Cellar Tours News Letter
October 2003

Cellar Tours were recommended and featured prominently in this 2 page special on Wine Tourism and Specialist Wine Tours companies in Europe. "Luxury Tours on the Vine Trail: Holidays Led by Experts Serve Up Wine Experiences In Pampered Surroundings", writes By Rose Marie Burke...
Wall Street Journal (subscription)

This deluxe wine tour takes in some of Spain's loveliest villages and most historic wineries. We also visit some fascinating reminders of Spain's Roman History. We meet in Malaga for a briefing and a cocktail. Over the next week, we will visit dramatic, ancient "Pueblos", sleep in converted palaces and experience the joys of avant-garde cuisine. The landscapes in this part of Andalucia are almost mystical, with steep mountains, eagles flying overhead, and stoic Arabic hilltop fortresses. Visit Ronda, probably the most spectacularly located town in Spain. We'll sleep in an elegant, and plush small hotel, known for its famous chef. We'll visit gorgeous "Bodegas" (wine cellars) and taste "Finos", "Amontillados" and some fresh young wines, which perfectly accompany the abundant, freshly caught seafood. Other activities along the way include visits to: the Roman town of Italica (founded in 206 BC by Scipio Africanus); the Moorish, whitewashed village of Arcos de la Frontera; and we will have time to discover fabulous Seville
more info

Jerez de la Frontera was one of the "Frontier" towns between areas ruled by the Moorish Caliphs and by the Christian Monarchs. "De la Frontera" (on the border) was attached to many of the town names who existed on this fuzzy border, including Chiclana, Arcos, Conil and Vejer. Jerez was reconquered from the Moors by Fernando III in 1251, only to be lost again, and on and on it went for centuries.

Jerez is the capital of Sherry country. "Jerez" is actually "Sherry" mispronounced, centuries ago by British wine importers. It is home to many of the big names (González Byass, Emilio Lustau, Garvey, Emilio Hidalgo, John Harvey, etc). The town has an aristocratic air, with wide avenues linked with palms, and many lovely squares. The two most interesting architectural monuments are the Cathedral of Salvador (boasting a masterpiece painting by Zurbarán, "The Sleeping Girl", in the Sacristy) and the remains of an 11th century Moorish fortress (called the Alcazaba, it contains a maintained mosque).
more info

Martinez Bujanda are another exceptional winery in La Rioja. They are again a very old family, having established the business back in 1889, but they are also extremely innovative and have invested millions in top-notch technology. Their brand profile includes the Conde De Valdemar range (excellent good value Crianza, barrique fermented Chardonnays, Rosados, Reservas and smashing Gran Reservas), Finca Valpiedra (single estate, delicious, rich reds) and Finca Antigua (a new, stunning winery in La Mancha, establishing a new level of quality in the area; excellent range of varietal wines including Syrah and Tempranillo)
more info

"Piquillo peppers, which can be sweet and spicy, are grown predominantly in the Basque province of Alava (La Rioja) and in Navarra (which borders France) and are considered a delicacy in Spain and abroad. After being harvested by hand, the delicious bright red, slender peppers are roasted in rustic, brick ovens and then later peeled (releasing the sweetness) and bottled with brine. They are used in a multitude of Spanish dishes, typically stuffed with ground beef and garlic or cod and bechamel sauce. Piquillo Peppers are available outside of Spain and specialty shops and delicatessens. Check out recipes online for "Pimientos al Bacalao."
Learn more about Spanish gastronomy

Nina's is the trendiest new restaurant to hit the already huge selection of "new trendy restaurants" arriving to Spain's vibrant capital, Madrid. It's comfortable and stylish, airy with nice space and high ceilings. It has a New York Loft feel to it, but because of the lovely hardwood floors and rustic chic decor, it doesn't come off as too modern or cold. The best thing about this new eatery, though, is the food and wine list. Despite the fact that Spain produces a shocking amount of quality wines from an array of diverse areas, wine lists in Madrid can be dire. It can be depressing how many restaurants that are otherwise quite nice, only serve table or "house" wines (read: horrid) from La Mancha or Valdepeñas. Luckily, at Nina's, named after the charming, red haired Nina herself, the wine list is inspired and perfectly accompanies the superb, creative dishes. Examples of food and wines on offer include: "Berenjenas crujientes marinadas en leche y miel" (crunchy eggplant/aubergine marinated in milk and honey, 5 euros) which goes nicely with the Catalan "Raimat Chardonnay" (14 euros); "Ajoblanco" (fabulous sweet/savory garlic soup garnished with an almond mousse, grapes and dill, 4.90), Thai Pasta (with noodles, peanuts, rocket, sweet basil sauce, 5.90 euros) which tastes delicious with classy "Martin Codax Albariño" (20 euros);or how about "Revuelto de Morcilla con piñones, pasas y cebbolita caramelizada sobre nido de patatas paja" (Eggs scrambled with country black pudding, raisins, pine nuts and caramelized onions on a bed of delicious sliced potatoes, 9.20) along with a smooth, velvety red from Navarra, "Guelbenzu Evo" (22.50 euros) or a "monster" hearty red from Toro, "Colegiata" from Bodegas Fariña (10 euros). Desserts include:mango and apple tempura with almond and brown sugar shavings, New York Cheesecake (no explanation necessary, and probably the best "NY" cheesecake in Spain), Raspberry sorbet al Balsamico, lemon and vodka sorbet, Mallorcan mandarin glace and homemade profiteroles. If you find yourself in Madrid, Cellar Tours heartily endorse Nina's. They do a wicked all day brunch on weekends, too.

In association with Top Wine Website www.vino.com Cellar Tours are happy to recommend to you their online wine course,
"Wine Knowledge 101"

Overwhelmed by the options?

Intimidated by the snob factor?

Mystified by the labels?

Wine Knowledge 101 offers information that can enhance your enjoyment of wines. With so many wines vying for your attention, a little education will help you identify what you like and why. Armed with this knowledge and a healthy sense of adventure, you can make wine the enjoyable hobby it's meant to be. You don't need to be a multi-lingual geography buff to understand wine. Anyone can learn to appreciate how tasty vino can enhance a meal or gathering. Finding time may be the hardest part! So many wines, so little time. Surely there are worse quandaries.
Read on to get started!