Winter Whites, Late Summer Reds
When the summer season breathes its last symbolic gasp on Labor Day and the colors at the farmers’ markets begin to transition from bright yellows and ruby reds to dark greens, purples, and oranges, the wines in our glasses begin to change too. Summertime is all about refreshing whites and rosés. Reds make an appearance […]
Bucket List Wine Destination
It is often said that wine is life, but in Ribera del Duero and Rueda, it is more. Wine represents the roots in the soil and the root of the soul. Each glass made here represents the area’s ancient past and its slow, steady march toward modern winemaking. Castles dominate the landscape in these regions, […]
Grilling Guide to Tempranillo
This conversation is temporarily halted when the black-edged fatty steak and intensely seasoned vegetables are lifted off the grill and transferred to platters. Anticipation sets in but not for long as the rallying cry of any such gathering is, “Let’s open some wine!” For a repast edged with char, heavy on proteins, and laced with […]
Spain’s Love for Fire Cookery
When evening descends earlier than it did just a few weeks before; when dry autumn leaves fall to the ground and the sounds of swoosh and snap fill the air as the wind whips through; and when fireplaces, wood-fired ovens, and stoves emit warmth and light and power once again, “crackle” becomes the sound of […]
The King of Grapes
Ribera del Duero, which translates to the riverbanks of the Duero, is mostly a high plateau ranging from 2,200 to 2,800 feet. It is host to as many as 30 different soil types, though mostly sand, limestone, chalk, and sand, all of which contribute to the distinctive nature of the region’s dominant grape, Tempranillo. To a […]
Ribera del Duero – Land of Extremes
Usually referred to in these parts as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais to distinguish it from other nearby tempranillos as well as to highlight the uniqueness of the Ribera del Duero’s unique influence on the grape’s characteristics, the thick-skinned grape is grown in a place of extremes – extreme temperatures, rocky terrain, and high […]
