The History of Mixed Spanish Cheese Our journey has taken us through mountainous terrain and spacious pastures; it has introduced us to the sprightly goat, the demure cow, and the helpless sheep. We have also eaten some of the most amazing cheeses produced in the world today. Our final gaze turns to those cheeses produced […]
A Foreigner’s Guide to Mixed Spanish Cheese Read More »
It is a fashion, of late, to praise ‘modern’ winemaking and its techniques. Up until very recently – if it isn’t still going on – the argument held that because US wine guru Robert Parker liked a certain style of wine, most wines were made to this standard (Parker wielded great power on behalf of
Rioja Reserva, Pandering to the Lowest Common Denominator? Read More »
I have a guilty secret. I just do not get the excitement about Grenache and Shiraz. Blended together, or on their own, these grapes often seem too much of a blunt instrument to me. That is not to say that I cannot appreciate that these are good wine grapes that have their place – of
Sierra de Gredos: A Treasure Trove for Old Vine Garnacha Read More »
History of Sheep Cheese Our gallivants through the pastures of the Iberian countryside now turn our gaze from the quiet and inert cow (vaca), and the rambunctious goat (cabra) to the timid and vulnerable sheep (oveja). I might even say that I am thankful for the animal’s reputation of stupidity – follow the shepherd and
A Foreigner’s Guide to Spanish Sheep Cheese Read More »
A few weeks ago I found myself in the midst of a blind tasting with five Masters of Wine candidates. I will tell you how I came to be there another time, but part of it was down to my – dare I say childish – love of blind tastings. Once we had spent a
How Should Albariño Taste? A Palatable Debate Read More »
In the American restaurant scene, the Spanish small plates, “Tapas, ” are no conundrum. But say the word “Pintxos” (generally bread topped with a fish or meat mixture, especially popular in the Basque region of Spain) and you’ll lose a few people. Say the Portuguese word “Petiscos” and you’ll get a whole lot of blank
Petiscos: The Portuguese Cousin of Spanish Tapas Read More »
History of Spanish Goat Cheese Traversing the craggy mountaintops and mountainsides of the Iberian terrain, we descend to the lush, green pastures of the mountains and valleys of (predominantly) Northern Spain. Our gaze turns from the agile and energetic goat (cabra) to the more docile and passive cow (vaca). They graze primarily on the stretch
A Foreigner’s Guide to Spanish Cow Cheese Read More »
Growing up in Florida during the 1970’s and 1980’s I rarely, if ever, saw cheese from an animal other than a cow. Our refrigerator was full of Cheddar, Swiss, and Jack cheeses but nary a cheese from any other animal. I suspect that most people living in the U.S. during that time were experiencing a
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Very recently, I discussed the importance of “coziness” in my life, and how wine plays a key role in facilitating that warm and inviting atmosphere. However, wine isn’t the only substance that creates such an experience; there is also Aguardiente de Orujo. Orujo, also known as augardente or caña in Galician, is a transparent liquor
Conxuro da Queimada: A Galician Fortified Witches Brew Read More »
Most American’s familiarity with Spanish cheese lies somewhere in the realm of understanding of Spanish wines a decade ago. Ask anyone then to name a Spanish wine and the response was invariably “Rioja.” The undisputed Queen of Spanish cheese, Manchego, would likely be the response to the same question today regarding cheese. Are you a true
A Foreigner’s Guide to Spanish Cheese: Introduction Read More »
It was autumn in the lush Minho region; an area of mist and granite of northern Portugal hard up against the border with Spain. Our elderly neighbor Manuel was calling over to us. It was mid-afternoon and time for a drink. He carefully poured the purple frothy liquid into white porcelain bowls and my husband
A Vindima: A Geologist’s Take on the Grape Harvest in the Minho Read More »
I often joke that I live in Spain exclusively for its cured Jamon. It is one of the few things that is truly singular to Spain. Granted, you can now buy it in London, and in limited qualities in the USA, among other countries; but in truth, it is only at its best when fresh
Rovellones: “Golden Fungus of the Gods” Read More »
Our journey through the world of traditional tapas began with the mighty tomato and led us to the robust potato. We now find ourselves returning once again to Spain’s favorite bread-topping condiment – the almighty tomato. Pan con Tomate (aka Pa amb Tomàquet or Pan a la Catalana) is one of the most popular and
Tradition Meets Modernity: New Ideas for Old Tapas (Part III: Pan con Tomate) Read More »
Last month, I made a trip to the Portuguese mountains of Serra de Estrela for the first time. Serra de Estrela is the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, and we spent 3 days enjoying some breathtaking views, crystal clear mountain lakes, picturesque little villages nestled into the cliffs and the gracious hospitality of small
The Shepherds of Serra da Estrela: A Dying Craft Threatening Portuguese Cheese Read More »
In Part I (Gazpacho), we began our journey in the heat of the south of Spain but now head to one of the country’s northern-most regions, Bilbao (as rumor/tradition has it) to modify another of Spain’s great signature dishes – tortilla española. Known by a few names – tortilla española, tortilla a la española, and
Tradition Meets Modernity: New Ideas for Old Tapas (Part II: Tortilla Española) Read More »
