Welcome to the Vi Jazz festival in Vilafranca del Penedés: balmy summer nights, free Jazz concerts galore, and abundant local wine in the historic center of this modest Catalán city of around 40,000 inhabitants. Dating back to the 12th century, Vilafranca is the economic engine and heart of the Penedés wine industry. While Penedés garners […]
History of Jazz in Catalunya, Spain Read More »
I absolutely love Portuguese fish. Whether writing or speaking, I can go on and on about the quality, freshness and simplicity of a perfectly grilled piece of fish in Portugal. It’s something I recommend everyone should experience at least once in their life. But if you had asked me not too long ago about Portuguese canned fish,
Conservas de Peixe: The Tasty but Discernible Truth Behind Canned Fish in Portugal Read More »
The term ‘natural wine’ means so much to a few, and absolutely nothing to many, and no matter your feelings (usually love or hate) about the phrase, and the wines themselves, everyone can agree it’s a hot topic in the wine world and one that needs ever more explanation and exploration. But hold on, aren’t
Natural Wine in Spain: A Fast Growing Trend Among Consumers or a Passing Fad? Read More »
The past few years have been good to the Ribera del Duero wine region in North Central Spain; but much like Sonoma in California wine country, it has had to contend with a more popular older sibling, Rioja. That said, given the region’s much deserved recent international notoriety, things are changing. On a recent trip
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Ribera del Duero Read More »
Editor’s Note: The article below is based on an experience had by the author. As the Almadraba is a traditional practice by the Andalucians, we felt that it was very poignant article to place on Catavino. However, we want to be very clear that we understand the controversial nature of the catching Bluefin tuna considering its
The Almadraba: Netting Blue-Fin Tuna, the Phoenician Way Read More »
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 »
Portugal is brimming with history, tradition and an abundance of natural resources, mainly of the edible variety! I’ve lost count of the number of nut, cork and olive trees; the vast amount of grapevines and vegetable gardens capable of growing in every nook and cranny; clear rivers and streams teeming with life and herds of
Shopping In Portugal: Top 5 Gourmet Portuguese Products for Travel Read More »
After dragging travel expert, but wine novice, Duncan Rhodes around the Douro Valley for a week, Catavino was impressed with how erudite his previously untrained palate became in such a short time… or did it? The Urban Travel Blog editor reveals his top 13 tips for faking it during a wine tasting… Nimbly holding the
Bluffer’s Guide to Wine Tasting 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 »
The southern Portuguese region of the Algarve is a huge summer destination for many Portuguese residents, as well Europeans, as the vast coastline of warmer water currents and consistently sunny weather are ideal for the perfect beach vacation. That said, the Algarve also tends to have a reputation for being crowded and touristy, especially in
Seafood in Sagres, Portugal: A Deliciously Natural Area of Algarve Read More »
Can you believe that in the 4+ years that I’ve lived here, I’ve only started cooking Portuguese dishes at home in the last year? I kept telling myself it’s best I leave the Portuguese cooking to the experts- meaning the mothers and grandmothers of people I know and all the other little ladies who work
Part II: How to Shop for Food in Portugal Read More »
With the plentiful information we’ve provided about Port and Douro wines, and the beautiful area they originate from this November, hopefully, you’re itching to put together the perfect wine trip to the Douro Valley. Lists of the wineries you’re dying to visit are being rapidly typed up. Maps are strewed across your kitchen table. And
Douro Wines and Portuguese Food: The Perfect Pairings Read More »
Editor’s Note: Many moons ago, Ryan and I had the privilege of cracking open our first birth year wine; which translates to a wine produced on the year of your birth. Having coasted well into our 30’s, there are few wines that could last the test of time other than a wine with a touch of fortification, such as
The Art of Choosing Your Birth Year Port Read More »
Many of us who love a good glass of wine would agree with Robert Louis Stevenson, whose famous quote says “Wine is bottled poetry”. And while I may not recite Emily Dickenson or Thoreau with every glass, there is no doubt that certain wines speak to us in ways that elicit the feelings that are
IVDP: The Structural Body Behind Quality Port Wine Read More »
So, you’ve heard about Port Wine and how it’s fantastic, life-enhancing and a gift from nature, but if you can’t make it to Porto for your own guided Port Tour, which one to drink at home? Sometimes the stuff we build to help make sense of life actually gets in the way of enjoying it.
What Port to Choose and When Read More »
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