Initially, I thought I would be the only person bringing sherry to the EWBC 2008 invitational tasting, but once things got going, I was pleased to see that some Osborne Fino Quinta and the Manzanilla and Fino from Equipo Navazos (Nos 7 and 8 ) had made an appearance. The more the merrier, as far […]
Sherry at EWBC 2008 and Alvaro Domecq Read More »
A few weeks ago, a friend of ours gave us the skinny on a new wine shop in Barcelona called, Neyras Vins. Located on Calle Laietana, a short jaunt from the famous Barcelona Cathedral, it is a cozy and comfortable space that welcomes both tourists and residents alike. It’s owner, Antonio Gomez Neyra, is also
Visiting Barcelona? Check Out A Brand Spanking New Wine Shop! Read More »
Since day one, I’ve wanted a map of the wine regions of Spain and Portugal. Seems like a simple request, and if I couldn’t have one of Iberia, at least you would think that there would be one of Spain and another of Portugal. You would think. You would also be wrong, sort of. Announcement
Exciting Announcement – The DeLong Iberian Wine Map – with help from Catavino Read More »
Two weeks ago, after a very relaxing holiday in Galicia, we chose to make our way home to Jerez via Portugal, stopping off for two nights in Oporto on the way. I’ve been to where they make Madeira, I live where they make sherry but I had never been to Oporto, so this was an
Wine Tourism in Sherry Country and a Lesson from Portugal Read More »
Sherry vinegar (Vinagre de Jerez) must be one of the most neglected condiments. It should really be a staple item in the kitchen cupboard. Chefs have been onto sherry vinegar for decades, but for some reason it has passed the general public by, pushed aside in the rush for “easy-drinking” balsamico style vinegars. Sherry vinegar
The Delicious Vinagre de Jerez or Spanish Sherry Vinegar Read More »
There’s a tradition in Andalucia for fairs – Ferias – in the spring and summer. The format is generally the same: The Feria lasts about a week; there are corridas (bullfights) in the afternoons; it’s held at a temporary “tent city”, usually on open ground near the edge of town; dancing the “Sevillana” (Sevillana video)
Officially, we are melting into the Catalunyan soil. Temperatures have risen up to 94 degrees F, which may not be that hot many of you suffering in 100+ degree temperatures, but after 2 months of rain and chilly temperatures, this seems like a sauna to us poor folk. But this doesn’t mean we don’t know
Perfect Summer Combination: Manzanilla and Gazpacho! Read More »
I can’t even start this post without smiling, because the experience was so odd and enjoyable, the mere thought of it brings a big broad toothy grin to my face. My cat is even looking at me odd as I giggle alone, thoroughly enjoying the moment. I’ll let you in on my little secret, I
Doctor’s Prescription in Spain: More Meat, More Wine, More Fat, More Excitement Read More »
If it wasn’t for the title of this post, I trust that you’d most likely look at the word “patxaran” and wonder if it wasn’t the name of a pharmaceutical drug or a race of aliens on Star Trek. Sounding the letters out one by one, you suddenly find your tongue confused, unable to maneuver
La Rioja’s Traditional Liqueur: Patxaran Read More »
Editor’s note: This story is from 3 years ago when I first went to Rioja. Back then Catavino was not known, and I only had a small family site I was maintaining. Money was scarce, hell it still is! But this became one of my favorite stories, and since it took place in Rioja and
Dinner at Terete in Haro, La Rioja Read More »
Well, we could begin with the obvious, bubbles! Bubbles are fun. They’re playful. And they make every occasion just a touch more festive and cheerful. Each time you’re poured a glass of Cava, you can’t help but find yourself entranced by their journey from the bottom to the top of your flute, eager to escape
The Mainstay of Cava Wine: Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel.lo Read More »
If you find yourself with a bottle of Sherry wine in hand, and you’re keen to enjoy it – simply open and imbibe. If, on the other hand, you’re keen to explore this gorgeous and widely diverse beverage to its fullest, allow me to offer a few suggestions. 1. Sherry Should Only be Served in
Top Five Mistakes in Serving Sherry Read More »
Cava is Spain’s sparkling wine, the name coming from the word for cave, which describes the vast network of caverns that house and age this noble beverage. It was in 1872 that Josep Raventós first started experimenting with producing wine in a way that was being done in Champagne, France. As far as what Cava
Cava: A comprehensive guide to Spanish sparkling wine Read More »
When I worked in my liquor store back in the States, I became enamored with old, long lost cocktails that once held a place in the better bars around the world. I studied the Martini, originally 4 parts red vermouth to 1 part gin. I fell in love with the Manhattan, only after I found
Vermouth – Straight up! Read More »
Recently, I have seen on the web a number of wine writers who have dismissed sherry as wine “not drunk by Spaniards” and better left to “Grandma at Christmas”. I’m shocked and a bit irked. Why has such a noble beverage taken a back seat in the world of wine? Sherry should not be disregarded
Sherry 101 – Basics of this Noble Wine! Read More »
