"We are heading towards a golden era for white wine in our country"
Nacho Otamendi, owner and sommelier at Travieso Bar
For Nacho Otamendi, wine is not just a drink, but a universe of stories, nuances and emotions. His passion for this world led him to take the helm of Travieso Bar, a space where every glass is an invitation to discover surprising labels and unexpected combinations. With a list exceeding 150 references and a selection of over 60 wines by the glass, Nacho has turned his bar into a true sanctuary for wine lovers. His criteria when choosing each label and his dedication to always offering something different have made Travieso a reference point in Valencia for those seeking authentic wine experiences. What sparked your passion for wine? Wine has always been present in my life, but it was working in hospitality that ignited the real passion. Discovering how a wine can completely change depending on the context, the food and the company made me want to know more and more. White wine in Spain We are heading towards a golden era for white wine in our country. Spanish winemakers are producing whites with incredible personality and complexity. Regions like Galicia, the Canary Islands and even the Mediterranean coast are showing that Spanish whites can compete with the best in the world. Debunking a wine myth Red wines should never be chilled — that is one of the great myths. The truth is that average room temperature exceeds 20°C, which is too warm to perceive the richness of flavour nuances a wine offers. A slight chill can greatly enhance a red. What makes a good wine It is a difficult question since the world of wine is infinite, but the most important thing is that the person drinking it enjoys it — because like wine, no two people are alike. Wine tasting steps 1. Visual phase — observe colour and clarity 2. Olfactory phase — identify aromas 3. Gustatory phase — taste and evaluate A wine that surprised you recently Cumal 2005 by Dominio Dostares (100% Prieto Picudo) — an extraordinary discovery.