I’m currently in the process of writing up a series based on a visit to Rioja. The latest instalment involves Valdemar, who are doing some interesting work with new varieties…
Fonseca 1970, Delamain 1914, Vin de Constance 1988 and other treats
Had a very enjoyable dinner last night at the offices of Mentzendorff, a major high-end UK agency house. It was more fun than work, but I took some notes on the…
Video: harvest in Rioja
Here’s a short film from my recent Rioja trip. It looks at the harvest at a couple of wineries. There’s a contrast between Finca Allende receiving their Graciano, and La…
Rioja, day 3: at last, a vineyard, and a spectacular barrel hall
Sadly, it was the last day in Rioja. Just one visit: LAN. I’d really enjoyed the previous two days, but up till now we hadn’t been shown a single vineyard….
Logroño tapas crawl
So it was off to Calle Laurel for the compulsory tapas bar crawl last night. It was Tuesday, so it wasn’t terribly busy, but there was enough of a buzz…
Rioja, day 2
Day two in Rioja has been another day of contrasts. Three very different wineries, reflecting the spread that you find in this region. First up, La Riojanas – with a…
Out in Logroño
Dinner last night was at Asador el Tahiti in Logroño. It’s a traditional Riojan restuarant and we ate and drank well. Particularly interesting was Morcilla, which is pig’s blood and…
Rioja, day 1
First day in Rioja. Three very different wineries visited. First, Finca Allende: modern, terroir driven, with lovely wines, including the brilliant Calvario, a single-vineyard offering. Good white, too. Aurus, their…
Off to Rioja
Travelling again. Just for a few days. One of the aspects of my ‘job’ (I’m embarrassed to call it that, even though I work very hard) that I most enjoy, is the…