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…
Dinner with Dirk Niepoort: projects at the project
Very interesting dinner last night with one of Portugal’s finest, Dirk Niepoort (above). The focus was on special projects that he’s been involved with, and – rather appropriately – the…
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…
Almaroja Pirita 2007 from Spain’s wonderful Arribes region
This is an interesting red from the lesser known Spanish region of Arribes, on the international Douro with Portugal sitting over the river. In fact, if you head further into…