Like most of northern Portugal, the geology of the Minho region is dominated by granite rocks. Rolling hills with massive round boulders cluster around peaks or are strewn about slopes and sandy river banks in the valleys. Every now and again, on my hikes through the forests or along the country lanes, I come across […]
Schist: A Cultural Staple in the Douro Valley and Beyond Read More »
Fire up the barbecues and grab your friends. No, it is not Memorial Day weekend or a celebration of the first day of spring. Winter marks the time of year when Cataluña celebrates the almighty calçot. It is no secret that Catalans love to party, and the annual calçotada is just one more excuse to
The Calçotada: From Spain to Your Backyard Read More »
Editor’s Note: Loosely based on my parent’s honeymoon back in 1969, I couldn’t resist adding a modern spin for the holiday. It’s Valentine’s Day in Madrid, and you’ve got everything for that day completely set. You’re not like those other guys who think a bouquet of roses and the whisperings of a few sweet nothings
Word to the Wise: Never Order Suckling Pig on Valentine’s Day Read More »
Despite the address on our mail, our soles rarely touch Barcelona soil. Have a conversation with us in Spanish, or Catalan, and you’re quick to learn that we’re not from around these parts. Instead, we can be found in any given wine region, around the world, often per the request of a client or new
Guest Houses: The Perfect Accommodation in Spain and Portugal! Read More »
The following effervescent legend is sponsored by our friends at CellarVie Wines which, with 400 wines from 16 countries, is a great place to buy Champagne and Cava online. Sitting just below the Christmas tree, my nephew and I cuddle tightly in a ball, as I sip upon a glass of Cava. Snuggling deep into
Elves, Fireworks and Festivities: How Bubbles found their Way into a Cava Bottle Read More »
Approaching the traditional Spanish culinary table conjures images of manchego cheese, gazpacho, calamares fritos (fried calamari), jamón iberico, gambas ajillo (shrimp with garlic), and tortilla española. Taking a seat at the traditional Mallorcan table, rarely does one find any of these. The sordid and universal history of Mallorca has served to provide the island with
Part II: Mallorca – Diversity at the Table Read More »
Typically, early morning hours in Spain are gorgeous, with a gentle breeze that delicately caresses your skin, awakening your senses and offering the perfect compliment to your first cup of coffee. Paired with pan con tomate, or a simple yoghurt and fresh fruit mix, it’s my favorite time of the day! Recently, however, I’ve been
Spanish Cocktail: Lemon Cava Sorbet Read More »
Amidst the periphery of the northeastern Iberian coastline lies one of the jewels in the Spanish crown – Mallorca (often spelt Majorca by English speakers). For years, I longed to visit the Balearics and only recently did that wish become reality. One luxurious week on an island in the Med. Would it be the experience I
Part 1: Mallorca: The Jewel of the Mediterranean Read More »
Not surprisingly, I’ve delayed writing this post for weeks, dutifully trying to answer the question, “what happened over the past 6 years and how does one summarize such an experience in one article?” Admittedly, it’s absolutely impossible. To write a one off post on how our lives have changed feels as inconsequential as writing a
How to Fall Deeply in Love with Portugal and Spain Read More »
WARNING: This post is extremely graphic; however, it does depict the very real act of killing an Iberian pig. If you are someone who is an animal lover, or gets squeemish at the site of bodily fluids, we might suggest you skip this article and await happier articles of drinking wine by the sea. Preface:
La Matanza: The Very Real Story Behind Jamon Iberico Read More »
Editor’s Note: For more information on the style of this post, please read “Wine as a Backdrop“. Wine has been known as a gentle social lubricant that can facilitate any conversation. It has the healing power to make the lips loose and the spirit open. Mind you, I’m not condoning the over consumption of wine,
In Vino, Veritas: In Wine, There is Considerable Truth Read More »
This past week, while enjoying one of our favorite cities in the world, Porto, it occurred to us that we were harboring a delicious secret that should be revealed. This cuisine, though not entirely secret to the entire population of Brazil, is unknown to many, and it’s called Churrasqueira (Churrascaria is Brazilian). Last Sunday, while
Churrasqueira: Savoring Grilled Meats in Portugal Read More »
I love Spain, but I love the view of the country that I have in my head from childhood and – democracy and human rights apart – that is how I still want it to be. Whenever I am there, I seek out the traditional and the old fashioned, because I like it. Not for
A Glutton’s Guide to Spanish Culture Read More »
Before we dive into this article, I’d like to invite you to play with me for a moment. Imagine that I’ve placed three buckets of red paint infront of you named: Burnt Orange, Fire Engine Red and Sunburst Yellow. Each of these vary slightly in vivacity, purity and tone, and your job is to mix
The Assemblage: The Art and Science Behind Blending a Cava Wine Read More »
Editorial Note: Fabio Bartolomei from Vinos Ambiz is not only a self-proclaimed natural winemaker in Spain, but he’s also a friend. Having recently attended the Natural Wine Fair in Barcelona (wrap-up article here) a few weeks ago, getting into a rather lively debate about the true definition of natural wine, we asked Fabio if he wouldn’t
Natural Wine: Is It a Friend, Foe or Fabrication? Read More »
