Paris Grocery

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter                                    Paris Grocery to open 9/25!

The Spanish Table’s newest venture, Paris Grocery, is opening tomorrow (Friday September 25th) at 1418 Western Avenue! A specialty wine and cheese shop with a French mood, Paris Grocery features French-style pâtés and charcuterie, over 40 authentic French cheeses,cheese fresh baguettes from Seattle’s Macrina Bakery and hand-selected wines for less than $30.00 per bottle from all regions of France. Paris Grocery also carries French mineral waters, French and Belgian beers and shelf groceries. And it’s conveniently located just 50 yards south of the Spanish Table on Western Avenue, making it easy to shop at both locations on the same trip!

Why France and why now? If we were prescient, we’d have known that the movie Julie and Julia would spawn enormous interest in French cooking . But Paris Grocery was really hatched during the economic bust last spring. Vacant storefronts were popping up around us like mushrooms after a fall rain. We thought it would be great to have another food shop on Western Avenue and, feeling optimistic one day, decided to open it ourselves.

Our love affair with Spain will never end, but we’ve always had a soft spot for France. We honeymooned in Paris and were absolutely captivated by the City of Light. We’ve returned to Paris many times and never tire of walking the streets until we drop, salivating at cheese shops, picnicking with families in the park and soaking up the history resonating from Middle-Ages architecture. Fortunately, whenever one is about to drop from exhaustion in Paris, there’s usually a wine bar handy with a great cheese plate. Our aim is to bring some of that experience to Seattle. Bon Appétit!

Paris Grocery hours:

Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday 11AM to 5PM. Opening Friday September 25th!

To find Paris Grocery, look for the terracotta awnings at 1418 Western Avenue.

Back in stock at Spanish Table:

We’ve been busy stocking Paris Grocery but haven’t forgotten about The Spanish Table’s shelves. We received 3 shipments this week of products that have been out of stock for some time:

Horchata de Valencia

Basque Guindilla Peppers

Turron: Delaviuda and El Almendro brands: Assortments, Duro, Blando, Torta Imperial, Marzipan

Chocolate covered figs

Hearts of Palm

Rafael Salgado Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Rafael Salgado Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil

FLAMENCO PERFORMANCES

Arte Flamenco, Camino de Luz October 3, 8pm

Rendezvous Jewelbox Theater , 2322 2nd Ave. For more information, contact veronken@msn.com

Carmona Flamenco Saturday September 26th Cafe Solstice For more information, contact www.fanw.org

Ines and Juan Bacan and Arte y Pureza From Spain!

October 11-12, 2009 Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat, Leavenworth Call 1-800-574-2123 for performance or overnight reservations.

One of the most revered artists of Spain’s Gypsy Flamenco community, INES BACAN, joined by her brother JUAN BACAN, will be making their U.S. premier with the stellar flamenco dance ensemble ARTE y PUREZA led by guitarist ETHAN MARGOLIS.

Arte y Pureza’s group (unfortunately without Ines Bacan) will be performing at Taberna del Alabardero, Seattle on October 10, 2009. For information and reservations: 206-448-8884.

Please stop in and check out our new store and be sure to tell all of your Francophile friends!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

From Sevilla to Limoux

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter                                                       October 8, 2009

One of our most memorable trips began in Sevilla, in southern Spain, during the Feria de Abril. We reveled along with the Sevillanos, drinking copas of fino sherry and eating plate after plate of jamon serrano. When we could take no more, we headed north towards Madrid, stopping in Cordoba for lunch. Our hedonistic trip eventually ended in the Languedoc, where we foraged and dined on the rich bounty of southern France.

If ever near the city of Cordoba, do not hesitate to dine at El Churrasco Restaurant. One of the most popular tabernas in the city, the tapas bar showcases coolers full of meat and stacks of fresh vegetables.Cheese The dining room bustles with waiters juggling plates of grilled lamb and fish. One of El Churrasco’s signature dishes is eggplant, sliced, delicately fried and seasoned. We’ve never found vegetables anywhere outside of Andalucía that are so perfectly prepared! Click on El Churrasco’s website link to view their menu: http://www.elchurrasco.com/espanol/restaurante/espanol.htm

Our final stop was in Limoux, France to visit our friend Héléne’s relatives. The Languedoc region is a foragers’ dream, with asparagus and mushrooms growing wild alongside the road, rivers full of fish and pastures full of snails, ready to be gathered. One can live off the land in southern France very, very well. And the village of Limoux is famous for its production of Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wines. Locals claim that fermentation in the bottle was developed here before it was used in the Champagne region.

We were fortunate to be invited to Héléne’s grandparents house near Carcassone for a langorous and memorable lunch. Tossed greens from the garden were followed by fish caught by grandpa, served with mayonnaise made from grandma’s own eggs. A small hen was roasted and served with a sauce of foraged porcini mushrooms. Uncle Andre and cousin Xavier who are winemakers, brought their Corbieres red wines to serve with lunch. A blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache, the wine was so delicious that we brought some bottles home to enjoy in Seattle. Those were the glory days, when security didn’t bat an eye at a few bottles of wine in the hand luggage!

Welcome to Isaac Rivera, our new manager! Isaac has been a great asset to our Santa Fe store for the last three years and, ready to live in a larger city, he moved to Seattle this week to take over as store manager. Isaac was a chef at Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant in Chicago, then worked in the wine business, and is, not surprisingly, an avid cook. Isaac is an expert on olive oils — the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published his in-depth article on the subject. Feel free to ask him for any recipe advice, or help with any food or wine-related questions.

NEW WINES FROM SPAIN

White wines

NV Vilarnau Brut Cava, Penedes ($14.99) Vilarnau is owned by the Gonzalez Byass family and is a crown jewel among their wine producing properties. Vilarnau’s vineyards are situated in the highest area of the Penedes region and the cooler temperatures contribute to a slower maturation of the grapes and higher acidity. Made from 100% estate-grown fruit which is uncommon in Penedes, Vilarnau has aromas of toasted brioche and citrus flavors. Soft mouth-filling bubbles and zesty acidity spill out of the glass and provide a lot of pleasure for the dollar.

2008 Abadal Picapoll, Pla de Bages ($19.99) Spanish Table exclusive!

Picapoll is the Spanish name for the grape called Picpoul in French, which translates to “lip stinger.” That unfortunate translation is not at all discriptive of the Abadal Picapoll which has ripe pear flavors, a rich texture and energetic acidity. Round and full-bodied, Abadal is an elegant white wine with notes of sea shell and subtle mineral notes which make for a clean, interesting finish. This is a great wine to serve in the fall with cheese or rich cream sauces.

RED WINES

2005 Banda Azul Crianza Rioja ($11.99) This silky Rioja has legions of fans in Spain and America. Very traditional in style, Banda Azul spends 18 months in used oak barrels, which give it a refined earthiness. It’s bright red cherry fruit is medium-bodied, balanced by vibrant acidity. This is a great choice for those who like a wine low in tannin and Banda Azul is exactly the type of wine you’d be served by the glass in a Spanish tapas bar.

2007 M1 Monastrell, Valencia ($9.99) From the region of Valencia, M1 is full-bodied and fresh with great concentration. With silky tannins and notes of mineral, it has a smooth and persistent finish with flavors of cacao. Made of 100% Monastrell, M1 is a great choice to serve with a cheese and fruit plate.

2008 Quo Grenache, Campo de Borja ($9.99) Quo is a fruity melange of strawberry and red cherry flavors and a pure expression of Grenache. Dry and medium-bodied with an exotic spicy black pepper edge, it is delicious with spicy Mexican foods, such as carne adovada.

LIMITED PRODUCTION WINES

2004 Roquette E Cazes Xisto, Douro ($63.00) 1000 cases are produced by this venture between renowned Bordelais wine producer Jean-Michael Cazes and Jorge Roquette, owner of the Quinto do Crasto estate in Douro. 2004 was a classic Douro vintage with perfect harvesting conditions. The wine’s name “Xisto” refers to the schist soils in its steep, terraced vineyards. Powerful and opulent, nuanced and complex, Xisto has muscle and staying power. Elegant and supple tannins provide backbone for this rich and lengthy effort.

6 bottles available

RED WINES FROM FRANCE

2006 Domaine Grand Lauze La Mariole Vin de Pays D’Oc ($12.99)

We were thrilled to locate the wines of Hélène’s uncle right here in Seattle! The vineyards are subject to the burning heat of the Midi and the grapes subsequently ripen to perfection. Grand Lauze is biodynamic and the grapes are hand harvested. A blend of 80% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 3% Marselan and 2% Syrah from vines averaging 105 years old, La Mariole is medium-bodied and rich with a hint of smoke. Silky smooth tannins lead into a wonderfully finessed finish. Highly recommended!

2006 L’Archet

Cuvée Occitane, Vin de Pays D’Oc ($19.99) From the Languedoc Roussillon region of France, Cuvee Occitane is a blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan. Loaded with rich, ripe red fruits, it has an earthy character and is deep and voluptuous. Aged 9 months in French oak, it has terrific balance, notes of chocolate and spice, and a lingering, dry finish.

2003 Château Coutelin-Merville Cru Bourgeois, St Estephe ($27.99) This was my favorite wine at our French tasting dinner last weekend! A left bank Bordeaux, it is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, 30% of which has been aged in oak. Concentrated, full bodied, opulent and balanced, it paired beautifully with the rich short ribs and polenta.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

It’s been a hectic two weeks since Paris Grocery opened. We’ve already added more hard-to-find French cheeses and charcuterie, and will be adding additional wines and other delicacies as soon as we are able. Thanks for your support in these early days!

CHEESES

Cone de Port Aubry is a raw goat’s milk cheese and a cousin of the famous Loire cheese Crottin de Chavignol. The cheese is made close to Selles sur Cher and aged for two to three months on rye straw mats in caves, giving a natural mold rind on the outside and a firm interior. The pliable texture of Cone de Port Aubry has a nose of melted butter with an almost dusty earth undertone. The flavors are complex, starting with buttered popcorn and mushrooms, then fading into a pronounced acidity like crème fraiche with a hint of lemon and a subtle finish of hazelnuts. This cheese is hard for me to not swoon over! Wine pairing: Try with a Loire white, such as a Sancerre. SALE $36.99/lb.

Herve Mons Gabietou Aged by one of Europe’s best affineurs! Gabietou contains raw cow & sheeps milk from animals that graze on alpine grass, wild herbs & flowers. Washed with brine made from warm local salt springs, this is sweet & richly complex with a silky creaminess & nut aromas. Exquisite! SALE $29.99, $7.49 per quarter lb.

Gres des Vosges Alsace has exceptionally rich soil & is full of beautiful cherry trees from which the farmers make their own local liquor. Each oval of Gres des Vosges is washed with saltwater & then kirsch which lends a fruity fragrance. Slightly salty with a touch of onion & a luscious texture make this cow’s milk cheese a favorite!

The following cheeses just arrived today via airfreight!

Picadine Chève mini logs

Le Picandou goat cheese buttons

Explorateur

Petit Supin

Crottin de Chève

OLIVES

French Country Olive Mix A colorful blend of green, pink and black olives with Lupini beans and bell peppers. These are tossed in a lively French marinade of spices, peppers and vinegar. Perfect for any gathering!

Picholine Olives The Picholine is the queen of green olives! Crisp, yet tender and slightly salty, these fresh Picholines are unpasteurized and bright.

Fresh Luques Olives These fresh (unpasteurized) French olives are meaty, sweet and crisp. The green flesh is firm, bright and fruity.

Pitted Nicoise-Coquillos Olives This olive is the same variety as the authentic Nicoise, though generally grown in Portugal, Spain and Italy. Its flavor parallels that of Nicoise: rich and faintly smoky. This olive is naturally cured and a key ingredient in Salade Niçoise.

CHARCUTERIE

Goose Mousse Suprème Pâté Made with goose & duck liver, duck & chicken fat with sauternes and topped with aspic and oranges. No artificial ingredients.

Pâté Provençal My favorite pâté. Course spreadable pork liver with herbs de Provence, and sweet and savory spices.

Our first shipment of cured meats and specialty products from D’Artagnan will be arriving early next week! We’ll have sliced Jambon de Bayonne, Wild Boar Bacon, Chicken and Truffle Sausages, Veal Demi-Glace and Foie Gras, just to name a few of the specialty items that are arriving next week.

OTHER PRODUCTS

We have Caviar, Crème Fraîche and French butter in stock now!

Baguettes from Macrina Bakery are delivered fresh each day to both Paris Grocery and The Spanish Table.

WHITE WINES FROM FRANCE

2007 Cuvee Francoise Blanquette de Limoux ($12.99) This festive sparkler comes straight from it’s traditional home in Limoux, France. Cuvee Francoise is fresh on the palate with fine soft bubbles, white fruit flavors of pear and ripe apple. It finishes dry and clean with refreshing acidity. This is great with sushi.

2008 Novellum Chardonnay Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes ($10.99)

Producer Lafage has crafted one of the best Chardonnays we’ve ever tasted, and it’s a very affordable price. 30% is aged in oak on the lees of Viognier which give it a rich creaminess. With flavors of citrus, apricots, apple and toast, Novellum is lush and balanced. “…hints of caramel and brown butter, vanilla and nutmeg. What’s more, there’s a savory saline, mineral streak all the way through the considerable finish of this “little Chardonnay”.

89 points Wine Advocate

Have a great week and we invite you to come on down and check out our new products!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Explorations

Gomera, Canary Islands

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter October 30, 2009

Explorations

Traveling as wine specialists aboard the National Geographic vessel Explorer for the past 2 ½ weeks, we’ve been following the route of Christopher Columbus and Charles Darwin. Our voyage began in Lisbon and ended in Salvador Brazil, with stops in some of our favorite places: Madeira, The Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. We just got home last night and are still wobbling about on sea legs.

Seattle-based Lindblad Expeditions (http://www.expeditions.com/) invited us to choose wines for the voyage and then come along to educate guests about them. Lindblad has a superb on-board staff of naturalists, historians and professional photographers that speak about history, culture, the natural world and how best to photograph it. Their trips cover the Antarctic, the Arctic, and everything in between.

A week ago we were photographing schools of whales and cavorting dolphins near La Palma, Canary Islands. The Canaries are a group of seven islands less than 100 miles off the coast of Morocco. Just as Cuban refugees flee to Miami, so the Canary Islands attract thousands of desperate Africans each year. The lure of the European Community with all of its opportunities is irrestible, especially when it’s just a stone’s throw away.

Aside from the immigration issue, life in the Canaries moves slowly and residents have a deep appreciation for the islands’ spectacular beauty. One memorable day began in the mist forest of Parque Nacional de Garajonay on the island of Gomera. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the forest sits on a 3300 foot high ridge and divides the island’s wet side from the dry. Two hours of hiking took us through laurel forests, past villages growing bananas on terraced hillsides, and a spectacular cliff-side trail shrouded in mist.

Our guide recommended dining at Restaurant La Placeta in Santa Cruz de la Palma which was excellent. Being Sunday night in the off season, the proprietor had plenty of time to talk about the local wines, how he ended up in the Canary Islands, and the thriving rabbit population in La Palma. We tucked into a terrific rabbit pate as we talked, which was served with a sweet but not cloying tomato jam. What a fantastic combination! The main course was grilled fish and papas arrugadas with mojo sauces, a Canary Island traditional dish, served with El Nispero Tinto Barrica, a local red wine from La Palma.

Now that we’re home, we’ll be getting back into kitchen to recreate some of the tasty dishes we had along the road. Here’s a traditional recipe from the Canary Islands:

Papas Arrugadas (Serves four)

Warning: This recipe uses the traditional amount of salt, which may be overwhelming to American palates used to low sodium. Feel free to adjust to your taste!

8-10 Small New Potatoes

Sea Salt to taste

Add the potatoes to a pot of very salty water (in the past the Canarians used sea-water).

The potatoes should float in the salty-water, if they don’t you need to add more salt.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

Now drain most of the water from the pot and cover the potatoes with a layer of salt.

Turn down the heat and gently shake the pot so that salt crystalizes on the potatoes.

Finally, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a tea-towel for 5 minutes (so that the potatoes turn ‘wrinkly’). Serve with one or both of the Mojo sauces below.

Mojo Picon Sauce

5 cloves garlic

1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

3 small dried nora peppers, rehydrated in boiling water and drained

1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika

1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar to taste

5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Using a mortar and pestle, mash cumin, garlic, and peppers with salt until well mixed. Add paprika, vinegar and oil, and continue to blend. If necessary, add water until desired consistency is reached. This is delicious served with boiled potatoes, with or on fried fish.

Mojo Verde Sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 teaspoons Sherry Vinegar

½ cup chopped fresh coriander leaves

½ teaspoon of cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

Water as needed

Process the cumin, garlic, cilantro and salt in a food processor or blender to create a paste. While blending, drizzle in olive oil gradually. Add small amounts of water until the sauce is a thin paste. Add 1-2 tsp vinegar or more, according to your taste. Drizzle over potatoes or fish and serve.

WINE NEWS

Being on board a ship for 13 nights gave us the chance to revisit some of our favorite, inexpensive wines from Spain and Portugal. These wines were all-around big hits with the guests on board, some of whom have placed case orders!

White Wines

2008 Protos Verdejo, Rueda ($10.99) Protos Verdejo has just the right combination of grapefruit flavors and zesty acidity to pair with fish in buttery citrus sauces.

2007 Diamante, Rioja ($10.99) Classic Diamante is a unique wine. Semi sweet, it is made from a blend of Malvasia and Viura grapes. Round and full on the palate, the addition of Viura gives it a crisp, clean finish.

Red Wines

2003 Esporao Alicante Bouschet, Alentejo ($13.99) Balanced and full bodied, this Portuguese red was phenomenal with beef tenderloin.

2005 Evel, Douro ($15.99) One of our perennial favorites, Evel is a blend of the same grapes port grapes. Great with flavorful chicken dishes, it has lift and elegance.

2005 Altos de Luzon, Jumilla ($14.99) 50% Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Tempranillo, this hearty red goes down all too easily on a cold, wet night with a plate of grilled lamb chops.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue. It’s currently open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.

New cheeses:

A Casinca is a classical goat’s milk cheese from the Casinca region of Corsica, where the climate is gentle. Herbaceous, tart, and slightly salty, this cheese has a semi-soft texture that offers a balanced, satisfying finish on the palate.

Tome d’Aquitaine: This aged goat’s milk cheese gets the benefit of washings in Sauternes in the caves of famous affineur Jean d’Alos. The snow-white interior has a dense texture and a delicately balanced, sweet and fruity flavor.

Brebirousse d’Argental: This pasteurized sheep’s milk cheese from Lyon has a creamy, brie-like texture and a faintly sweet finish on the palate. Hints of meadow and hay lend a bit of complexity.

Le Grain d’Orge: From the Basse-Normandie region, this pasteurized cow’s milk cheese is soaked in Calvados according to Norman traditions. A soft-textured, washed rind cheese. Delightfully fruity and milky with hints of mushroom and apple.

Meats

We have a new shipment of D’Artagnan charcuterie, including foie gras, pates, frozen (uncooked) sausages, merguez, puff pastry and many other specialty French shelf groceries. We also now have baguettes from Macrina Bakery, delivered daily Tuesday through Saturday.

Please come on in to one or both of our shops and pick up some wonderful cheeses and fall wines. Best wishes for a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Spanish Table Seattle & Paris Grocery Newsletter Nov 12, 2009

Provençal Musings

We have very special memories of southern France. Many years ago we flew into Barcelona and picked up a rental car. We drove to our favorite hidden beach at Aiguablava and dined on parillada: charcoal grilled monkfish steak, a sardine, squid, langostino & clams all drizzled with a mixture of Spanish purple garlic, broadleaf parsley and arbequina olive oil and served with the simplest fresh salad.

The next day we drove into France, changing money at the border in those days before the Euro. We poked across southern France, stopping first in Aix-en-Provence to drink vermouth under the Plane trees. We moved on to St Paul de Vence to pay our respects at the grave of Marc Chagall. In Menton, we lingered over dinner of mesclun salad followed by steaks cooked in a wood burning oven in a sidewalk café next to the public market. In the morning, we crossed over into Italy on our way to Lucca. All across the Languedoc and Provence, we enjoyed local Vin de Pays wines which connoisseurs even then knew were terrific values. And thanks to advances in wine making, the wines of southern France are now better than ever. Come by and get a six pack from our hand-picked selections!

PARIS GROCERY NEWS
Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.

Paris Grocery is now open Sundays to up your shopping opportunities to 6 days a week. To celebrate, we are offering a 10% discount on purchases of six (or more) bottles of wine.

New products at Paris Grocery

Herbs de Provence Fancy clay crocks from France to a plain-Jane but practical plastic tubs filled by our own deli staff as well as herbs de Provence flavored salts and vinegars.

D’Artagnan Duck bacon: ($9.99/8 oz) Uncured, smoky and lean, this sensational bacon will transform any dish. Drape strips of this bacon over a whole turkey and take Thanksgiving up a notch!

Just arrived today – Boujolais Nouveau!

2009 Pierre Chermette Beaujolais Primeur 2009 ($14.99) The ultimate Thanksgiving wine, this is not a soda pop-style Beaujolais! The Chermettes were among the pioneers of sustainable viticulture in the Beaujolais and their wines are made in a traditional way. Using natural yeasts and little or no fermentation, Chermette Beaujolais Primeur is a true expression of terroir. Serve it at Thanksgiving and lay down the leftover bottles; it improves with bottle age.

2009 Pierre-Marie Chermette Cuvée vieilles vignes Beaujolais ($17.99) From the Chermette’s oldest vineyard, this Beaujolais has concentrated strawberry and raspberry notes, with a hint of licorice. Fresh, and with a purity of fruit, it has elegance and finesse.

Sale Books:

Savor Provence: A coffee table book inspired by Williams Sonoma. Gorgeous photos; great recipes. $21.99

The Provence Cookbook, Patricia Wells ($14.99): The first few times we were in Paris, we used Patricia Wells’ now out-of-print “Food Lover’s Paris” as our bible. Her words guided us into the wine bar where Trotsky drank (and where some still undusted bottles lingered on) and down to Poulaine’s basement bread ovens and to E. Dehillerin kitchen store. From covering the Paris beat for a newspaper, Patricia moved on to write a series of cookbooks and then moving to Provence.

NEW SPANISH WINES

Up in the hills inland of Aiguablava and the Costa Brava is the Pla de Bages wine region. 2004 Campo Linda (pretty field) Reserva is a scrumptious blend of tempranillo and syrah for a mere $11.99. Clean and bright cherry fruit flavors, this is an elegant and very quaffable red.

2008 Cepas Antiguas Rioja ($14.99)

“Ripe cherry and dark berries on the nose, along with a whiff of tobacco. Solid, chewy cherry and blackberry flavors are enlivened by a kick of cracked pepper and are a touch rigid on the back. The blackberry note repeats on the finish, which is nicely focused…” 87 points International Wine Cellar

2008 Verasol MCS, Jumilla ($9.99)

This young 100% Monastrell delivers a lot of complexity for the price. Verasol MCS has black pepper spice on the front palate and ripe flavors of black cherry with earth notes on the mid-palate. It’s aged in stainless steel which gives it structure without overbearing tannins. With a persistent and focused finish, this is a great match for flavorful curries or meat stews.

2007 Artazuri, Navarra ($10.99)

“100% garnacha from vines reportedly over 60 years of age. Vivid ruby-red. Bright, sharply focused nose offers spicy strawberry and raspberry aromas, with a tangy white pepper overtone. Deeper cherry and blackberry flavors stain the palate and gain sweetness with air, picking up dusty tannins. More ample than past vintages of this wine, with excellent finishing sweetness and energy. Terrific value.”

90 points Stephen Tanzer

CHECK OUT OUR WINE WEBSITE

Need a special wine shipped to someone as a holiday gift? We’ve just launched our new wine-only website: http://www.spanishtablewines.com We feature the best in white, rosé and red wines from Spain and Portugal, Cavas, Sherries, Madeiras and Ports. Note: An adult must be present to sign when delivered. All orders will be shipped from our Berkeley store.

NEW FRENCH WINES

2007 Cuvee Francoise Blanquette de Limoux ($12.99) This festive sparkler comes straight from it’s traditional home in Limoux, France. Cuvee Francoise is fresh on the palate with fine soft bubbles, white fruit flavors and zesty acidity. Clean and dry, this is excellent with rich holiday foods.

2008 Domaine de Couron Marselan ($9.99 ) The Marselan grape is a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, and is grown on only four vineyards in the world. Domaine de Couron is aged in stainless steel, and it has a rich, ripe core of fruit. “Ripe, sweet and smoky, with lots of blackberry and black cherry fruit laced with sweet toast and spice notes.” 88 points Wine Spectator

2007 Domaine Roc de Châteauview Malbec, Touraine ($12.99) Malbec is generally associated with the Cahors appellation, but Domaine Roc de Châteauview from the Loire Valley is stellar. Produced from a 38 hectare estate, it has an elegant, full-bodied style. Notes of mineral with pure and concentrated black fruit are wrapped up by a long, satisfying finish. Served by the glass at Purple Wine Bar.

2007 Les Deux Rives Corbieres Rouge ($9.99) This tasty wine is perfect for pouring on a weeknight or at a big party. A blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan, Les Deux Rives is rich and soft. It’s black cherry and currant fruit flavors have licorice notes, and it is extremely easy to drink. “Clean and quenching, this is bright and savory with pomegranate fruit and juicy purple highlights. A bargain!” 86 points Wine Enthusiast.

2006 Chateau Douley Côtes de Bordeaux ($11.99) Crafted in collaboration with world renowned winemaker Michel Rolland, this harmonious blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon has layered, bright, and rich berry fruit flavors. Aged in oak barrels for one year, Chateau Douley has a vibrant bouquet of strawberries, crushed coffee beans, tar and minerals. Highly recommended with short ribs!

2008 Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Val De L’Ours ($9.99) The wine makers of Rothschild (Lafite) have brought their immaculate standards to the Languedoc region to create delicious Val De L’Ours (Valley of the Bear). Since 1999, Rothschild (Lafite) has revitalized the vineyards and renovated the cellars of Château d’Aussières, the producer of Val De L’Ours. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it has balanced acidity and bright fruit throughout. With a touch of countryside herbs and medium tannins, this is an affordable and uber-quaffable red from a legendary producer. It’s a great match for meals with rich stuffing or savory bread puddings.

Come on in and stock up for the holidays!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

A Spano-Franco Thanksgiving

Spanish Table Seattle & Paris Grocery Newsletter

Oh, tis the season to be so delicous… November 18th, 2009

The cold stinging rain from the dark ominous skies of Seattle has been in full swing since I arrived in the city 3 weeks ago. Yet it’s comforting to know that I can still take pleasure in the little things in life. Early this week we recieved our shipment of Mantecados and Polvorones! Simply, these sweet, flaky, buttery cookies are down right delicous and addictive. The only problem is that there are so many flavors to choose from: Wine, Almond, Cinnamon, Chocolate and many many more. We have individually wrapped flavors for .49 cent or boxes of 12 from $6.99-$9.99. On a second but not a lesser note, turron of all flavors have also made it into The Spanish Table. We have the “Never let you down” Douro and Blando vareties. But if you want to try something new this year, how about, Walnut, Fruit or Coconut turron? Sounds tasty to me! – Isaac Rivera

A French-i-fied Thanksgiving

With the Paris Grocery up and running my creative juices have been flowing. We have tasted countless cheeses, pates and wines in an effort to bring our customers what we think are the best products that represent France and its cuisine. The Paris Grocery is the perfect place to start putting a French twist on your Thanksgiving holiday meal. Below is my French-i-fied Thanksgiving menu that I’m eager to make for my wife and friends. Drop me an e-mail at seattlemanager@spanishtable.com if you would like the recipes for any of these dishes. – Isaac Rivera, Manager

Baked Camembert w/ Black Currant Mustard & Black Cherry Confit

Boudin Bernaise w/ Lentils & Carrot

Duck Confit & Cranberry Beans w/Roasted Chantrells & Tomme Savoie

Nutella Filled Crepes w/Sweet Orange Creme Fraiche

SPECIAL SPANISH THANKSGIVING WINES

Here are our favorite wines to pair with the rich flavors of Thanksgiving dinner:

Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature Cava ($15.99) Elegant and toasty, bone dry and flinty with beautiful bubbles, Juve y Camps is a stand-out match to stuffing, cheese sauces and meats.

2008 Muga Blanco Barrel Fermented Rioja ($14.99) Slow fermentation in new French oak with 3 months on lees contribute aromas of coconut and vanilla. Citrus fruit and apple stand out against a background of aromatic herbs. Both intense and persistent on the palate, it remains fresh and lively.

2001 Finca Valpiedra Reserva Rioja ($18.99) Close out price on a fantastic vintage! The grapes are hand picked, manually sorted and aged in new French oak for over 12 months. Black cherry, earth and balsamic notes lead into an incredible silky smooth finish.

2008 Vera de Estenas P.G. Bobal, Utiel Requena ($13.99) Made from 100% old vine Bobal, it’s soft texture has fresh black cherry & hints of wild strawberry. Framed by clean acidity, it has low tannins and with a character similar to a young Beaujolais.

2001 Balbas Reserva, Ribera del Duero ($32.00) “…an alluring mix of ripe fruit with mature flavors of tobacco, leather and cedar with a finish that is elegant and long. The tannins are well-integrated and softening, while the acidity is still fresh and crisp.” 93 points Wine Spectator Highly recommended!

2001 Luis Cañas Reserva de la Familia Rioja ($33.00) This is an heirloom Rioja, traditionally styled with select fruit from a great vintage. Elegant and silky, it is a superb companion to any rich holiday recipe. 93 points Wine Advocate, 91 points Stephen Tanzer

SPECIAL FRENCH THANKSGIVING WINES

Rosé d’Orfeuilles sparkling rosé, Loire ($14.99) A terrific sparkler! Dry and elegant with notes of strawberry, this festive bubbly is clean and fresh.

2008 Commanderie de la Bargemone rose ($15.99) We love to quaff a rosé with Thanksgiving dinner and Bargemone is one of our favorites! Minerally, light weight and crisp, this is a stellar choice.

2006 Domaine des Nugues Beaujolais-Villages ($11.99) Tasting of pure & unadulterated Gamay fruit, it is dry and soft with great acidic balance. This could be lightly chilled and served with Thanksgiving dinner.

2008 Domaine de la Rochette Pinot Noir, Touraine ($10.99) Light in body, it’s pie cherry flavors and silky tannins have surprising grip. Pinot noir is the ultimate fail-safe food wine and is a great match with a wide variety of foods, which make it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.

IRRESTIBLE CHEESES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Comté, A.K.A. French Gruyère de Comté, is the quintessential cheese for croque monsieur, quiche, french onion soup and fondue. It has small crystalline grains, sweet saline beefiness and an undertone of fruit, nuts and toffee.

Morbier Originally this semi-soft raw cows milk cheese from the Jura was comprised of a morning milking and an evening milking divided by a layer of ash. With aromas like new-mown grass, Morbier has an appealing flavor of nuts and fruit along with a distinct taste of hard-boiled egg and veal sautéed in butter.

Beaufort is “The Prince of Gruyères.” With uniquely Swiss-like qualities and hints of grassy sweetness, Beaufort has a higher butter fat content and a creamier texture than either Gruyère or Comté. It has an excellent melting capacity and is terrific for fondue and serving with saucisson sec and fruit.

Préfére is the name now given to Reblochon which has a creamy, softer-than-brie texture, a nutty aftertaste, and a strong herbal aroma.

NEW PRODUCTS

La Chatelaine Chocolates Located in Montana, the company was created by a Frenchman who longed for the sumptuous chocolates he grew up savoring.

Once we tasted their Parisian Mendiants made of dark chocolate, hazelnuts and orange peel, we simply had to carry them! Also try their amazing Sea Salt Caramels.

Essential for many French recipes, we’ve got Du Puy Lentils.

Spice up any dish with Dulcet Peppery Moroccan Ketchup. It’s especially delicious with lamb.

Frozen Pains au Chocolate – Keep these on hand and enjoy them straight out of the oven on a rainy Sunday morning with a café au lait.

NEW PRODUCTS AT SPANISH TABLE

1880 and El Lobo brand turron

Arroz Cebollo brand rice, 1 kilo and 5 kilo bags

Rosara brand Pulp of Sun-Dried Choricero Peppers

New shipment of Manzano Garcia ceramics just arrived today!

We’re still unloading more great products, just in time for Thanksgiving!

Stop in and check out all of our great new products, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

 Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM, except

Paris Grocery is closed on Mondays.

Christmas With the Dogs

Spanish Table Seattle & Paris Grocery Newsletter
December 10, 2009

We all have our favorite holiday memories, and mine is celebrating Christmas at my Aunt Lillian’s with her Cocker Spaniels. Blonde Duchess was my favorite, but she was an older dog without much patience for adolescents. After a few minutes of play, the she would signal with a low growl that it was time for us to find other entertainment. We’d head up the creaky stairs to the attic and tell ourselves it wasn’t really haunted. Downstairs, as the adults poured libations, the evenings turned raucous and then we’d all settle down for a savory holiday meal.
Our Christmas dinners always included a salad of oranges, nuts and greens. We’ve taken that classic recipe up a notch and here’s our favorite Clementine Orange Salad recipe from The Spanish Table cookbook:
Boxes of little Clementine oranges from Spain are now in our markets. They are easy to peel and after the segments are dressed with a drizzle of saffron syrup and topped with toasted almond slices, they can be served as a festive salad or as a dessert, the sweetness adjusted accordingly. Serves 6

8 Spanish Clementine Oranges
1 tablespoon PX Sherry Vinegar
1 teaspoon Saffron syrup or orange blossom honey
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Sliced almonds, toasted
Gently toss the segments in the dressing then top with almond slices.
If you haven’t already shopped on our new websites, take a look today! On The Spanish Table wines website we’ve got amazing wine values which are arranged by staff pick, by score, by price, by country. This virtual wine store has everything you’re looking for from Spain, Portugal, Madeira, or South America. Click The Spanish Table wines to visit the site.

For all food and cookware products, click on The Spanish Table to search our original and now revamped, website. It’s much easier to navigate and has a plethora of additional items. Now you can shop at home for Spanish food and wine!
We’ve extended our hours during the holiday season at The Spanish Table beginning Friday December 11th and continuing through December 23rd!
Holiday hours at The Spanish Table: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Sunday hours at The Spanish Table and Paris Grocery: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

GREAT GIFT IDEAS
The Cuisines of Spain by Teresa Barrenechea ($27.99) Explores the regional home cooking of Spain, with pictures and loads of background information about ingredients.
Cook España, Drink España ($24.99) by Mario Sandoval and John Radford A gastronomic tour celebrating the diversity of Spanish food and wine with recipes from Spain’s hottest chef matched with wines from Spanish wine expert
Tapas by Joyce Goldstein ($22.95) Traditional recipes accompanied by an overview of how history has influenced Spanish food.
Jose Andres’ Made in Spain DVD ($31.49) From the PBS series, follow Jose around Spain and then back to his Washington, DC kitchen to recreate authentic Spanish meals.
One Pot Spanish by Penelope Casas ($19.95) Over 80 easy, authentic recipes for soups, stews and braises. Great winter foods!
Sangria pitchers, glass or ceramic
Wine books: We’ve dedicated an entire shelf to the Wines of Spain and Portugal.
Mexican Hand Painted Ceramic Angel candle holders ($38.00)
Kid’s Corner: Plastic Luchadora figures!

NEW SPANISH TABLE WINES 2008 Lícia Albariño, Rias Baixas ($16.99) Racy & zesty citrus flavors have notes of ripe melon laced with minerality. Finishing with impressive length, Lícia strikes the right balance between ripe fruit and acidity.
2004 Rioja Bordón Reserva ($14.99) Established in 1890, Bodegas Franco-Españolas stays true to tradition while coaxing expression and elegance from the grapes. A burst of smoked bing cherry meats earth, balsamic notes and a hint of clove. Silky and supple, it’s fine acidity provides balance and the length finish ends on a high note. A fantastic value for Rioja lovers!
2007 Alto Moncayo ($45.00) This compelling and polished wine is a knock-out! “Complex bouquet offers scents of blueberry, boysenberry, cola, dark chocolate and mace. Broad, sweet dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and power and are nicely framed by velvety tannins. A tangy mineral note gains strength with air and adds vivacity to the long, sweet, spicy finish. I’d drink this alluring wine on the young side for its exuberant fruit character.” 93 points Stephen Tanzer
2007 Alto Moncayo Veraton ($27.99) ” Sexy aromas of red and dark berries, sandalwood, spicecake and fresh rose. Spicy, concentrated raspberry and blackberry flavors are given spine by zesty minerals and pick up a smoky quality with air. Impressively lively for such a rich wine, with strong finishing spiciness and lingering notes of licorice and red berries.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer
Vinhos Justino Henriques Full Rich Madeira gift packs ($19.99). Packed in a wooden gift box, the set includes a 750 ml bottle of Full Rich Madeira and two Madeira glasses. Great value!
IT’S PORT SEASON!
The 2007 vintage ports are arriving, and we have the following four brands in stock:
2007 Porto Rocha Vintage Port ($58.00) Loaded with ripe fruit, Rocha has citrus notes, is medium sweet and balanced. Value priced, it has the structure for long ageing. 94-96 points, For the Love of Port
2007 Grahams Vintage Port ($88.00) Sweet, with a delicious nuttiness and smooth tannins.
Wine Spectator score 96-99
2007 Dow’s Vintage Port ($75.00) Incredibly structured with a seemingly never-ending finish.

Wine Spectator score 94-97
2007 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port ($75.00) 100% foot trodden and very drinkable already with notes of dense roasted nuts, fine grained tannins. Excellent!

Wine Spectator score 93-96

Other brands are available by special order:
2007 Gould Campbell Vintage Port ($55.00; 92-95 points Spectator) 2007 Warres Vintage Port ($78.00; Spectator score 95-98)
2007 Quinta Do Noval Vintage Port($90.00; Spectator score 94-97) 2007 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port($99.00; Spectator score 94-97).
Please let us know if you’d like to order any brands that we don’t have in stock.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS
Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.
NEW AND DELICIOUS CHEESES
Tome Jacquin: a creamy chevre from the Loire Valley.
Mothais Sur Feuille: a “wrinkly-rind” goat cheese, refined on a chestnut leaf. Sold individually.
Les Truffiardises: Hor d’oeurves-shaped fresh goat cheeses garnished with truffles and berries.
Fougerus: a cousin to Coulommiers, it’s a brie-style cow milk cheese and decorated with a fern leaf.
Bleuet de Savoie: a blue cow milk cheese with very Alpine characteristics- those who don’t usually like blue cheese will love this!

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, A NEW SHIPMENT OF D’ARTAGNAN CHARCUTERIE ARRIVED THIS WEEK! Back in stock are Duck Bacon, Wild Boar Bacon, Confit Duck Legs.
Among new items we now have
Pheasant Terrine with herbs, Chicken/Apple Sausage. and Jambon de Bayonne. Jambon de Bayonne is thinly sliced French ham, made in USA with only salt, no nitrates. $8.99 (4 oz).
FRENCH GIFT IDEAS
Dinner napkins with literary quotes ($35.00, set of four)
Culinaria France ($24.95) A virtual encyclopedia of French foodstuffs and wines, explanatory text and recipes with great photos on every page.
The Cooking of Southwest France by Paula Wolfert ($37.50) We’re big fans of Paula Wolfert’s cookbooks which meld detailed information about ingredients with authentic recipes.
The Paris Cookbook by Patricia Wells ($30.00) We used Patricia Well’s guide to Paris wine bars when we visited that city for the first time. An American who has lived in Paris since 1980, this cookbook and gastronomic guide to the City of Light is the next best thing for those who can’t afford a trip to France.

“Cooking French” 2 set DVD ($11.99) Disc One covers the cuisine of Northern France; Disc Two covers Burgandy and Southern France.

Compagnie de Provence organic skin care products. Choose from hand cream, soap, or body lotions made from natural and vegetable products.
Tunisian ceramics with multi colored flower design. We’ve got a whole mix of bowls and serving platters which make beautiful gifts.
NEW FRENCH WINES
TAKE 10% DISCOUNT ON SIX BOTTLES OR MORE AT PARIS GROCERY!
2005 Chateau Bonnet Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux ($9.99) André Lurton’s family has presided over the vineyards of Chateau Bonnet for over one hundred years. Ripe and juicy wild black fruit flavors have structured but accessible tannins. Serve it with a French cheese plate and charcuterie.
2007 Chateau Virgile Costières de Nîmes ($10.99) Concentrated berry flavors with focused aromatics, it is aged exclusively in tank with minimal fining and filtering. 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, it is concentrated and lush, an ideal match for the hearty cuisine of Southwestern France. “A juicy, polished palate of fruit pit, cocoa powder, salt, and herb-tinged cherries leads to a long, subtle finish, made more memorable by stony underlying notes and hints of floral perfume.” 91 points Wine Advocate
Dolin Vermouth Blanc and Rouge ($13.99) Dolin is the last independent producer of Vermouth de Chambéry and they continue to make the authentic product according to the principles which earned Chambéry France’s only A.O. for Vermouth back in 1932. This means production in Chambéry itself, maceration of real plants grown in the region rather than pre-prepared infusions, and the unique addition of sugar as opposed to other sweetening products. Dolin Vermouths are notably lighter, drier and less pungent than their larger commercial counterparts.

We look forward to helping you in the shop as you stock up for the holidays!

Sincerely,
Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827
Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Visit to Vega Sicilia

Visit to Vega Sicilia

June 25, 2009

 

We got home last Friday night after visiting fourteen Spanish wineries in twelve days. Twelve long hedonistic days of a no-holds-barred food and wine tasting extravaganza. Exactly my kind of travel. Now home, our cleansing diet of salad and water is already wearing thin…

Stay tuned for the next few weeks, because there’s a ton of great news from our trip. We visited Bodegas Jose Pariente and Martinsancho in Rueda; Emilio Moro, Bodegas Mauro, Bodegas Conde and Protos in Ribera del Duero. We spent the last 4 days in Rioja visiting Bodegas Muga, La Rioja Alta, R. Lopez de Heredia, Bodegas Ramon Ayala e Hijos, Remelluri, Bodegas Contino and Vinedos Sierra Cantabria.

I will never forget driving into the legendary estate of Bodegas Vega Sicilia. Established in 1864 when 18000 vine shoots from Bordeaux were planted here, they have been producing one of the world’s best and most mythical wines since 1915. No expense is spared in the pursuit of perfection, from the immaculate fermentation rooms, new French oak barrels which are replaced every year, down to the best available corks which are laboratory tested before using. Its 15000 kilo French oak fermentation vats are replaced every 5 years by a crew which is brought from Bordeaux. There is no resale market for the used vats so they are made into wooden boxes for the wines. The manicured grounds buzz with prosperity and quiet confidence.

Vega’s vineyard contains 19 different soils, four grape varieties and plots with varied microclimates. They continue to innovate. A new facility soon to open will house 64 fermentation vats, allowing micro vinification with each vat mirroring the vineyard plot.

 

The wines of Vega Sicilia

Three wines are made on Vega Sicilia’s estate in Ribera del Duero. Unico, only produced in great years, is typically made from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Unico is aged for 7 years in a combination of large oak vats and small French barrels. It can be cellared for up to 50 years. Valbuena is made each year from Tempranillo, Malbec and Merlot and can be cellared for 25 years. Reserva Especial NV is a blend of three vintages, produced in very limited quantities.

2001 Vega Sicilia Tinto Valbuena ($176.00) Unico was not made in 2001, so the best Tempranillo grapes were put into Valbuena. “Wonderfully perfumed, sharply delineated aromas of fresh red berries, cherry, rhubarb, roasted coffee and vanillin oak. Supple, lush and sweet, with medium to full body, a complex array of red and dark fruit flavours, exotic spice accents and fine-grained but firm, youthful tannins.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer, 93 points Robert Parker

1996 Vega Sicilia Unico ($366.00) Vega Sicilia is characterized by unbelievable finesse, silky tannins, black fruit, structure and balance. “Complex, heady bouquet of kirsch, candied plum, cured tobacco, licorice, dried rose and cedar. Pungent herbal notes build with aeration and repeat on the palate, adding complexity to the deep, ripe cherry and dark berry liqueur flavors. Remarkably elegant wine with precise cherry/berry flavors and a slow-mounting mocha quality on the long, sappy finish. There’s a very impressive interplay of fruit and tannins here.” 94 points Stephen Tanzer, 93 points Wine Spectator

1998 Vega Sicilia Unico ($400.00) ” Exotic aromas of red and dark fruits, iron, dried flowers, cured meat and tobacco are strongly reminiscent of a top vintage of Chateau Haut-Brion. Luscious cherry and cassis flavors display a superb balance of depth and structure, offering noteworthy power but a weightless quality that is simply uncanny. Candied flowers, smoky minerals and vanilla bean add complexity and extend through an endless finish. I’d love to sneak this into a tasting of 1998 Saint-Emilion and Graves wines in ten years or so.” 96 points Stephen Tanzer, 98 points Robert Parker

2003 Pintia, Toro ($50.00) Made from 100% Tinto de Toro, this is from Vega Sicilia’s estate in Toro. The first vintage was 2001. ” The 2003 Pintia (100% Tinta de Toro aka Tempranillo) is a powerful, opaque purple effort that spent 12 months in new French oak. The expressive nose offers toast, vanilla, charcoal, and blue and black fruits which jump from the glass. There is a boatload of tannin but more than enough fruit for balance. Currently the 2003 is tight, firm, and a bit austere but a few years of bottle age should bring things into harmony.” 92 points Wine Advocate

 

NEW PRODUCTS

Pulque La Lucha- Frieda Kahlo’s drink of choice!

Framani brand Salametto Piccante chorizo: Brick-red in color and seasoned with pimenton de la Vera. Piquant and slightly smoky. About 12 inches long, 3/4 pound. Slice in 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick pieces.

Zoe Meats Chorizo, Locally Made, No Nitrates: We sold out of our first order in 4 days and quickly reordered. A favorite of local chefs, Spanish Table customers and staff! Rich red texture, smoky, earthy, sweet and tangy. Perfect for tapas, paella and Bocadillos.

Our Favorite Queso Reggianito is finally back in stock! $9.99/lb

Garrotxa Bauma is a special young Artisanal Garrotxa from Catalonia. This particular Garrotxa is exceptional with nuances of nuts and flowers and hints of thyme and rosemary. The texture is smooth and velvety with a long grassy finish.

Vallee d’ Aspe is a wonderfully earthy raw milk sheep and cow’s milk cheese from the Pyrenees. This mature Basque region artisanal cheese has well balanced hay tones with a vibrant tanginess.

Bottarga is the salted and dried roe of gray mullet and tastes of iodine and light fermentation. It is a flavor agent that plays off other ingredients, great on summer salads, pastas, or beans. “Try it sprinkled over fresh oysters.” Eric Stone

On sale

Matiz Fig cake ($7.99). A perfect complement with sheep milks cheese.

Veigadarte, now $22.99/lb. The soft ripened tangy goat cheese from Leon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fermentation vats at Bodegas Alion

2002 Alion, Ribera del Duero ($48.00 special price!) One wine is produced at Vega’s separate estate, Bodegas Alion. 1991 was the first vintage of this Bordeaux-style modern wine made from 100% Tempranillo. Half of the grapes come from the Vega Sicilia estate; the other half from Alion vineyards. “While 2002 was a lesser vintage, you would never know it from tasting the 2002 Alion, Saturated purple in color, it offers up an exotic nose of coconut, espresso, herbs, black currants and cherries. Rich and complex on the palate with lots of glycerine and layers of black fruit flavours, it has a pure, long finish that goes on and on.” 94 points Wine Advocate

2004 Alion, Ribera del Duero ($82.00) “The 2004 Alion is inky purple-colored with an alluring perfume of toasty oak, lavender, violets, mineral, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a full-bodied, rich, opulent, wine with incipient complexity, and notes of licorice, mocha, and espresso emerging on the palate. The lengthy finish is pure and persistent. Give it 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it through 2025.” 96 points Wine Advocate

 

Last call for Padron Pepper plants! We’re waiting for the crop in Oregon to get ripe so that we can offer these tasty peppers. In the meantime, we’re harvesting padron peppers from our own plants, thanks to the warm June weather. We’ve still got a few plants left. $4.99 each.

Stop in soon and we’ll give you some travel tips for Ribera del Duero and Rioja.

Sincerely,

 

Sharon Baden & Steve Winston, Owners

Spanish Table

Celebration Season

 

 

Celebration Season

 

June 5, 2009

Congratulations to Classical Wines of Spain who celebrated their 25th anniversary this week. One of the pioneer importers of quality Spanish wines, their portfolio is a personal roadmap of what’s happened in Spanish winemaking over the last 25 years. A full day of seminars with winemakers and a tasting showed just how much they continue to push boundaries. Their long relationships with top winemakers such as Alejandro Fernandez of Pesquera continue, while they source exciting new producers that are delivering terrunyo-driven, authentic wines. Here’s to your future success!

June is the month of graduation celebrations, the beginning of summer wedding season and long days meant for picnics in the park. All of these occasions cry out for good food and wine which we’re here to provide! The secret is to keep it simple, like last night’s simple lentil salad tossed with sherry vinegar, olive oil and fresh arugula. With a chilled glass of 2008 Montecastrillo rose, it was the perfect picnic meal.

On a personal celebratory note, we’ll be toasting my birthday in Spain next week. Our itinerary takes us through the wine regions of Rueda, Ribera del Duero and Rioja with a beach weekend in San Sebastian. We’ll try to send updates from the road….

 

Steven’s Black Cod with Piquillos and PX is a quick weeknight dinner.  (Serves 3)
1 ½ lb black cod
4 piquillo peppers, sliced into strips
½ sweet onion, sliced
3 tbsp olive oil (I used Majoub Tunisian)
 
For the marinade:
1/3 cup Pedro Ximenez Sherry (Don PX 2004)
1/3 cup sherry vinegar (I used Majuelo)
1 tbsp grapefruit marmalade (Majoub Tunisian)
 
Put the cod on 2 layers of aluminum foil, cover with peppers and onions, and drizzle with olive oil.  Whisk together the marinade in a small bowl, adjusting the balance if necessary: it should be slightly more sweet than tangy.  Drizzle over the cod, reserving half.  If using a barbeque, adjust the grill to highest position, farther away from the coals.  Wrap up the cod, and place on the grill, turning after 5 minutes.  After 5 minutes on each side, open the foil, and drizzle with the remaining marinade. Close the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cod is just falling apart. Serve with 2007 Lagar do Castelo albarino.  

Some favorite wines from Classical Wines of Spain:
2008 Martinsancho, Rueda ($16.99) Grapefruit meets yellow and green apple in this crisp white.   The vibrant fruit flavors are complimented by vibrant acidity and a long, smooth finish.
2007 Vina Reboreda, Ribeiro ($11.99)  With a steely backbone, Vina Reboreda offers up flavors of Granny Smith apple and watermelon.   Lean and savory, it is stupendous with steamed clams or mussels.
 2006 Altico “A”, Jumilla ($18.99) From Producer Bodegas Carchelo, Altico is a full bodied 100% Syrah.  “Primary blackberry and blueberry aromas are youthfully unevolved, opening slowly to display subtle graphite and baking spice qualities. Midweight black and blue fruit flavors are strikingly pure, with fine-grained tannins lending support. The sweet fruit lingers impressively on the long, sappy finish, which becomes spicier with air. This is delicious.”   90 points Stephen Tanzer
2005 Montecastro, Ribera del Duero ($47.00)  Powerful and structured, with velvety layers of black fruit, mineral, structured tannins, all balanced with acidity and an amazing persistent finish.   “This rich, expressive red delivers ripe, almost sweet, black currant and blackberry fruit. It has muscular tannins, but there’s enough acidity for balance, as well as a vibrant floral and spice finish.”  93 points Wine Spectator

NEW VINTAGE OF MUGA IS HERE:

It’s an exciting day when the new vintage of Muga Rioja rolls in the door!   Voted the most popular wine from Rioja, it’s definitely a customer favorite.  Even better, lower costs and a better exchange rate have made Muga less expensive this year.
2008 Muga Rioja Blanco Barrel Fermented ($14.99)  Made of 90% viura and 10% malvasia, Muga’s double grape checking, both on selection belt and on tasting the musts, means that 50% of the harvest is excluded. Slow fermentation in new French oak and 3 months on fine lees are the secrets of this careful production process. Aromas of citrus fruit and apple stand out against a background of aromatic herbs such as lavender, thyme and even fennel. There are also aromas derived from its cask fermentation, such as coconut and vanilla. In the mouth, intensity and persistence, while at the same time it remains fresh and lively.
2008 Muga Rioja Rosado ($11.99) Made of 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo, this is one of our all time favorite rosados.   Salmon colored, light bodied, dry and fresh with flavors of ripe red berry, it is backed by crisp acidity and a honeyed finish.  Great with any seafood, paella, or pork dish.
 2005 Muga Reserva Rioja ($25.99) 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano, the reserva has been aged six months in traditional Rioja vats, 24 months in small oak barrels and 12 months in bottle.  Concentrated black fruit and red berry flavors have nuances of coffee.  With notes of cedar and charred oak, it is balanced on the palate with a delicious and persistent finish.  Bodegas Muga feels that 2001 and 2005 are their best vintages, as they approach the style of a Bordeaux Pomeral while reflecting the unique terrunyo of the vineyard.2001 Prado Enea Gran Reserva ($57.00) From the stellar 2001 vintage, produced from 50 year old vines, the 2001 Prado Enea is 80% Tempranillo and 20% Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha.  On the nose, aromas of spice and chocolate, wrapped in fruit liqueur.   Balanced and elegant, it is smooth with a long and honest finish.   This is one of the best Prado Eneas produced in recent vintages.

New Foods

Ferrer brand Gazpacho: Arrived today! We now have the familiar red, and the lesser known but no less delicious, white. White gazpacho is made from garlic and almonds.

Fresh (unpasteurized) Luques Olives: These French green olives are meaty and sweet, not soft, salty, or mushy like some olives can be. The green flesh is firm and bright, fruity and crisp.

Dried Black Mission Figs: Soft, ripe and fleshy figs from California.

Dried Cherry: Add a new flavor to your summer salads or try them with broiled pork chops. Plump the cherries with warm bourbon and vermouth and dress the chops. Make a nice sauce by reducing your cherry flavored booze and swirling in some butter.

Three New Fig Spreads: Mittica fig spread with Lemon Flower Honey from Valencia. Mt. Vikos Hazel Nut Fig Spread from Greece. Last but not least, I can’t resist Fig and Cocoa spread. Made with figs, pure cane sugar and cocoa. Warm it and pour over ice cream.

Mittica Homemade Membrillo: Artisanally produced, my favorite way to serve membrillo is by sandwiching it between two triangles of the 1 year raw milk manchego cheese and warming it in the oven for a minute.

Mittica Chestnut Honey in Ceramic Crock: This raw chestnut honey is from the mountains of Asturias and is beautifully packaged in a clay crock. Dark in color with intense aromas and flavor. Try pouring this over a gooey piece of Queso Leonora goat cheese.

Padron Pepper Plants: Our last 14 plants are ready to go in the ground. Plant them now and harvest in July! $4.99 each, 16 plants available.

Planning a party or wedding?  Our wine department has something to fit every event, from budget to collector wines.  We offer a 10% discount on a case of 12 wines.  For easy tapas ingredients, pick up a selection of cured meats and cheeses, or for more involved recipes, we stock hard to find ingredients like harissa and preserved lemons.  Gifts:  For someone setting up a new household, this is the place to get them something useful yet “special” such as a beautiful hand-decorated ceramic bowl and an olivewood salad-serving set. For the cook, a set of cazuelas and a really fabulous cookbook. And for anyone, a big glass pitcher.   Everyone can use a pitcher. I’m a fan of our fruit-embossed Marbella pitcher – perfect for sangria, lemonade, whatever. And it’s made of recycled bottle glass, yet another plus!

Spain Association Paella Contest June 21.   Sponsored by Taberna del Alabardero, the contest is open to anyone who wishes to cook, or just watch and eat.   Prizes awarded for the top three paellas.   For more information, visit http://www.spainassociation.org/

Have a great week and please stop in soon and see us at the shop!   Sincerely,   Sharon Baden & Steve Winston, Owners Spanish Table

Cock A Doodle Doo

April 23, 2009

Food writer Nancy Leson’s blog has released a flock of calls and emails here at the shop.   What’s all the twittering about?  California wine producer E.J. Gallo has filed a lawsuit against the Spanish Table for selling “Gallo” brand fideua pasta, produced in Barcelona.  “Gallo” means rooster in Spanish and icons of the bird are seen all over the Iberian peninsula.  Sadly, we can’t afford the fight to sell our favorite brand of pasta, so we’ve found a replacement brand of noodle.   Stop in and get one of these Gallo collector items before they sell out!    To read Nancy Leson’s blog:  http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/allyoucaneat/2009/04/20/gallo_crows_well_sue_you_spani.html To watch the King 5 TV report: http://www.king5.com/business/stories/NW_042109WAB-winery-gallo-KC.fb370cdf.html

Fideau, or fideo, is a dish made in a paella pan with short pasta noodles, garlic, broth and whatever else you’ve got on hand.    To use those Spanish noodles, try this recipe from The Spanish Table Cookbook:
Fideo Pasta with Seafood in Oloroso Cream Sauce (serves 4)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1 pound salmon, or a 1 pound mixture of shrimp meat and crab
½ cup dry Oloroso sherry
3 cups clam juice or water
½ pound fideo pasta
1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon minced parsley
Heat oil in a 12-inch or larger paella pan and cook the pasta until it turns golden.   Remove pasta from pan, reserving the oil.  Add garlic to pan and cook until soft.  Add the seafood and saute for 1 minute on each side.   Add the sherry and clam juice, then bring to a boil.
Add the pasta and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook until the pasta has absorbed the liquid and is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.  Add the half-and-half and parsley and cook until incorporated.    This is even better with a bowl of alioli (garlic mayonnaise) served on the side.
“When fideua is outlawed; only outlaws will have fideua.” Steve Winston

COLLECTOR’S CORNER On Easter weekend, we opened and drank a bottle of 1968 Vina Bosconia Rioja.  In 1968, when the grapes used to make this wine were growing, I was stationed at U.S. 6th Army headquarters in San Francisco.  Recovering from the wounds I received in the infantry (173 Airborne Brigade) in Vietnam, I was drinking, ironically, Gallo Hearty Burgandy by the jug.  My palate has matured since then.   If you are old enough to remember 1968, we have one bottle available of 1968 Vina Tondonia Rioja ($327.00).   Steve Winston

CHEESE CORNER Pata Cabra is a unique goat’s milk cheese is from Zaragoza, made in a brick shape. It is a washed rind cheese which is dense, smooth, creamy and mildly piquant. Faintly goaty, lightly lemony, fresh, earthy and full of character with sweet herbaceous overtones. Pairs perfectly with Albariño or Godello white wines.

- Jorge

Celebrate Earth Day by planting a garden!    A a new shipment of padron pepper seeds has arrived, just in time to start germinating.   If you’ve never tasted a padron pepper, they are a small piquant green variety from Galicia.   They grow well in the cool northwest and are best  enjoyed when they are not over 3 inches long.   The larger they are, the hotter they can be!

VALUE WINES UNDER $10.00
2007 Dom Martinho rose, Estremoz Portugal ($8.99) Rothschild-Lafite acquired this estate in 1992 and since has brought the vineyards back to immaculate condition, as only the Rothschilds can do. Dom Martinho rose is fresh and clean, with vibrant strawberry-raspberry flavors. With great acidity and hints of mineral, this is a perfect wine to kick off the rose season with!
2006 San Isidro Cepas del Zorro Dos Ano Monastrell, Bullas ($8.99) The region of Bullas is near Jumilla in Southwestern Spain but has a superior high and dry terroir. Produced from vines as old as 60 years and at 2100 feet elevation, this is a powerfully authentic wine. With fruity raspberry aromas on the nose, it has a brawny mid palate with mineral notes, hints of spice and plenty of tannic structure. Aged two years in the bottle but without any time in barrel, Cepas del Zorro is rustic and meaty. Great with barbecued ribs!
2007 Valdemar Tempranillo Rioja ($9.99) New on the market and bursting with vivid boysenberry fruit, Valdemar Tempranillo is a must-try for those looking for a great paella wine. With just the right amount of acidity and moderate tannins, it deftly balances any rich dish or roasted meat. This is a red that I’ll be serving all year round.

SPECIAL OCCASION WINES UNDER $20.00:
2007 Martina Prieto Pariente Verdejo, Rueda ($15.99) Martina’s mother, Victoria, is said to produce the best white wine in Spain under their famous estate name, Jose Pariente. Martina, an enology student, is making her own wine with her mother using extreme methods such as harvesting grapes at night to lock in the fresh aromatics. Martina Prieto sings with flavors of creamy grapefruit, ripe pineapple, lime, flint, and a hint of cinnamon. Vibrant with acidity, it is a great pairing with octopus ceviche.
2006 Naiades, Rueda, Regularly $23.99, now on sale for $19.99. This is absolutely one of the best white wines I’ve tasted. The Naiades vineyards were planted in the 19th century with ungrafted Verdejo vines. Surviving generations of harsh climate, poor soils and phylloxera, these vines produce the extraordinary fruit that goes into Naiades. With aromas of beeswax and dried flowers, the oak is evident but muted. Full bodied, creamy and rich, it has great balanced acidity with flavors of buttered toast, melon and citrus. “The barrel-fermented 2006 Naia Des is 100% old-vine Verdejo sourced from ungrafted 80- to 100-year-old vines. The nose is slightly toasty but the fruit comes through with plenty of citrus, mineral, and floral notes. The oak treatment seems to have resulted in a creamier texture. The wine is nicely balanced, medium long, and may evolve for 1-2 years although it can be enjoyed now.” 90 points Jay Miller
2006 Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva, Mendoza ($19.99) The 2005 Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec was a sensational Malbec and quickly sold out. The 2006 vintage just arrived, and it has all the rich smokiness, structure and balance of the 2005. “Full ruby-red. Musky, vinous aromas of blackberry, mocha, espresso and tobacco. Suave, juicy and palate-coating, with a distinctly saline element adding complexity to the flavors of raspberry, tobacco, smoke and green olive. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lovely aromatic lift. A distinctly soil-inflected wine with loads of personality-and an excellent value.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer

Have a great week, and we hope to see you at the shop.

Regards,
Sharon Baden & Steve Winston, owners
The Spanish Table

Holiday Feasting in Portland

April 16, 2009

The buzz about Portland’s diverse restaurant scene got us on the road Sunday morning with our California partners Andy and Tanya. Our first stop was lunch at Andina in the Pearl District (http://www.andinarestaurant.com). After sharing piquillo peppers stuffed with quinoa and jamon serrano, tender octopus kebabs, and fresh lime infused fish ceviche, we understand why it gets rave reviews. A few hours later we stopped at Toro Bravo (http://www.torobravopdx.com) for a pre-dinner sherry and couldn’t leave without trying the manchego cheese marinated in rose petal harissa and mint, sherry chicken liver mousse, and the oxtail croquettes. What astonishing flavor combinations! We would have stayed all night but we had dinner reservations at Le Pigeon (http://www.lepigeon.com), a tiny bistro with communal tables which is always full. The seasonal menu was loaded with meat-centric dishes that blew us away.  My fried rabbit was more rabbit confit, ultra-tender with meat falling off the bone. We had duck breast and beef cheeks and an amazing finale of cornbread, maple syrup and bacon. Everything was fantastic! We’ll go back to these places very, very soon.

Instant Tapa:  Start with a slice of Aegean Gourmet Golden Toast ($1.99/11.6 oz), add a layer of Greenland Buffalo Feta cheese ($3.99/500 grams) and top with Napoleon Grilled Artichoke Halves ($3.85/7.5 oz).  Serve at room temperature.

New Meats

Chorizo Leon ($11.99, appx ¾ lb): Take one bite of this intensely flavored soft-cured sausage and you’ll think you’re in Spain. Its distinctive flavor comes from a mixture of garlic with the smoked paprikas from Pimenton de la Vera. Serve sliced at room temperature on a charcuterie plate.

Asturian Fabada Stew Kit ($23.99/appx 2 lbs): Our cold and rainy Easter weather got me hankering for stew. A comfort food fanatic, nothing warms me on a chilly night like a hearty serving of Fabada, the signature dish of Asturias. Traditionally made with a special bean called “fabe” grown in this region, this sausage and bean dish is absolutely satisfying. Our Asturian Fabada Stew Kit includes Chorizo Bilbao, Morcilla de Cebolla (blood sausage with onion), Tocino (bacon with rind) and Jamon Serrano (dry cured ham). We also have a limited supply of the authentic “Fabe” Fabada bean ($35.00/kg), which is prized for its ability to hold shape after a long simmer.

For a Fabada recipe, click this link: http://www.spain-recipes.com/fabada-asturiana.html

Soujouk ($9.99/1.2 lb): We discovered this dried beef sausage in Turkey, where it was sliced over a dish of hummus and warmed, then served as a tasty appetizer.

Basturma or Pastirma ($12.99/12 oz): Racks of hanging beef loin rubbed with a heavy marinade of paprika, fenugreek and chili line the market streets of Kayseri, Turkey. This popular spiced beef is sliced thin and eaten on bread, or it can be sauteed and eaten with everything from eggs or wrapped in phyllo dough and baked.

 

FISH PRODUCTS

Squid ink ($.99/4 gram plastic or $19.99/200 gr jar): Not a new product for us, but we’ve been getting a lot of calls for it lately.   The essential ingredient in black rice or squid in its own ink.  Now available in a 200 gr jar as well as the familiar plastic packets.  
Filetes de Boqueron: ($8.99/appx 6 oz) Another item that is frequently asked for.  These fresh white anchovies are marinated in oil and vinegar, with garlic and parsley. We had these one night at Txori on top of crostini with black olive tapenade. The briny fish and rich olive flavors were fantastic together!   Also great on caesar salad.

 

 

WHITE WINE 

2007 Grinalda Reserva Vinho Verde, Portugal ($14.99) Produced by Vinho Verde maker Aveleda, Grinalda represents the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. The grapes are fermented at low temperature with selected yeasts in an effort to preserve the naturally fresh character. Unlike many vinho verde wines, carbon dioxide has not been added to Grinalda; it reflects the intense aromas of the Loureiro grape, the elegance and softness of Trajadura and the persistent finish of Alvarinho. It’s aromas of tropical fruits and flowers, flavors of fresh stone fruit with notes of citrus and a zippy acidity provide a clean and bracing palate. Excellent with shellfish.

2007 Porrais Douro ($16.99) Produced from a 28 hectare vineyard which is over 60 years old, with shale and schist soils at an altitude of 600 meters, this white wine is a knockout! Made of 60% Rabigato and 40% Codega do Larinho, it is steely and lean. With citrus and green apple flavors, abundant minerality and moderate tannins, it is crisp, delicate and delicious.

WINE VALUES:    To ease the pain of tax season, we’ve added to our stock of over 50 wines under $10.00. Amazing wines from Spain and Portugal arrive weekly and continue to be the best value on the planet!

2007 Mesta Tempranillo, Tierra de Castilla ($7.99): Named for gatherings of sheep herders organized to sort stray sheep (mestencos) from their flock, Mesta is 100% Tempranillo, the wine traditionally served with lamb. The grapes are grown at 2500 feet elevation, and it has great balance and food-pairing acidity. Aged in stainless steel, this is a young wine with a fruit driven nose full of enticing aromas of ripe red berries. On the palate, it has chewy and firm tannins with a hint of pepper and a persistent finish. Serve this at your next backyard barbeque!
2008 Famega Rose, Portugal ($7.99) Our first 2008 rose has arrived! With all the promise of a seedling poking up its first shoots, the new rose season brings hope of salad days to come. 2008 Famega is loaded with fresh strawberry flavor, a hint of effervescence and a feeling of summer. Sip it chilled on the deck on a sunny day!
2007 Carlos Bassos Dos Fincas Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot, Mendoza ($9.99) Aged lightly in oak for 4 months, Dos Fincas is a blend of two different vineyards and microclimates. Made of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, its jammy berry aromas and plump black berry flavors shine through. Solid and flush throughout, it has surprising softness. Excellent with grilled pork chops.
2005 Conde de Vimioso, Ribatejano ($9.99) Winemaker Joao Portugal Ramos has been the most influential wine consultant in Southern Portugal over the last 15 years. His philosophy of low yields, preserving fruit flavors and occasional oak aging with modern winemaking techniques have made him a superstar. His 2005 Conde de Vimioso combines aromatic, dark fruit flavors of Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira blended beautifully with the bold spices of Tempranillo and well-integrated tannins of Cabernet. The palate is rich and youthful, showing raspberry and currant fruit with hints of white pepper, espresso bean and dark chocolate on the lingering finish.
NV Quinta de la Rosa’s Finest Reserve Port, Douro ($11.99/375 ml, $19.99/750 ml) “is a stunning example of what can be achieved and found in non-vintage port blends. This small port lodge has turned out a terrific, full-bodied, garnet/ruby-colored wine with a big, chocolatey, black-cherry, cedary nose, full-bodied, unctuously-textured flavors, and gobs of fruit and richness, as well as an off-dry, impressive finish. Drink it over the next decade or more.” 92 points Robert Parker

We hope to see you soon and have a great week!  

Best regards, 

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, owners
The Spanish Table Inc.