Around the World in 14 days
I recently had the opportunity to speak in Madrid, Spain; Verona, Italy; and Oxford England over a two week period. Each experience was amazing. The people, the culture and the food were all unique and exciting. Of course, for me, the wine experience was equally incredible. Here are three wines, one from each location, which really impressed me.
Bodegas El Nido Jumillo Clio 2008 -
Had this fantastic wine while dining on suckling pig at one of the most iconic restaurants in Spain. Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas, so the story goes, is named for a famous Robin Hood-like bandit and is housed in the building where he used to hang out. The bar is among the oldest in Madrid, dating back to the 17th century. Fortunately, the wine is much fresher with great acidity, berry flavors and matches well with all meats.
Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Western Cape Petit 2010 -
It was an unusually warm and sunny day in Oxford, England and I was sitting on the deck of Fishers Restaurant. They had a charming lawn area with picnic tables and even provided picnic baskets for those who wanted to dine in the yard. I spied this lovely, crisp and slightly sweet offering on the menu. Bonus...they served an 8 ounce pour!
Tommaso Bussola Valpolicella Superiore Ca del Laito Ripasso 2005
My hotel in Verona was a very short walk from Piazza delle Erbe, the town's forum during the Roman Empire. History was all around, as were ristorantes. I don't even know the name of the little bar I wondered into off an alley, but the Lasagna Bolognese was amazing and they offered this selection by the half bottle. I may have been the only solo diner in Italy (O Sole Mio), but I was as content as could be enjoying the lovely balance and medium body of this Veneto wine. Molto bene!