A Free Wine Encyclopedia!The history and legacy of the Rioja district in Spain is rich in tales and stories. I would suggest, if your are interested, a book by Jan Read “Wines of the Rioja”. I was captivated by the accounts of not only Rioja, but of the capital of Rioja, Logrofio. The Rioja district of Spain is… read more »
In the year 1647, on top of a hill that slopes down to the Mediterranean, in what is now the province of Cataluna (Catalonia) in Spain, someone constructed a farmhouse in the likeness of a mediaeval fortress. Two hundred years later, this imposing property became a winery, Las Cavas Jaume Serra. Surrounding the cavas (caves… read more »
In 1874 the Navajas family founded the Bodegas Montecillo winery in the Alavesa district near the Rio Oja (“Oja River”), namesake of what has become Spain’s most acclaimed wine producing region. Montecillo was one of the pioneering wineries which adapted French (Bordeaux) wine-making techniques to Spanish grapes last century and in so doing created a… read more »
When I heard about this, this morning… I thought I was dreaming or had been transported into an alternate universe. In the Abruzzo region near Rome, a fountain flowing with free red wine has been installed on the Cammino di San Tommaso route where thousands of traveling locals and tourists find their way from Rome to Ortona…. read more »
Wine with Food: Tapas By Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. | A most refreshing custom of Spain is the serving of a tidbit every time wine is served. These wonderful appetizers are standard fare at all restaurants, wine bars, and gatherings. In fact, it is automatic. Most establishments will place one piece of tapas on a small plate, and… read more »
Grenache is a red grape that is in Southern France and Spain. The distinctive taste of cinnamon in Grenache is what makes it stand out. Grenache is used in some of the most expensive and most elegant wines of the world.
CUMBRERO. 1982 –WHITE RIOJA, BODEGAS MONTECILLO by Paul Kalemkiarian Sr | September 1984 Rioja is best known for its red wines. It competes with sherry as the premier wine of Spain. Not really a fair comparison because of their totally different style and usage. White wine from Rioja is another matter. It is not as well known,… read more »
VIÑA MONTY. 1975 – BODEGAS MONTECILLO by Paul Kalemkiarian Sr | February 1984 There were vineyards in Rioja when the Romans colonized this area of Spain. It was one of the first regions to be recaptured during the Reconquest, and it supplied wine in large quantity to the thirsty Conquistadors. By 1770 a ” Royal Society… read more »
FINO SHERRY – SAVORY & JAMES by Paul Kalemkiarian Sr | December 1983 Hugh Johnson, the well known wine authority and writer draws an interesting comparison between sherry and champagne. Both wines are white. Both wines are distinctly different from table wines: one is a sparkling wine, and the other is a fortified wine. Both need… read more »
Adventures in Eating: Onion and Potato Tortilla Tapas by Rosemarie | April 1984 The rain, the land and the gentle people of Spain are still in front of my eyes, and they continue to excite my thoughts as I sit down to write this column. Since our return, I find my emotions and energies prancing… read more »