Part 2: Classical Music and Iberian Wine Pairings for Chamber Music

Editor’s note: This article is part of an ongoing series covering classical music and Iberian wine pairings by Burt Frink. To understand its origins, and why Burt felt a series was required on the subject, please read his first piece. I love the silence I share with myself and a glass of wine. Often, but […] Continue Reading →

Virtual Spanish Wine and Food Pairing Request: What are your suggestions?

We like loyal readers, but we love readers who send emails, leave comments or give us virtual shout-outs even more! So when CJ and his wife, Edna, contacted us with a intriguing request, we jumped at the opportunity to not only respond to it, but also to share it with you in a virtual wine […] Continue Reading →

Traditional Catalan Dish: Spanish Sausage, Spinach and Garbanzo Beans

Spain is synonymous with cured Jamon Iberico, olives and sharp Manchego cheese; but let’s not forget that it’s also the birthplace of a wide variety of sausages. Since the dawn of time, Spaniards have mastered the art of using, salt, spices and fresh air to preserve and cure their meats; and as centuries passed, their […] Continue Reading →

Raventos i Blanc: A Flashback to the Founding Fathers of Cava

Editor’s Note: In December of 2008, Ryan and I visited Raventos i Blanc in DO Cava for our newsletter dedicated to Spanish Cava, in addition to conducting an interview by phone with patriarch, Manuel Raventos. Consequently, we’ve decided to post the article with occasional highlights inserted in gray from my second visit last week. If […] Continue Reading →

Holiday Wines from Writers: Rick Fisher and John Maher

Here’s a quick look at what two of Catavino’s writers were drinking this holiday season. Needless to say all of us here at Catavino found our tables full of good foods and wines, sometimes Iberian and sometimes not. We’ll have more updates on the wines and foods enjoyed as we get back into our blogging […] Continue Reading →

Spanish Cava: The Anytime, Anywhere, with Anyone, Wine

Warning: dead horse about to be beaten for the upteenth time. Spain’s famous sparkling libation is a recurring theme here at the Catavino homestead. Cava should always be considered when planning a meal, an event, or simply watching B movies and eating popcorn on a Wednesday night. Here at Catavino HQ, we tend to drink […] Continue Reading →

Barcelona: Which Wineries You Can Visit By Train

Quite often, we receive requests from people visiting Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon or Oporto, as to which wineries they can visit by train, taxi or foot. Our responses have commonly been, “Good question! And to be quite honest, I don’t know!” Well, maybe Oporto is the exception, as you have a plethora you can get to, […] Continue Reading →

A Couple of Wine Notes – Montau de Sadurní

Recently, Ryan and I were inspired by both Lenndevours and Spittoon, two wine blogs on either side of the vast Pacific Atlantic, for creating simple and straight-forward articles on wines they’ve tasted, and at times, just haven’t had the opportunity to share with others. Due to a large quantity wine notes slowly slipping through the […] Continue Reading →

Get Me Something Refreshing Before I Melt into the Pavement! – Summer Wine Choices

It’s getting hot. My winter comforter is starting to weigh heavy on my little frame, and the hot water handle in my shower is slowly heading towards more arctic temperatures. The sound of screaming and giggling children blow through our windows like a gust of innocence, while the click of glasses rain heavy on the […] Continue Reading →

Restaurante Gaig in Barcelona

Birthdays come with expectations. Maybe a party, maybe a gift, maybe just a day to one’s self. For me, it’s always a meal. Every year, I either take the day to cook for myself, or if I’m lucky, I find myself with my lovely wife, or good friends, at a restaurant. This year, thanks to […] Continue Reading →