On 20th of May, we welcomed Tom Holt of Paso-Primero to present to us at NHWS.

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Tom Holt is an award-winning winemaker for Paso-Primero based in Somontano in the Spanish Pyrenees. 

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Tom's journey in the world of wine is  quite unusual, as he says. "With no money and no family links to wine I have had to beg, steal, and borrow my way around the world of wine in the hope of making my own wines, in my own way." 

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It's been a long journey taking in New Zealand and Canada before finding his spiritual home in northern Spain. 

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Now, ten years into his time in Spain, he's revitalising old vineyards, re-establishing indigenous varieties, and still loving every minute. 

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Tom was a a very enthusiastic presenter, with a number of lively anecdotes about his life - before and since discovering his calling in the world of wine.

It was very obvious that his journey has had a number of twists and turns, but it showed his passion to achieve the making of good wine - described as "the wines I would want to drink". He is obviously in love with his world, has a deep knowledge of the winemaking and is very enthusiastice about his products.

It shows how hard he has worked in this time and also pays tribute to his supportive wife who has taken a major part in all his adventures.

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As the welcome wine we enjoyed a fizz: Cava from the Co-op (£8:25). 
Our assessment :- a pleasing and elegant method tradionelle.

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The first wines came as a pair - two vintages of the same name but significantly different in flavours
Paso-Primero Blanco 2024 and 2025 a white blend of Gwertztraminer, Chardonnay & Alcanyon (for 2024) or Macabeo (for 2025): (£11:75)
Crisp fresh, fruity, nice bright acidity with honeyed notes - good value aperitif wines.

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Third Pasotismo Blanco 2023, a blend of Chardonnay, Macabeo and Alcanyon (£20:50)
A deeper coloured, more aromatic wine with flavours of green fruit and citrus. On the palate the fruit showed through with some nuttiness and slight salty notes. Good tannins to balance the acidity which provided the freshness

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Fourth a Rosado - Paso-Primero Rosado 2024 (£11:75)
A dark rose, with aromas of strawberries and cherries which were carried through to the palate with an acidity to balance the fruit. We enjoyed this wine with the half-time buffet

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Moving on to the reds...

Fifth Moristel '76 - 2022 (£20:50).
A medium red wine with a very fruity nose - this is produced using the "maceration carbonique" method. The palate was a dry wine with good acidity and tannins over a selection of fruity and herby flavours

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Sixth Paso-Proximo Tinto 2022 - a bled of Garnacha, Moristel and Parralata (£16)
A dark red wine with a black fruit and spice aroma. On the palate the black fruit was evident with cherries and currants balanced with soft tannins.

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Seventh the first wine Tom produced (and continues to produce) Paso-Primero Tinto 2024 (£11:75)
Another dark red wine with aromas of red and black fruit and a touch of spice, which show on the palate with balancing tannins and a good finish.

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And last Pasotismo Tinto from 2022 (£2050)
Deep red wine with the black fruit and spice we have been experiencing through the evening. The palate shows the fruit and a good balance of tannin and acidity.

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All in all an excellent selection well presented by a skillful and knowledgeable presenter.
Thank you Tom for a wonderful evening

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Thanks are also due to Dawn and Andy Finklaire for providing the half-time buffet