A Segovian Gold Mine

The Elusive Pago de Carraovejas

July 30, 2009

Established by Segovian restauranteur and sommelier Jose Maria Ruiz, Bodegas Pago de Carraovejas has become one of the crown jewels of Ribera del Duero wines. Jose Maria’s insistence on excellence has driven these wines onto the “must have” list of all quality restaurants in Spain. Only 10% of production is exported. Every vintage quickly sells out and allocations are becoming more difficult to come by. Our Bay Area stores have been lucky enough to obtain a small amount of the recent vintages, and it knocked my socks off when I tasted it earlier this year. We’ve had countless customer requests for this wine and for months the distributor has repeated “it’s coming..” it’s coming…”

Happenstance rewarded us once again in Spain. Unwittingly, we stumbled into a tapas gold mine at El Descanso de Juan Pacheco in Segovia. Along with fantastic food, Pago de 

Carraovejas was being poured like water!

Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva… by the glass… by the bottle… no limits.

And now that we’ve returned from Spain, finally, last week we received two cases of the 2006 Crianza. Another case “is coming..”

A single vineyard wine, 2006 Pago de Carraovejas Crianza is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels, it is an intense cherry color with purple tones. The nose is filled with ripe fruit aromas of black berries and spices. Flavors of tar and boysenberry slowly spread over the palate with glycerin contributing a rich fruity mouth feel. Well integrated oak, notes of coffee and cacao with supple tannins. Concentrated and intense, it has herbal notes with a smooth and persistent finish. A powerful and effusive wine, here is a rare opportunity to experience this wine outside of Spain! 2006 Pago de Carraovejas Crianza (Ribera del Duero) $40.00. Only 34 bottles available.

 

NEW WINES THIS WEEK

2007 Torres Sangre de Toro Tempranillo, Penedes ($7.99)  The Torres family has been producing wines in Catalunya since the late 1800’s. Their consistent production of quality wines at all price levels has earned them a loyal customer base. Sangre de Toro Tempranillo is a new wine developed by Torres. An absolute bargain, its juicy cherry flavors with hints of smoke have solid complexity for the price. “Impressively supple wine with strong finishing sweetness and focus. Packs a lot of punch and honest fruit for the money.” 87 points Stephen Tanzer

2007 Vina Gormaz, Ribera del Duero ($9.99) A former co-op, this recently-privatized company controls the majority of acreage in Ribera del Duero’s Soria province. Containing the highest remaining percentage of old vine, head-pruned Tempranillo, Vina Gormaz’s focus is upon complexity and elegance without oak aging. The 2007 vintage has deep wild berry aromas, fruit forward juicy blackberry flavors and ample but balanced tannins. This tasty wine is one to enjoy young.

2007 Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha, Calatayud $9.99)  Exemplifying all of the wild red fruit and spice of pure Garnacha, Tres Ojos is a pleasure to drink. Juicy black cherry flavors have just enough white pepper spiciness to provide zest. Clean, with energizing lift and a persistent finish, Tres Ojos a great all-around food wine and a great value!

2007 Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero ($13.99) Producedby Bodegas Emilio Moro, Finca Resalso is a wine produced from Moro’s younger vineyards. Four months of aging in oak give structure with fine tannins, vibrant fruit flavors, and well balanced acidity. “Dark ruby-colored, it emits an enticing perfume of mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it reveals an elegant personality, savory, spicy flavors, good depth, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink this tasty effort over the next four years.” 90 points Wine Advocate

2006 Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva, Mendoza ($19.99) Produced from low yielding vines at an altitude of 960 meters, made of 100% Malbec, it is aged 12 months in oak casks. Full bodied with aromas of bing cherry, it has flavors of concentrated kirsch liqueur, notes of coffee, spices and pepper. Elegant, with round and sweet tannins, this has the potential to age for up to 10 years. When we tasted this against a limited release ($120.00) Malbec, Luigi Bosca completely over delivered for a fraction of the price. Highly recommended!

 

Last week’s New York Times article about wines from D.O. Ribera Sacra generated a ton of inquiries. We’ve located another wine mentioned in the article: 2007 Guimaro, (Ribera Sacra) $17.99 “Light bodied, juicy, inexpensive wines with a welcome earthy touch.”

 

HOT WEATHER BEVERAGES

When the thermometer tops 90 degrees and your house has no air conditioning, what do you do? My favorite heat-beating activities: Go swimming in Lake Washington, have a picnic at Lincoln Park, and sip a cold, cold, beverage.

Some our our favorite cold drinks:

Estrella Damm Beer from Spain: $9.99 per six pack

Cusquena Lager Beer from Peru: $9.99 per six pack

Sagres Lager Beer from Portugal: $8.99 per six pack

Casa Beer from Morrocco: $1.99 per 11 oz bottle

Estrella Damm Inedit Beer: Developed by Ferran Adria of El Bulli, this beer was specifically developed to serve with food. $9.99/750 ml bottle

2007 Senorio de Sarria rose, (Navarra) Seafair Special — Was $9.99, now $5.99! Navarra is the traditional home of Spanish rosados. Senorio de Sarria’s bright aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries are front and center in this tasty rose. 100% Garnacha, it is crisp, dry and the ultimate refreshment on a hot day.

2009 Casal Garcia rose vino verde ($8.99) took Seattle by storm during our first heat wave. We couldn’t keep it in stock and neither could the distributor. But thankfully it’s back, just in time for the hot weather! Light berry and pie cherry flavors with a thirst quenching effervesence and 10.5% alcohol make this a perfect wine to sip at an afternoon get-together.

2008 Protos Verdejo, Rueda ($10.99) The grapes for this wine are hand picked and kept at low temperature to preserve freshness. Protos Verdejo has clean aromas of grapefruit with lush citrus flavors, vibrant acidity and a persistent green apple finish. Pair this with ceviche for a light and cooling dinner.

 

PICNIC CHEESES

Gardunha: A washed rind goat cheese from Portugal made with a milk thistle rennet. The semi-soft creamy texture is complimented by aromatic citrus zest. It’s lighly piquant flavor is grassy, slightly tangy & floral with white pepper and onion tones. $7.99/quarter lb.

Abrigo: 5 month-aged goat cheese in the format of Tronchón from the town of Catí in the region of Valencia. Abrigo is wonderfully herbaceous,sweet, grassy, slightly piquant and full-flavored with a lingering tangy finish. $5.99/quarter lb.

Serra de Estrella: Queijo Serra da Estrela comes from one of the coldest and highest regions of Portugal. These savory wheels of raw sheep’s milk cheese are made with cardoon thistle, raw sheep’s milk, and salt and can boast Portugal’s DOP name protection. Traditionally scooped out of its leathery cloth-bound rind with pieces of hearty peasant bread, Serra is a a soft, gooey, mildly herbaceous delight. As the wheels age, the paste becomes harder and chewier, but no less delicious. Pair Serra da Estrela with spicier reds like Pinot Noir or Syrah. $10.75/quarter lb.

 

NEW PRODUCTS JUST ARRIVED!

Roland brand Duck and Pork Pates

La Espanola brand Piquillo Stuffed Olives

Dried Red Guindilla Peppers

Despana brand Chorizo and Morcilla

Costa Peruana Aji Amarillo chili paste from Peru. No preservatives!

Grey Mullet Bottarga Powder

 

Stay cool, enjoy the Blue Angels and the Hydroplane races this weekend, and stop in to pick up your picnic supplies!

 

Sincerely,

 

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

Spanish Table

A Great Unknown Winery in Rioja

A GREAT UNKNOWN WINERY

July 9, 2009

A few years ago we were at Eva Restaurant in Latona which is co-owned by James Hondros, our former wine manager. James poured us each a glass of Saturnia Crianza Rioja which we enjoyed so much that we took a bottle over to my late Dad’s house. After that, whenever I told my Dad I was coming over, he would ask if I could bring along some more bottles of those “saturn” wines.

When we chose our favorite bodegas to visit last month, naturally Rioja’s holy trinity headed the list: R. Lopez Heredia, producer of Vina Tondonia, La Rioja Alta and Bodegas Muga. (Interesting fact: the front doors of these wineries are only meters apart in Haro’s Railroad District where a hundred years ago, they loaded huge barrels of wine on flat cars and sent them off to France which was suffering the scourge phylloxera.)

But one of our most enjoyable visits was with Bodegas Ramon de Ayala Lete y Hijos, who make Vina Santurnia and Deobriga. Just across the Ebro river from Haro in the tiny town of Briñas, they have a new, functional winery nestled between houses on a side street. The modern winery replaced the old bodega which has a two story underground wine cave, now used for aging home-made Cava. Laboring in quiet obscurity, there are few visitors and no tasting room. However, 4th generation winemaker Ramon de Alaya was charming and hospitable during our 4 hour visit, as we visited the vineyards, the old bodega, tasted barrel samples and the most recent releases.  The secret to his nuanced wines lies in his south facing vineyards which are nestled high up against the Sierra Cantabria mountains. His oldest vineyards were planted in 1936; the youngest vineyards are 30-40 years old. The vines, planted to a mix of traditional Rioja grapes, are overseen by Ramon’s grandson, a technical agronomist engineer. Minimal intervention is used in the vineyard, whose late ripening grapes achieve great depth and balance.

THE WINES OF VINA SANTURNIA

Stay ahead of the wine critics and try one of these little-known wines!

2004 Vina Santurnia Crianza Rioja ($15.99) Made of 100% Tempranillo, the Crianza has inviting fresh aromas, with flavors of bing cherry, boysenberry, toast and licorice. Notes of vanilla frame a persistent, earthy finish. Give it 20 minutes to open up and savor the complexity.

2004 Deobriga Seleccion Familiar, Rioja ($21.99) Spanish Table exclusive! The most modern style Rioja produced by Bodegas Ramon de Ayala Lete y Hijos, we jumped at the chance to carry this an an exclusive. Made from old vine Tempranillo and Graciano, it has complex flavors of blackberry, blueberry, hints of black olive and tobacco. A supple and full bodied Rioja, it is well balanced with notes of vanilla and minerals. An all around superb Rioja!

1999 Vina Santurnia Gran Reserva Rioja ($40.00) Notes of balsamic, plum and black cherry infuse this traditional style, medium bodied Rioja. Elegant, with notes of smoke and cedar that compliment silky tannins. Balanced and extremely well crafted, the Gran Reserva is smooth with a persistent finish. A knock out with any grilled meat.

 

NEW CHEESES

Los Beyos is a dense, compact, “peasant” style artisan cow’s milk cheese from the Asturias region of Spain. It has a unique flinty texture. The first bite’s slight chalkiness melts into a big, buttery, creamy texture with a well-balanced and tangy finish.

Valèe d’Aspe This pleasantly earthy and grassy raw cow and sheep’s milk farmstead Tomme is crafted by Basque artisans in the shadow of the Pyrenees. Firm, but not flaky, this cheese speaks of mountain terroir with nutty notes, vibrant tanginess, and an olive savoriness.

Young Majorero con Pimentòn Those of you already familiar with this exotic cheese from the Canary Islands will enjoy the younger version coated with Pimentòn from the same region. Majorero is unlike any other! Made from the aromatic rich milk of goats that graze on wild marjoram. Flavors of almonds and a spiciness make this a unique cheese. Pair this with full bodied and spicy red Tajinaste from the Canary Islands. – Jorge

 

“SPAIN 2009 – AN ABUNDANCE OF RICHES” was last week’s Wine Advocate sensational review of 600+ Spanish wines. With superb vintages in 2004 and 2005, and excellent 2006 and 2007 harvests, over 490 wines received a rating of 90 points or higher. We’ve been advocating little known Spanish wines since 1995 and it’s rewarding to see the wine press finally taking notice in a big way!

HIGHLY RATED WINES THAT WE HAVE IN STOCK:

2006 Clos Erasmus, Priorat – 97 points ($190.00) 3 bottles available “As usual Clos Erasmus is one of Spain’s finest wines. The 2006 Clos Erasmus offers an ethereal bouquet of balsam and sandalwood, incense, liquid mineral, black cherry, and black raspberry. Dense, rich, and voluptuous on the palate, it has plenty of well-concealed ripe tannin, tons of fruit, and potential complexity.”

2006 Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero – 94 points ($79.00) “The 2006 Flor de Pingus spent 14 months in new French oak. Deep purple in color, it gives up a superb bouquet of toasty oak, spice box, mineral, incense, black cherry, and blackberry. Youthful, full-bodied, intense, and powerful on the palate, it retains an elegant personality despite its size. Splendidly balanced, it will evolve for 4-6 years and deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2026. It is a superb value in great wine considering that the price of Pingus Junior is one-tenth that of Pingus.”

2006 Alto Moncayo, Campo de Borja – 94 points ($42.00) 8 bottles available “The purple-colored 2006 Alto Moncayo was aged in new French and American oak for 17 months before bottling without filtration. It offers up a sexy concoction of toasty new oak, lavender, spice box, cassis, and black raspberry. Round, rich, and voluptuous on the palate, it delivers plenty of up-front pleasure but hides enough ripe tannin to evolve for a few years. It can be enjoyed now and over the next decade.”

2005 Castro Ventosa El Castro de Valtuille, Bierzo – 92 points ($34.00) “The 2005 El Castro de Valtuille offers some toasty oak notes, plum, violets, and black cherry in its expressive perfume. This leads to a medium-bodied, sweet, intensely flavored wine with flavors of spice box, cherry, and cranberry. Long and pure, it will provide pleasure over the next 4-6 years.”

2005 Muga Reserva Unfiltered, Rioja – 90 points ($25.99) Winemaker Jorge Muga feels that the harvests of 2001 and 2005 produced the best Reserva in their history. “The purple-colored 2005 Muga Reserva, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and the balance Mazuelo and Graciano. It was aged for six months in wood vats followed by two years in new French and American oak. It delivers an alluring nose of cedar, tobacco, earth notes, mineral, and black cherry. This is followed by an elegant wine with good depth and enough ripe tannin to evolve for several years. Nicely balanced and long in the finish, it will be at its best from 2012 to 2020 if not longer.”

 

NEW FOOD ARRIVALS:

Guava paste, 400 g and 600 g sizes

Napoleon grilled artichokes in oil (7.5 oz) We tossed these with pasta and halibut for a quick and delicious dinner this week.

Dona Maria Nopalitos (15 oz) Cactus leaves are used in salads, soups and tacos all across Mexico

Dona Maria Black Mole sauce (8.25 oz) Concentrated. Add liquid, heat and serve.

Annato Seed Achiote: 1 oz, 3 oz, 10 sizes

Mas Portell flavored olive oils: Lemon and Clementine are back!

 

FLAMENCO WORKSHOP WITH MARIA BERMEDUEZ FROM JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA

July 10, 11, and 12, 2009

Flamenco Arts Northwest presents a three day workshop with Maria “Chacha” Bermudez, Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. The legendary dancer and teacher from Jerez will teach two 90 minute levels each day of the workshop, accompanied by Marcos and Rubina on guitar and cante.

Workshop will be held at American Dance Institute, 8007 Greenwood Ave. North. Preregistration is strongly advised as this event always fills up quickly! Times and prices are posted at www.FANW.org (see calendar or workshops), or call Rubina at (206) 932-4067 for more information.

Enjoy our great summer, and come see us at the shop!

 

Sincerely,

 

Sharon Baden & Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table

Great Memories

Too often, days fade into memory like the Bainbridge ferry disappearing into fog. But there are also times that are simply unforgettable, such as our trip to Cordoba where we waited in line for hours to see a flamenco concert we’d stumbled upon by accident. It was a sensational show featuring Jose Merce, Jose Menese and Chocolate. The raw emotions I felt that night turned me into an aficionado of cante flamenco.

The next morning’s visit to Bodegas Toro Albala was just as memorable. For starters, it was raining so hard that the wine maker had to drive us across the parking lot. Situated in a former electric plant since 1922, the tiny bodega is a hands-on operation which produces phenomenal sherries. Known for their dessert wines such as the Don PX Gran Reserva, they tasted us through their selection and I was blown away by the Fino Electrico. All of Toro Albala’s sherries are made from 100% Pedro Ximenez which has sufficient residual sugar so that fortification is unnecessary, in contrast to sherries produced in D.O. Jerez from the palomino grape. We’ve stocked the Don PX Gran Reserva for years but the rest were not available until now. This week we received 4 new sherries from Toro Albala.

NEW SHERRIES FROM BODEGAS TORO ALBALA

Fino Electrico ($11.99) Aromas of yeast meet pungent flavors of green olive and almonds. Bone dry, intense and great with salty jamon iberico.

Amontillado Viejisimo ($29.99) This superb wine is an average of 30 years old. Great intensity of rich roasted nuts, dried fruit and leather with a seemingly endless finish.

Oloroso Viejo ($17.99) From soleras and reserve stocks approaching a century in age, Oloroso Viejo displays a round, velvety texture with aromas of butterscotch. Essentially dry, it is also rich with notes of caramel and a dry persistent finish.

Cream PX ($17.99) A blend of 10-year-old Oloroso which has been enriched with Don PX Gran Reserva. A complex and refined palate caressing wine, it melds flavors of dried fruit and raisins with balanced acidity.

NOTABLE NEW WINES

2004 Castell de Les Pinyeres, Montsant ($15.99) A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, this is an old world wine with panache. “Energetic spiced raspberry and cherry on the nose, with white pepper and cinnamon qualities adding complexity. Fresh, finely etched red fruit flavors are intense but almost weightless, with bracing minerality adding nerve. Pure strawberry and raspberry flavors dominate the long, refreshingly brisk finish. There’s a pinot noir-like vivacity to this wine that is extremely appealing.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer

2005 El Castro de Valtuille, Bierzo ($34.00) Winemaker Raul Perez is breathing life into these old vineyards. Made from vines between 50-60 years old, El Castro de Valtuille is 100% Mencia. It has spent 14 months in one year old barrels to let the intense fruit shine through. Elegant, tannic and structured with a persistent finish, this has amazing concentration. Absolutely wonderful! 90 points Stephen Tanzer, 92 points Robert Parker

FELIZ CINCO DE MAYO! Need ingredients for a party this weekend? Try some of our Mexican specialties:

Habanero lollipops ($1.59) Warning! Very hot adult candy. Marilyn says “Yum – tingles the tip of your tongue.”

La Morena Chipotle Sauce $2.79/7 oz Smoked hot peppers essential for many Mexican recipes

Cocina Mestiza salsas ($7.99/22 oz) Choose from Serrano, Chipotle or Habanera. Grab some chips and the appetizer is ready!

Los Chileros New Mexican whole dried peppers, posole, chile powder, chicos y mas.

We have an extensive selection of general and regional Mexican cookbooks, from $5.99 and up.

NEW VALUE WINES UNDER $10.00

2007 Juan de Valdelana Rioja ($9.99) Made of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano and 5% Viura, this young Rioja has plenty of verve in a traditional style. Valdelana has cherry aromas with flavors of black currant, boysenberry and a touch of spice. Well balanced with a persistent finish, this wine has enough acidity to balance out paella or grilled sausages.

2008 Higueruela, Almansa ($9.99) Higueruela is made from 100% Garnacha Tintorera (also called Alicante Bouchet), from low-yielding vines between 30 and 80 years old. Aged in stainless steel tanks, it has a fruity aroma which reveals black cherry flavors and moderate tannins. Higueruela has an appealing earthiness with great lift on the finish. 87 points Jay Miller, Recommend Best Buy

2005 El Cipres Malbec, Menoza ($9.99) 100% Malbec from the 70 year old Don Angelino vineyard at 2800 feet above sea level, El Cipres presents a delicious blend of red and black fruits supported by soft, smooth

NEW PRODUCTS

tannins. Smoky and meaty, serve this with a slab of grilled beef and chimichurri sauce.

Isastegi Basque cider ($10.99) is back in stock at long last! We now have two distinctive ciders in stock. Isastegi is tart green apple flavored with a fresh finish. Bereziartua cider ($9.99) is loaded with fermented fruit. Try one of each and compare!

Seven Fires, Grilling the Argentine Way by Francis Mallmann ($35.00) We ate at Mallmann’s 1884 Restaurant in Buenos Aires and it was an amazing experience. When South America’s most venerated chef published a cookbook, we had to stock it. Filled with mouth watering photos of everything from empanadas to assorted meats cooking over coals, if you like playing with fire, this is a must-have book.

Clos Mogador extra virgin olive oil ($37.00): Produced in limited quantities by Rene Barbier’s Priorat estate, this is a cold extraction of arbequina, rojol and empeltre olives. Amazingly buttery with grassy notes, it is full flavored with a peppery finish. So good it’s hard to stop dipping bread into it.

Now back in stock: Choricero dried peppers ($19.99/7 oz)

Access from the Pike Place Market: The stairs between the Market and Western Avenue will be closed for several months for construction and utility work. In the meantime, the other stairs are still open and the elevator is working. The market is installing signage to help folks find their way to Western Avenue.

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

Regards,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table

SEMANA SANTA THE SPANISH TABLE COOKBOOK RELEASED IN HARDBACK

Processions of wooden platforms with statues of saints labor through Spanish streets.  Mournful groups of hooded figures glide alongside the floats.  Saetas, which begin with a moan then descend to a lament, are sung from balconies to the processions below.  Misa Flamencas, religious music sung in the style of flamenco, are performed during mass.  This is Semana Santa, or Holy Week in Spain.  It culminates on Easter Sunday when church bells ring and hoods are removed for celebratory family feasts of lamb or rabbit.  
 
Our Easter Sundays were a much lighter affair.  With a Southern Methodist mother and a fallen-Catholic Irish father, our traditions centered around Easter egg hunts and baked ham dinners.  We celebrated the renewal of spring by eating new potatoes and planting hanging baskets.     Regardless of your traditions, we hope that you have a great Easter holiday!

THE SPANISH TABLE WILL BE CLOSED ON EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 12TH.   FELIZ PASCUA!
 
NEW THIS WEEK    In November 2005, The Spanish Table self-published a paperback cookbook entitled (what else?) “The Spanish Table Cookbook”, a primer on Iberian cookware, unique ingredients and wines. Containing recipes and anecdotes compiled from newsletters we mailed out during our first ten years in business, it is a compendium of great discovories. The print newsletter is long gone due to rising costs of printing and mailing but the cookbook lives on thanks to Gibbs M. Smith, the owner for the past 40 years of Gibbs Smith Publishing. Gibbs Smith has just published a hardback, professionally edited version of “The Spanish Table” ($30.00) enriched with splashy, atmospheric photos which just hit our shelves yesterday.
Fig jam with lemon flower honey ($6.99/7 oz) Serve this with cana oveja, a soft ripened sheep milk cheese for a savory tapa.
S.A.T. El Artesano Green Fig Marmalade from El Bierzo ($8.99/300 grams) Made by hand, this artisanal marmalade contains just green figs and sugar. Eat this on your morning toast and you’ll believe you’re in Spain.
Ibsa Roasted Red Pepper Strips from Bierzo ($4.99/285 grams). We’re starting to see more foods coming from Bierzo and we received an introductory price on these peppers.  We tossed them into our garbanzo and shrimp paella last weekend for a bright flavor accent. Made in the town of Carracedelo, these sweet roasted peppers are packed in olive oil and salt.

Wondering what to do with all of the colored eggs left from the Easter hunt? Turn them into a savory tapas with the following recipe from “The Spanish Table” cookbook.
Baby Shrimp Meat-Stuffed Eggs    Makes 24 Tapas
½ teaspoon sweet smoked pimenton
½ cup mayonnaise
½ pound baby shrimp meat
1 dozen hard-boiled eggs
12 lemon-stuffed olives, cut in half lengthwise for garnish
Combined the first 3 ingredients. Half the eggs and remove the yolks, reserving for another use. Fill the cavity in the egg halves with the shrimp mixture. Top with an olive and serve.

CHEESE CORNER
Cabra al Vino “Buenalba“
Move ovah Drunken Goat! The makers of Artequeso Manchego have created a new raw goats milk cheese with red wine all throughout the cheese. This mini curado has wonderful herbaceous and aromatic grape nuances. A superior quality cheese compared to the over processed drunken goat. $19.99/lb. $4.99 quarter lb
Cabra al Pimentón This vibrant orange raw goat’s milk curado has paprika permeated throughout the cheese. The surprising texture has a delicate creaminess with an even balance of acidity and salt. Hints of smoke come through on the finish with notes of rustic aromatic earth and straw. $19.99/lb $4.99/quarter lb.
Malvorosa Is a farmhouse sheep cheese produced in Valencia. It is hand made in the traditional shape of “servilleta” or cheesecloth and is smooth, buttery and full flavored with hints of butterscotch in the finish. This beautiful cheese is truly a labor of love-the cheesemaker saved this rare species of sheep from extinction, making this an exceptional find. $21.99/lb. $5.50/quarter lb.
Oveja al Romero (Rosemary Manchego) Raw Sheep’s milk cheese from the estate farm of the Alvarez Valera family, makers of Artequeso Manchegos. This mini wheel is lightly infused with rosemary and is definitely the most aromatic cheese in the case. If you love rosemary this will most likely become your favorite cheese. $ 18.99/lb. $ 4.75/quarter lb.

NEW WHITE WINES

2007 Alma de Blanco Godello, Monterrei ($13.99) The Monterrei region of Galicia is an area of steep hills, terraced vineyards and an Atlantic climate. This full bodied white is made from 100% Godello.  With delicate aromas of floral and citrus, Alma de Blanco has bright flavors of peach, apricot and lemon. Crisp with lively acidity, the finish is dry with earthy notes. I’m a big fan of the Godello grape which pairs wonderfully with seafood.  89 points Wine Advocate, Value Wines
2007 Can Vendrell Chardonnay-Xarel-lo, Penedes ($13.99) ORGANIC, made with the lowest possible sulfites.  A unique blend of 60% Xarello (a grape used in Cava) and 40% Chardonnay. Unoaked, exotic and crisp. A floral and citrus nose unveils a palate that is fresh with notes of peach, nectarine and dry pear. Notes of honeysuckle and orange/lemon zest with nuances of refreshing mineral and almond on the finish. 

NEW RED WINES 
2006 Torremoron, Ribera del Duero ($11.99) Torremoron is made from old vine Tempranillo in the tiny pueblo of Quintanamanvirgo. The winery supports most of the 105 residents of this town, who pour their TLC into every bottle. Full bodied with firm notes of boysenberry, mineral and tobacco, it is supple and well balanced. Ready to drink now, it will pair wonderfully with Easter lamb dinner. 90 points Wine Advocate, Best Value
2006 Vinedos de El Seque, Alicante ($11.99) Rioja producer Artadi is the owner of this property in Alicante, near Jumilla. Made of 80% old vine, low yielding Monastrell from the arid chalky soils of Pinoso, with a balance of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Vinedos de El Seque has a rich nose of dark currants with traces of iron and minerals along with dark chocolate. Elegant and finely balanced with hints of blueberry, its lively acidity and moderate tannins make it a pleasure to sip.
2006 La Huella de Almansenas, Almansa ($11.99)
60% Garnacha Tintorera, 30% Monastrell and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from 30 year old vines.  “Opaque ruby.  High-pitched cherry and dark berry aromas are complicated by smoky bacon, rose oil, anise and minerals.  Fresh and juicy, offering sweet raspberry and boysenberry flavors along with a bright mineral undertone.  Finishes fresh, clean and precise, with very good persistence.  This wine, which saw no oak, was made by Ester Nin, who is the cellarmaster at Clos Erasmus.  Great value.”  90 points Stephen Tanzer   Limited quantities available, last year’s release sold out quickly!
2004 Fincas Don Martinho Old Vine Malbec, Mendoza ($15.99) ORGANIC  Produced in an 18.5 acre vineyard planted in 1926 from ungrafted clones brought from France, Don Martino is a cult wine in Argentina. Tremendously complex, it has wild aromatics, a rich mid-palate, and an incredible silky texture. Aromas of sweet plums combine with hints of vanilla and chocolate. Slightly spicy, the mouthfeel is long and gentle. Aged in new French barrels for 6 months, it displays soft tannins and balance which finish in a lingering, rich aftertaste.

 SPANISH COOKING CLASSES
Join Chef Joseba at the Harvest Vine on Saturday, April 11th at 10 AM to learn the tastes and traditions of an authentic Spanish Easter celebration.  $60.00 For reservations, call 206.320.9771.
May Cooking Seminars at Taberna del Alabardero.   Tuesdays from 11 AM to 1 PM which include a multi-course lunch, $40.00.  For reservations and information, call 206.448.8884.  http://www.alabardero.com

Have a great week!
Sharon Baden & Steve Winston
Owners, The Spanish Table
1426 Western Avenue
Seattle WA  98101
phone# 206-682-2827
Other stores in Santa Fe NM; Berkeley, CA; Mill Valley, CA

FEASTS

November 20th, 2008

We love the Spanish tradition of linking celebrations with special foods.  And the celebration goes full throttle in Iberia, from harvest festivals to religious holidays.  During the saffron festival in Albacete a few Octobers ago, harvest took place in the morning and by night restaurants served an astonishing array of dishes, using saffron in breads to desserts.  One spring, we stumbled upon La Calcotada just outside of Barcelona.  Thousands of whole calcots (a large green onion similar to a ramp), were being grilled over a wood fire and served with a bib and a side of romesco sauce.  During Moors and Christians week, the festival banquets begin with tapas of jamon serrano and queso manchego and follow with plate after plate of roast lamb, chicken, sausages and potatoes, all accompanied by music, singing, and a lot of wine. 
            Since we love food and wine, our favorite American holiday is Thanksgiving.  A celebration of the harvest, it’s also a day to slow down, savor the flavors of the season and give thanks for our tremendous bounty.  Remember that cut up left over turkey and some turkey broth, are a great start on a spontaneous paella.
MANTECADOS & POLVORONES:The annual arrival of Mantecados & Polvorones at The Spanish Table always conjures up visions of Christmas with a touch of Spain.  We also already have in stock of selected CDs with holiday music from Spain.
CLEMENTINE OLIVE OIL: The Casa Pons family squeezes whole Clementine oranges with their Arbequina olives to make this flavored extra virgin olive oil.  The citrus flavor is great on baby Spinach or carrot salad.  My carrot salad had the following ingredients:
CARROT SALAD:
Shredded Carrot
Clementine EVOO
Sherry Vinegar
Chopped Dates
Diced Feta Cheese
Pine Nuts
Cumin
Salt
 
THANKSGIVING WINES            We stocked the wine department for the holidays with extra quantities of our best selling wines on hand for those who want to take advantage of our 10% case discount.   We’ve got new rare wines for collectors, more cava, ports and Sherries, and table wines to meet any palate or budget.
2007 Terra Antiga Vinho Verde $7.99 Just arrived! Our newest vinho verde is just off the ship.   Grassy aromas compliment its delicate granny smith apple flavors and refreshing effervescence.  Lively and sassy, Terra Antiga is a perfect wine to serve with afternoon Thanksgiving appetizers. 
2006 Legado Muñoz Garnacha, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla $8.99 Driving the route of Don Quixote through arid farmlands, you’ll come across Viñedos y Bodegas Muñoz, about 50 kilometers east of Toledo.  The scorching heat of summer fully ripens the grapes of this region, but the cool nights ensure that the wine is well balanced with great acidity.  Legado Muñoz is a smooth, juicy wine with flavors of cherry skin and blueberry.  Notes of spice and mineral notes are well integrated with light tannins.  Muñoz is great with braised pork dishes.
2006 Higueruela, Almansa $9.99 This sturdy wine is made from 88% Garnacha Tintorera and 12% Syrah.  Loaded with kirsch and ripe black cherry flavors, notes of toast, licorice, black tea and chocolate, Higueruela is supported by firm tannins.   Well knit with hints of mocha on the finish, this wine is great with any savory dish or stuffing.
2006 La Posta Pizzella Malbec, Mendoza $17.99   La Posta is juicy, elegant and complex.  Grown at an elevation of 3050 feet and aged 10 months in French oak, it has cherry aromas and a hint of nutmeg.   Vibrant red and black berry flavors along with sandalwood are balanced by great acidity.  With a lingering finish of licorice, this is a fantastic Malbec for $17.99.                            
Collector’s corner
2004 Bodegas Y Vinedos Maurodos San Roman Toro $57.00 One of Wine Spectator’s Top 15 Spanish Wines of 2008   6 bottles available  “Alluring plum, blackberry, cola and spice cake flavors are rich and balanced in this expressive red.  There’s plenty of structure, but it doesn’t get in the way of the flavors, and the spicy, floral finish is long and fresh.”  94 points Wine Spectator
2005 Cyclo Christina Ribera del Duero ($55.00) 150 cases produced “Cyclo Christina is 100% Tinto Fino from a single 150-year-old vineyard.  It was barrel-fermented and aged for 21 months in new French oak.  Opaque-purple colored, it reveals a fragrant nose of toasty new oak, pencil lead, floral notes, blueberry and blackberry.  This is followed by a plush, ripe, full-flavored wine with excellent depth and breadth…”   94 points Wine Advocate
2004 Clos Mogador Priorat $88.00   “The 2004 is a tour de force.  More extracted and backward than the 2003 it demands a decade of cellaring.  Saturated… expressive perfume of mocha, coffee & violets in addition to toasty oak, earth, blue and black fruits.”   96 points Robert Parker, 94 points Stephen Tanzer
2005 Clos Mogador Priorat $92.00 “The 2005 Mogador is the first wine in Spain entitled to the new classification “Vi de Finca Qualificada.”  The garnacha vines are over 80 years old and the other varieties have been planted since the 1980s… The wine has a superb bouquet of toasty oak, pencil lead, mineral, blackberry and black cherry.  This leads to an opulent, dense, packed, structured wine with 6-8 years aging potential.  Super concentrated, sweetly fruited and complex, this tour de force wine will drink well from 2012 to 2040.”    98 points Jay Miller
2006 Numanthia-Termes Termanthia Toro ($225.00) One bottle available   530 cases produced.   The 2005 Termanthia received 97 points from The Wine Advocate and 95 points from Stephen Tanzer for its superb depth of black fruit, mineral, seductive spices and balance.  The 2006 hasn’t been rated yet but don’t wait.
 
Thinking about a Spanish influenced side dish for Thanksgiving?   Here’s a link to The New York Times’ Spanish Potato, Ham and Piquillo Pepper Croquetas recipe as well as one to this weeks Seattle Times recipe for chicken in Spanish Almond sauce:
 
.  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/dining/192arex.html?scp=1&sq=piquillo&st=cse
 
 
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2008407593_recipe19chicken.html