Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Ribera del Duero and Rueda- a Marriage Made in Heaven

Photo Credit:  Ribera del Duero & Rueda
If you've ever taken a wine tour with me then you've heard me talk about some of the great marriages in the wine world:  Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache.  Well today, it's time to announce a brand new couple- but this union is all different.  This is the union of two great Spanish D.O.'s - Rueda and Ribera del Duero.  

These two regions sit on the River Duero, which gives them similar continental climates with long hot summers and cold winters, and soil filled with lime, gravel and clay.  The roots of the vines have to dig down deep to get their nutrients giving character and strength to the wines.  As similar as these two regions are, they vary in varieties, though again, in perfect harmony.  Ribera del Duero produces, most notably, Tinto Fino, also known as Tempranillo.  Rueda, on the other hand, is most well known for their Verdejo.  

Now, you all know Tempranillo.  It reigns supreme in every one's go to Spanish red- lovingly known as Rijoa.  Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero is medium to
Photo Credit:  Ribera del Duero & Rueda
medium high in body.  It is medium to medium high in acid.  It imparts beautiful flavors of red fruits- cranberries, strawberries, plums, hints of almond and vanilla. These are powerful wines- ones you can easily sip on a chilly evening or pair with a hearty bean stew, or with a Tortilla Espanola.  As it doesn't have high tannins, this isn't a wine that demands rich and fatty foods, but one that can easily pair with those chicken and pork dishes, or even pair with swordfish.


Verdejo is special.  Verdejo can be compared to Sauvignon Blanc, with its citrus and stone fruit palates, and can also show signs of herbaceous qualities.  However it is fuller in body than your typical Sauvignon Blanc, making Verdejo, in my opinion just a bit more versatile.  It will pair beautifully with your shrimp or scallop dishes, but can easily work with bigger, heartier fair as well.  This one of those white wines that can hold its own in the winter months.  

The partnership of these two regions means that both of these wines will be easier to find.  They are showcasing them over the next few years in American markets and they are excited to teach us about their treasures.  Don't skip these bottles - I had the opportunity to taste the 2014 Verdejo and it was outstanding.  These two promise great things for many years.    

Monday, March 2, 2015

Travelers Forbidden Apple Ale

Oh Traveler's Ales....you have done it again!  A few years ago I was introduced to their shandys- blends of juices with wheat beers.  Their blends were both unique and comforting and I fell in love.  A few weeks ago they let me in on their newest brain child- their Forbidden Apple Ale.

I'll be frank with you- I was hesitant with this one.  I am a cider drinker but even for me, some apple products can just be too sweet.  This Forbidden Ale though...wow.  It is a wheat beer, brewed with apples...and not sugar.  The flavor is clean, it has a strong beer flavor with this wonderful, subtle fresh apple feel.  This is not like alcoholic soda- this is beer, tried and true, with a little autumnal feel.

This one is seasonal- so get it while it lasts!

Restaurant Reviews: A dead art?

Last December I declared 2023 the year I would return to food writing.  It was a bold statement (even now as I look at my last published dat...