Drink Ribera. Drink Spain. DO. Ribera del Duero

Murcia

gmacari — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:24:47 +0000

Spain travel & dining tip: In the heart of south-eastern Spain along the Segura Valley lies the charming city of Murcia. Affectionately nicknamed “Europe’s orchard”, Murcia is known as an essential producer of fruits and vegetables often found in high-end supermarkets all over Europe. A perfect spring destination, Murcia is home to one of the most famous “Fiestas de Primavera” (Spring Festivals) in Spain, celebrating the start of the Holy Week procession. You may want to stick around because a week later is the colorful Bando de la Huerta (Orchard parade) when the locals dress up in traditional huertano clothing to celebrate their bountiful agriculture. Head to the Glorieta, the pleasant city square on the banks of the Segura River for some Zarangollo – a traditional Murcian stewed dish prepared with fresh zucchini and scrambled eggs…a perfect pair for a Rosado from Ribera!

Nervio

natasja — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:21:37 +0000

Literally meaning ‘nerve’, and not to be confused with nervous, ‘nervio’ often refers to someone with, charisma, confidence and courage. In its traditional usage this confidence can be overbearing, with memorable phrases like ‘you have some nerve’, which many of us might remember from our disobedient childhood moments. However, when talking about wine, ‘nervio’ is everything we could ask for. It refers to wines with rich acidity, minerals and tannins. All the elements that give a wine its backbone and define its structure. Boasting big body, beautiful acidity, and a diversity of tannin styles, Ribera and Nervio are one in the same. ‘Vinos con Nervio’ – ‘Vinos de Ribera’. Enjoy the weekend with some Tempranillo. Cheers!

Ribera wines make the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 List

dan — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:02:03 +0000

Ribera wines are chosen as some of Wine Enthusiast’s “must-haves” of 2011. Download the .pdf.

Fresco

natasja — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:51:21 +0000

Literally meaning, fresh, cool or cold, the word ‘Fresco’ likely comes to mind on a hot summer day or just after a strenuous workout. Things that are fresh or refreshing are often associated with temperature; however, as is tradition the wine lover’s vocabulary has its own way of defining things. I wine that is ‘Fresco’ is a wine with strong, well balanced acidity that creates a sense of liveliness in the mouth. Like the difference between a flat and carbonated soda, good acidity creates a bright mouth feel that is exciting but not overbearing. Ribera wines pride themselves on their exemplary acidity, greatly due to the extreme temperatures of the region. Straying from ice cold definitions, Ribera wines provide fresh flavors and structure at a temperature perfect for any occasion, especially Fridays! Have a safe and prosperous weekend! Salud.

Wine Spectator features Ribera wines in their Top 100 of 2011 list!

dan — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:54:49 +0000

Wine Spectator features Ribera wines in their Top 100 of 2011 list!

Download the .pdf

Cadiz

natasja — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:20:34 +0000

Welcome to Spain’s oldest port city, where an emblematic history humbly greets you with open arms. Beautifully tranquil Cadiz sits on a narrow slice of Spain’s southwestern coast surrounded nearly completely by sea. Laden with beaches and vistas, the city promises to relax and revitalize… Unless you visit during Carnival! However despite its eccentric location, the city is very much the quintessential Andalusian city architecturally and gastronomically.

Like many of Spain’s older urban areas, Cadiz has an old center that has been beautifully preserved. Defined by its lush plazas that are scattered throughout the neighborhood and connected by winding, cobblestone alleyways, the area caters to spontaneous strolls and outdoor cafes four lounging. Don’t miss the famous Plaza de Mina at the heart of it all before heading to the famous La Caleta beach to watch the sun set across the Mediterranean.

This land is peaceful, beautiful, but also delicious, and at night restaurants come alive and Tapas and wine are enjoyed by all those who flock to the plazas. Shaped by the sea, the cuisine of Cadiz is very much grounded in the sea that surrounds it. Try ‘Pescaíto Frito’ – a mix of fried fish including squid, dogfish, hake, and baby octopus. Add a few splashes of Ribera Tempranillo and life couldn’t get much better.

Roscos de Vino

natasja — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:18:29 +0000

While many of us have already readjusted to our heavy work schedules, in Spain the holiday spirit surges on. Today, January 6, marks ‘Día de Reyes’ – literally translated as ‘King’s day’… more commonly known as, Epiphany! The day commemorates the arrival of the three … wise men, and is a time when many families and friends exchange presents, eat, and drink. One delectable seasonal specialty that is widely enjoyed and easily baked at home is Rosco de Vino. These small donut shaped pastries, often dusted in confectionary sugar, are baked with key ingredients anise and sweet wine, giving them a uniquely delicious flavor. Dip the final product in your glass of Tempranillo before taking the first bite for ultimate authenticity. It’s time to get in the kitchen and start this weekend off right. Happy Holidays!

Pontevedra

natasja — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:02:50 +0000

Located in the North-Western region of Galecia five hours from Riebra del Duero, the small city of Pontevedra is an often overlooked gem that offers an abundance of rich culture, history, and exciting activities. Perched at the end of the ria Pontevedra at the confluence of the river Lérez and the Pontevedra estuary, the city is in many ways defined by its landscape surrounded by ocean and four distinct mountainous regions that are devided by two faults. More quaint and comfortable than larger Galecian cities like A Coruna and Vigo, Pontevedra is a must, and a distinguished costal highlight among the countless picturesque settlements that pepper Spain’s Rias Baixas- old bays.

Today Pontevedra houses nearly 80,000 inhabitants; however its history as a medieval port town gives it a unique swagger. Often described as the quintessential Galician town, it has many parks, public squares and promenades for visitors to stroll and enjoy the coastal air and ancient architecture. Don’t miss the Zona Monumental – old city center, or the Alameda – a beautiful promenade running along the ria. With a character profoundly marked by the sea and commercial fishing, it’s no surprise that the cuisine in Pontevedra is dominated by fresh fish and seafood. Typical dishes include oysters, salmon, and lamprey with regional specialties like cockle and sardine pies. Find yourself a glass of Ribera at one of the old city’s countless boisterous cafes and enjoy the flavors and sounds of this timeless costal oasis.

Hueco

natasja — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:50:38 +0000

Literally meaning hollow or empty in English, the use of the word ‘hueco’ in the wine world is fairly straightforward. Imagine opening a nicely wrapped Christmas box to find nothing more than a paper clip inside. This may be a bit dramatic, but while the festive box incurs an initial excitement, the lack of any substance inside leaves something to be desired. ‘Hueco’ refers to wines that similarly deceive the drinker with nicely structured body as it enters your mouth, but lack distinguished flavors afterwards. The dynamic journey wine takes through your mouth contains distinct interactions that should be evaluated independently. Quality wines provide multi-tiered character that impress holistically. From start to finish Ribera wines offer us uniquely robust structure and style that underpin the nobility of the region and its tradition. Do away with ‘hueco’ selections over the holiday and enjoy Spain in its truest and most flavorful form: Tempranillo. Happy Holidays!

San Sebastian

natasja — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:50:18 +0000

Nestled on the northern coast less than 15 miles from the French border and 3 hours north of Ribera del Duero lies the picturesque seaside city of San Sebastian, known in the native Basque language as, ‘Donostia’. With a humble population of just under 200,000 people, the city is the capital of Gipuzkoa in the autonomous region known as the Basque Country and is located on the beautifully blue Bay of Biscay.

Known as one of the most famous tourist destinations in all of Spain, San Sebastian has immaculate beaches scattered between mountains on all sides. But if the natural beauty of the region isn’t enough to sweep you off your feet, the pairing of this spectacular setting with a seemingly unrivaled local cuisine will be sure to leave your head spinning. Boasting 13 Michelin stars, a ranking matched only by central Paris, the city is exuberantly Basque by nature both in its vibrant street culture, and its spectacular gastronomy. The old city center, whose old surrounding walls were demolished in 1983 to allow for urban expansions remains a hotbed for these delectable cultural treats in endless supply for those that dare to wander and experiment.

The city is perhaps best enjoyed during the warmer spring and summer months when visitors can lounge on the beaches, stroll the promenade, and lounge in some of the finest outdoor cafés in all of Europe. The regional dish to try is Pintxos, the impeccable Basque creation that has in many ways defined the region’s cuisine. From cod stuffed peppers, to marinated sardines, all served on sliced bread, Pintxos are a must in San Sebastian. A glass of Ribera, a few Pintxos, and a crystal clear ocean panorama… This is a paradise every Spanish lover must experience.