in the United States. Zachys of Scarsdale, NY, seems to be the only notable U.S. retailer. This is the perfect representation of Rioja. There is great color and excellent red fruit with hints of smoke and floral elements that extend through the finish.

The Bola sommeliers suggested that if we enjoyed the Izadi, we would really like the 2014 Glorioso (another Rioja). They were correct. This was another wine at $4 per glass, that has aged in French oak for 12 months. Unique for Rioja, this is a wine that drinks young and fresh. The Glorioso is fruit forward with a medium body and outstanding finish. And, of course, another wine served with another outstanding tapas. This Crianza is a wine that sells for approximately $15 in the U.S. (if you can find it).

Our second trip to Bola 2 introduced us (at the sommeliers recommendation) to the 2016 Montelaguna Ribera del Duero (aged in oak for 6 months). The acidity provides a vibrancy and the fruit (blackberry and raspberry) appears early on the palate and continues through the finish. Great with cheese (or meatballs), this wine would sell for $15…but you are unlikely to find it in the U.S.

Trust your local wine merchant…they know both their patrons and their wines…no matter where you might travel.