Hi guys, at the start of Jan I wil be going to Spain and Portugal for 2 months, starting with Porto, working my way around the coast to Barcelona, then the last stop is Madrid.
Any recommendations on wine places I should go see, bottleshops I should buy wines from, wines I should look out for. I won't have a car so it will have to be accessible by public transport.
TIA... I am looking forward to it!
Spain + Portugal
Alex
If you want a wine book, then the Penin (annual) is translated into English (and in paperback), and should be available for web delivery. It's a very well written book, with a fine educational section at the front (150 pages worth or so IIRC) where even bookworm wine fanatics will even learn new stuff.
There's also one called New Spain, I think by John Radford. Big format book, so better for buying at home rather than carrying with you.
Personal favourites?
Coma Velha by Mas d'en Gil is a wine that I reckon would appeal to an aussie palate. It's supposedly all Grenache, but very much avoids the confected nature that a few of the aussies suffer from in my experience.
sherries Do a trawl of the tapas bars, tasting widely.
Rioja Old and new. Old can be a bit dried out, but there are good producers (as ever). I'm only just dipping my toes into these, so nothing much to recommend yet.
Portuguese whites More miss than hit from our friends experiences whilst living out there.
Port Obviously a great draw and taste as widely as you can. This single quinta Quinta da Eira Velha Porto was stunning in 94 vintage at a great price.
Have a great time
Ian
If you want a wine book, then the Penin (annual) is translated into English (and in paperback), and should be available for web delivery. It's a very well written book, with a fine educational section at the front (150 pages worth or so IIRC) where even bookworm wine fanatics will even learn new stuff.
There's also one called New Spain, I think by John Radford. Big format book, so better for buying at home rather than carrying with you.
Personal favourites?
Coma Velha by Mas d'en Gil is a wine that I reckon would appeal to an aussie palate. It's supposedly all Grenache, but very much avoids the confected nature that a few of the aussies suffer from in my experience.
sherries Do a trawl of the tapas bars, tasting widely.
Rioja Old and new. Old can be a bit dried out, but there are good producers (as ever). I'm only just dipping my toes into these, so nothing much to recommend yet.
Portuguese whites More miss than hit from our friends experiences whilst living out there.
Port Obviously a great draw and taste as widely as you can. This single quinta Quinta da Eira Velha Porto was stunning in 94 vintage at a great price.
Have a great time
Ian
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Serge Birbrair
Friend of mine just got back from Priorat, Spain and here are his wineries notes and pictures
http://winereader.com/wines/priorat1.html
I've been to Priorat a year earlier,
and here is my acount:
http://winereader.com/wines/priorat.html
and more pictures:
http://www.nocomments.com/2/Spain/Mike/Priorat/
http://winereader.com/wines/priorat1.html
I've been to Priorat a year earlier,
and here is my acount:
http://winereader.com/wines/priorat.html
and more pictures:
http://www.nocomments.com/2/Spain/Mike/Priorat/
