The Pioneering Spirit Of Recaredo
Recaredo has been a pioneer in the world of Spanish sparkling wine, pushing the boundaries of quality traditional method. Founded in 1924 by Josep Mata Capellades, the winery, named after his father, has been a pioneer in pushing the boundaries of traditional Spanish sparkling wine. Their unwavering commitment to the brut nature style, combined with their pioneering spirit in long aging and biodynamic and organic farming, has solidified their position as a leading light in the world of sparkling wine. They are among the nine founding families of Corpinnat. I had the extraordinary opportunity to delve into Recaredo’s world with Head of Enology, Nuria Arteaga. Descending into the winery’s heart, I was transported into a world of meticulous craftsmanship. Witnessing a multigenerational riddler orchestrating a ballet of bottles as well as disgorging à la volée was a mesmerizing spectacle. The rhythmic precision and grace with which he handled each bottle was a stark reminder of the human touch that is the cornerstone of Recaredo’s winemaking philosophy. Tasting the Serral del Vell 2018 amidst the slumbering bottles was a sensory journey. This wine, a harmonious blend of 85% Xarel·lo and 15% Macabeu, aged for five years on lees, showcased the depth and complexity that Recaredo achieves through their patient winemaking approach. The interplay of flavors and textures was a testament to the winery’s ability to capture the essence of their terroir. Recaredo’s story is a captivating narrative of innovation, tradition, and a profound respect for the land. Their wines are more than just beverages; they are expressions of a unique terroir, a family legacy, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From the vineyards to the cellar, every step of the winemaking process reflects Recaredo’s philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the true character of the grapes to shine through. Beyond their exceptional sparkling wines, Recaredo’s dedication to sustainability is equally impressive. Their commitment to organic farming and biodynamic practices underscores their respect for the environment and their desire to produce wines that are in harmony with nature. Recaredo’s journey is an inspiration to wine lovers and producers alike. It is a story of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The tasting tour of Recaredo sparkling and still wines: Corpinnat: Recaredo Terrers 2019 Brut Nature, a blend of 57% Xarel-lo, 25% Macabeu and 17% Paralleda, 1% Monastrell Recaredo Subtil Brut Nature 2019, made from 100% Xarel-lo Recaredo Intens Rosat Brut Nature 2020 100% Monastrell Celler Credo: Rat PetNat 2020 100% Macaque Ambvi Valent 2019 100% Red Xarel-lo Recaredo’s journey is an inspiration to wine lovers and producers alike. It is a story of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. A huge thank you to Nuria for the incredible Recaredo tour and tasting. Check out my Uncover Recaredo Instagram reel
Llopart – Six Centuries Of Legacy Excellence
Follow 26th generation Jesi Llopart and I as we journey through the legacy of Can Llopart de Subirats- the history, family values and sense of place of this institutional Corpinnat family grower producer in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, Penedès, Spain. What is Corpinnat? COR: heart PIN: Penedès NAT: born in the region Corpinnat is a designation formed in 2017 for high-quality sparkling wines made in the Penedès region of Spain. It’s a newer designation, formed by a group of producers (Llopart are one of the founding families) who wanted to distinguish their wines as a high quality traditional method sparkling wine. At a hight level glance, they have more stringent production rules than Cava DO (which was formed in 1979), such as longer aging ( minimum 18 months sur lie), indigenous grapes, smaller yields and organic practices. They focus on terroir by emphasizes the unique characteristics of the Penedès region and smaller production volumes compared to Cava DO. Essentially, Corpinnat represents a commitment to producing premium sparkling wines with a strong sense of place. A Family’s Passion, Bottled Nestled in the heart of Penedès is Sant Sadurni d’Anoia where Llopart lies, a winery steeped in over six centuries of history. The Llopart family’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional sparkling wines has solidified their place as a revered name in Spanish viticulture. Their journey began in 1385 when Bernardus Leopardi was granted vineyards in what is now Can Llopart de Subirats. While the family initially cultivated a variety of crops, it was in 1887 that their destiny with traditional method sparkling wine was sealed with the production of their first sparkling wine. Under the visionary leadership of Pere Llopart i Vilarós in the 1950s, the winery elevated sparkling to new heights, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship. A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Tradition Llopart’s 102-hectare estate is a breathtaking tapestry of north-facing terraced vineyards, predominantly planted on limestone and marl soils. These “Clos” vineyards, situated at an average altitude of 350-400 meters, are surrounded by 400 hectares of pristine forests and mountains. This idyllic setting creates a natural ecosystem that nurtures biodiversity and imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes. The limestone-rich terroir is the cornerstone of Llopart’s signature style: wines that are clean, fresh, and imbued with vibrant acidity. With a profound respect for the environment, Llopart embodies organic viticulture across its entire estate. The winery’s unwavering commitment to the Xarel·lo grape variety has become synonymous with their style. Through extended aging – Llopart’s minimum of 20 months sur lie with an average ageing of more than 42 months – Llopart crafts complex and refined sparklings. Their dedication to Brut Nature expressions showcases the purest essence of the grapes. A Personal Journey through Time I was greeted by Jesi with a glass of vibrant Xarel-lo grape juice, a refreshing and invigorating start to my exploration of this wine glorious region. My visit to Llopart was an immersive experience that transported me through centuries of winemaking heritage. As I explored the vineyards with Jesi, I was captivated by the intricate ecosystem she described, where every plant and creature plays a vital role. Witnessing the age-old technique of vine layering on 90-year-old Xarel-lo vines was truly awe-inspiring. Descending into the cellar was like stepping back in time. A cinematic journey unfolded, showcasing the Llopart family’s history, from historical winemaking tools to a vintage car. The highlight was undoubtedly the exclusive glimpse of the unreleased Llegat Familiar – a breathtaking tribute to the family’s legacy and a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Crafted from the Paulino vineyard, planted by their grandfather Josep Llopart Massana in 1935, and aged for an astonishing 144 months sur lie, this Brut Nature is a masterpiece in the making. While Llopart is renowned for its exceptional Cavas, their range of still wines is equally impressive. The Vi-brant, a refreshing Pet Nat made from rare pink skinned Xarel·lo Vermell grapes, was a delightful discovery while sitting in the much needed shade on a 36C sunny day. Discover the sparkling wines I tasted: Llopart Original 1887 Espumos 2013: A homage to the winery’s first bottle, this complex sparkling is predominantly made from Montonega and aged for over 108 months. Llopart Ex Vite 2014: A rich and toasty Brut Nature aged for over 98 months. Llopart Leopardi 2017: A benchmark of high-quality sparkling, this Brut Nature is aged for over 60 months. Llopart Integral: A fresh and vibrant Brut Nature Reserva aged for over 18 months. Llopart Rosé Brut: An elegant and creamy Brut Rosé Reserva aged for over 18 months. The warmth and generosity of the Llopart family made my visit unforgettable. Every aspect of the estate, from the labels to the family’s decision-making process, reflects their deep-rooted passion. A heartfelt thank you to Jesi and Xavier for sharing the Llopart story. I eagerly anticipate my return to this enchanting corner of Spain. Link to my Instagram reel Follow Me & 26 Generations of Llopart
POV: Finally Meeting An Instagram Friend
Drumroll please…… The best part of social media is meeting people that you have connected with online in real life. Julie and I are proof that online friendships are the real deal. We clicked instantly on Instagram and finally got to ¡salud! our wine loving selves in Barcelona. The city? Dreamy. Eixample district? Perfection. We ate, we laughed, we soaked up the sunshine and basically lived our best lives with a fantastic bottle of regional white wine to tie a bow on this perfect moment 🍷💃 The restaurant: 3 Focs is a must for chill atmosphere authentic Catalan cuisine convivial: Croquettes de Pere( roast chicken and jamòn iberico) Pan con tomate Chargrilled eggplant Canelons D’en Père À L’Estil Fonda (a traditional stuffed cannelloni with roast chicken with a béchamel sauce) And let’s not forget the wine 🇪🇸 Matons D.O. Alella Pansa Blanca 2022 Made from 100% grape Pansa Blanca (aka Xarel-lo) the uber fresh bouquet jumped out of the glass – ripe peaches, a hint of citrus zest and salinity. There’s a subtle floral note that dances on the tip of your nose, adding a touch of elegance. The first sip is a burst of juicy, tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango. The acidity is bright and refreshing, balancing out the sweetness perfectly. There’s a mineral undertone that adds complexity and length to the finish. Cheers to many more wine moments Link to my Instagram Friends reel on Instagram
A Blushing Battle Of The Pinks
ʏᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ ᴏꜰ ʀᴏꜱÉ with a pink RUMOR and a blushing ESPRIT state of mind – It’s the battle of the 50 shades of pink in my glass, or in this case 2… which shade are you? In a world where there are so many rosé, rosato, rosado wines, the classics from Côtes de Provence will NEVER steer you wrong. Here are my two picks that will get you in a summer state of mind: ʀᴜᴍᴏʀ ʀᴏꜱÉ 2023 Blend: Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tibouren It pours a beautiful blush, like a flamingo took a dip in a pool of sunshine. One whiff and you’ll get a wave of vibrant strawberry & citrus, creamy peach and jasmine, like a fancy spa day for your nose. The first sip is a refreshing fiesta bursting with juicy red fruit flavors that linger on the palate. A whisper of minerality leads to a crisp, clean finish that begs for another sip. It’s a rosé that’s both light and playful, yet sophisticated enough to impress. ᴄʜᴀᴛᴇᴀᴜ ɢᴀꜱꜱɪᴇʀ ᴇꜱᴘʀɪᴛ ʀᴏꜱÉ 2023 Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle A rosy tint of summer in a glass. Pop that cork and be greeted by a bouquet of wildflowers chasing butterflies amongst pomelo and sun-kissed peaches. Take a sip, and it’s a party of juicy peaches, watermelon, and a squeeze of grapefruit on your tongue. Light-bodied and graceful, it finishes with a refreshing whisper of acidity, leaving you wanting another sip of this Provençal sunshine. Link to my Yes To The Magic Of Rosé my reel on Instagram
Rosé The Day Away with the Bichot Family
ʀᴏꜱÉ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʏ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ Maison Lorgeril & the Bichot Family Ô (sounds like “eau” in French which means water) is THE thirst quenching summertime libation of choice. 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹 Ô 𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘀é 𝗖𝘂𝘃é𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗲 Maison Lorgeril is a sustainable family-owned winery located in the Languedoc, France. They have been producing wine since 1620, making them one of the oldest wineries in the region. Vines backed against the Massif Central offer stunning views of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. This rosé is made in the classic regional style with a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah & 10% Viognier. Note, if you fancy a visit, they also offer tours, tastings and overnight stay at Château de Pennautier #wineryvisit ▫️Pours into the glass the softest of rose gold summer peach. ▫️Swirl and a burst of summer aromas of red berries, ripe stone fruit, zesty grapefruit and tangerine, lavender, rose petal, honeycomb as well as a subtle savory element of garrigue add to its perfumed appeal. ▫️The first sip is oh so refreshing. The acidity cuts through the bright fruit flavors like waves hitting the shore. The raspberry, strawberry and cranberry dominate followed by zingy citrus, apricot & peaches, mid palate rich honey, a touch of salinity, subtle thyme and rosemary with earthy notes that add to its complexity and lengthy finish. Such a delightful balance of freshness, fruit and subtle savory herbal element. It is fruit-forward and crisp, gastronomic and structured, just energetic…a serious contender for summer sippers pool side or deck dancing BUT let’s not forget the oddles of food pairing options. Pair with grilled halibut steaks with herbed citrus butter, a “seacuterie” platter, chicken bacon avocado bites, lahmacun (Turkish spiced lamb flatbread), or goat cheese, spinach and strawberry salad. Follow along their journey @maisonlorgeril @bichotfamily & many thanks for this supper summer sipper. Santé Link to my Ô Rosé Instagram Reel
What Is A Gastronomic Rosé
There’s an angel on my shoulder and it’s a savory gastronomic wine from Vinolus Rosé @vinolusorganikbaglar ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢᴀꜱᴛʀᴏɴᴏᴍɪᴄ ʀᴏꜱÉ? A gastronomic rosé wine is a type of rosé specifically crafted to pair well with food. Unlike some rosé wines that might be lighter and simpler, gastronomic rosés tend to be on the opposite spectrum. Here’s why: ▫️Quality grapes from regions specifically know for quality rosé I.e Tavel, Navarra, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo and Central Anatolia ▫️Longer skin contact creates more structure, color and depth. ▫️Wider range of complex flavors and aromas (think floral, savory, herbaceous) allowing it to stand up to richer foods. ▫️Higher acid, deeper flavors and medium bodied allows them to stand up to richer foods. I had to pleasure to meet the winemaker at the first @turkishwinechallenge as this was one of my favorite first Turkish wine discoveries. My tasting Notes on this rosé: This gastronomic rosé is a fascinating blend of Kalecik Kararis and Tempranillo from Central Anatolia, Turkiye. Fabulous, deep pink a 4.0 on the color scale Dazzling aromas of cherry, red plum, watermelon, strawberries, hibiscus, grapefruit zest and minerality with a slight gamey note. The first sip is a lip smacking freshness of fruit intertwined with miernality. The zingy acid hits the palate with cherry strength. Peach skin, tangerine, lemon pith, saline sway to a bell pepper, cardamom and black pepper finish. A savory rosé with a creamy texture. The 14% alcohol is blended ever so elegantly, an definite ode to freshness and complexity. Bolden end of the rosé spectrum and savory It has more body and structure than most pink wines and is considered to have all the character of good red wine. Link to my What Is Gastronomic Rosé? Instagram reel.
Happy World Tapas Day
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 (𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱) 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 I have a good excuse for my lateness (my sincerest apologies) posting this delicious holiday (extreme fatigue & brain fog thanks Covid ). Time to be creative in the kitchen and pair two delicious reds from ▫️Garlic & Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) the simplest of recipes with the best quality ingredients always makes the difference – fruity virgin olive oils garlic country bread and juicy ripe tomato 🍷Paired with a Conde Valdemar Crianza 2019 as this classic example balances the fruit-forward character of Tempranillo with the touch of oak aging, resulting in a pleasant and easy-drinking wine. ▫️Beef Sirloin Tips in Garlic Pimenton Sauce (Puntitas De Solomillo Al Aillo ▫️Marinade: olive oil, loads of garlic, sweet Spanish smoked paprika (pimenton) and coriander. Heat up the charcoal grip and these babies will beg for a fuller bodied red. 🍷Paired with a Conde Valdemar Reserva 2015 a well-structured Rioja with a good balance of ripe red and black fruit, toasty oak, and savory elements such as cocoa. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy a full-bodied wine with a good structure and elegant tannins. Thanks to Conde Valdemar for a fun tapas and wine pairing night of Spanish delicacies. ¡DELICIOSO Conde Valdemar Crianza 2019 The Conde Valdemar Crianza 2019 is a Rioja wine produced by Bodegas Valdemar. It’s a blend dominated by Tempranillo (around 90%) with a touch of Graciano (10%) and aged for 15 months in American oak barrels. A clear and bright wine with a medium-high intensity cherry red color. The nose offers a mix of ripe fruit aromas, likely black cherry and plum, along with hints of vanilla and sweet spices like clove picked up from the oak aging. This Rioja is well-structured with smooth and elegant tannins. The flavors mirror the aromas with black fruit notes complemented by the subtle oak influence. The finish is said to be long and lingering,bringing back touches of fruit, spice, and possibly licorice. Conde Valdemar Crianza 2019 is a great example of classic Rioja Crianza. It balances the fruit-forward character of Tempranillo with the touch of oak aging, resulting in a pleasant and easy-drinking wine. Conde Valdemar Reserva 2015 Tasting Note The 2015 Conde Valdemar Reserva is a Rioja red, vibrant and full-bodied. Deep ruby or cherry red with garnet hues. The aromas are a mix of ripe fruit notes like strawberry jam or blackberry, interlaced with hints of vanilla, baking spices,and savory herbs like balsamic. Some tasters also pick up on earthy or tobacco notes. Full-bodied with a good structure and elegant tannins. The fruit flavors should carry through on the palate. The ageing notes of toasty oak and cocoa shine through. The finish is long and lingering. Conde Valdemar Reserva 2015 is a well-structured Rioja with a good balance of fruit, oak, and savory elements. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy bold red wines with complexity.
It’s Oyster O’Clock At Matunuk Oyster Bar
ꜱʜᴜᴄᴋ ʏᴇᴀʜ, ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴏʏꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴏ’ᴄʟᴏᴄᴋ! Rhode Island is home to 84 #oysterfarm & one of the best spots to enjoy them is Matunuck Oyster Bar a stones throw away from Matunuk State Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Walking in to Matunuk Oyster Bar you are always greeted with a smile, sea air and a convivial vibe along the salt ponds of Matunuk. A restaurant I frequent often, its coastal ambiance and a quintessential Rhode Island seafood institution. Oysters are harvested on the premises, they offer an extensive wine list to suit your seafood desires, hand crafted cocktails and something for the kid or meat lover to. A touch of spritz Baskoli Txakoli Bianco 2023 clean and night self packed with citrus, peach, elderflower, minerals and well knit acidity paired beautifully with our seafood delights. ▫️Giant shrimp cocktail shaped like a heart ▫️Lightly fried local oysters with rémoulade and cucumber ▫️Garlic, white wine and herbed (parsley & cilantro) roasted mussels ▫️Arugula, fennel, cherry tomato sunflower salad Thanks to our server Anna and the staff for a fabulous lunch. Link to my Matunuk Oyster Bar Instagram reel
The G-Force of Eduardo Torres & Mount Etna
Buckle up for the G Force of winemaker Eduardo Torres Acosta & Mount Etna Eduardo Torress is a Tenerife native which always wanted to make wine his way. He interned with Arianna Ochippinto and started his own 100% organic project shortly thereafter. He rents three different plots, two hectares on different sides of Mount Etna. This skin contact wine is made from 90% Carricante and 10% other local varieties from three parcels of average age 80 year old bush vines. Planted in sandy volcanic soil at 750- 900 meters from the “versante est” east facing of the mountain, organically farmed, every step is done by hand. Destemmed and fermented with ambient yeasts and sulfur in concrete, no temperature control for a maceration of 2 days. The wine is then aged for 10 months in tonneaux and bottled without fining or filtration and with a tiny amount ▫️Pours into the glass a shiny yellow gold with a slight mesmerizing haze. ▫️Swirl and the ambitious aromas of citrus juice and zest, crunchy green apple, orange blossom and dried peaches, peach pit and undertones of mega volcanic minerality and the sea air. ▫️Oh that first sip is intriguing – the warmth of Sicilian sunshine is abound in the fruit character of rich yellow apple, pear and peach along zesty fiesta of lemon and lime zest, delicate acacia perfume & unctuous sea salt petrol. The zinger of acidity and the hallmark smokey earthiness of volcanic Etna are ever present. The round mouthfeel has a perfectly balanced weight & a lengthy pithy nutty finish. Both refreshing and complex in its savory character. A brilliant showcase of Etna’s terroir. Great recommendation @francesco_fabbretti Pair with grilled swordfish, red snapper ceviche or a spicy Thai chicken curry. Link to the reel Eduardo Torres on Instagram
A Gift of Wine & A Walk Down Memory Lane
𝔸 𝔾𝕚𝕗𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕖 & 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕜 𝔻𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕃𝕒𝕟𝕖 This isn’t a post about wine ratings, aging potential, or food pairings. It’s a post about gratitude. I want to express my sincere thanks to Maryellen of @marques_caceres for giving me this lovely set of Rioja wines. It brought back a flood of wonderful memories! 🍷 A casual comment on a friend’s social media post @wine.by.kari about wine sparked this thoughtful gift. It wasn’t about promotion, but simply the joy of sharing and enjoying good wine. 🍷 Many years ago, I was visiting my best friend’s parents in Montreal, originally from Spain, and during a lovely meal, we got to talking about the wine we were drinking. Suddenly, my friend’s father disappeared downstairs to his cellar and emerged with a bottle of Marqués de Cáceres Gran Riserva 1994. He looked at me and declared, “Katalina, Spanish wine is the ONLY wine that matters, and this is a beautiful example!” That moment of discovery was a treasure I’ll always hold dear. ▫️Marqués de Cáceres is a winery located in Rioja Alta, Spain. Founded in 1970 by the fifth-generation Forner family, their goal is to create approachable wines for everyone to enjoy. The winery remains family-owned and is currently led by CEO Cristina Forner. Their wines are widely distributed and consistently crowd-pleasing. Salud! Link to my Marques de Caceres Instagram reel