| Spain "The Sipping Point" - edited by Darryl Beeson | | | | By: Darryl Beeson | << back  Page 2 of 2 |
"Not since Columbus' voyage to America has the influence of Spain been this strong on these shores, at least on the culinary frontier," said Naelapaa.
Wines from Spain, a division of the Trade Commission of Spain, aims to create greater awareness and increased sales of Spanish wines in the U.S. through promotional and educational activities focused on both trade and consumers. It is the primary information source on Spanish wines for wine professionals, media and consumers www.winesfromspainusa.com.
Spanish wines-the facts
According to Michael Green, wine and spirits consultant for Gourmet Magazine, there are four things every savvy consumer should know about Spanish wines:
1. "Cava: The Ultimate Champagne Stunt Double" - Spain is the largest producer of sparkling wine in the world. Cava, which is produced in the classic méthode champenoise, is Spain's official sparkling wine, produced in the northeast DO Pénédes region above Barcelona. Cava, like any sparkling wine, should not be served just for special occasions. It can be enjoyed through an entire meal, from start to finish.
2. "You Can Call Me 'Sherry'"- Sherry is the most under-appreciated and under-valued wine in the world. Sherry is only made in Spain, in the southeast region of Andalucia, which is also famous for its tapas, Spain's little dishes usually served with a dry fino sherry. With styles that can range from bone dry (fino) to rich and nutty (amontillado) to lusciously sweet (oloroso), sherry is a great wine to enjoy throughout the year and, especially, with holiday dishes from roasted winter vegetables to pumpkin pie. Says Green, "Looking for an 'adult' hot fudge sundae? Throw some rich sweet Pedro Jiménez (PX) sherry over vanilla ice cream."
3. "10 Spot" - There is no wine region in the world that can compete with Spain when it comes to quality, diversity and value, from mouth-watering white wines like Albarino, which pair well with seafood dishes, to fruit- forward Crianza Rioja wines that pair well with roast chicken or salmon. Says Green, "In a world of homogenized wine production, Spain produces distinct wines at great price points."
4. "Life Beyond Rioja" Green says that while Rioja is indeed still Spain's "red wine ambassador," there are dozens of other Denominations of Origen (DO's) that offer complex and compelling wines with distinct styles and flavors that reflect the local grapes and terroir of their regions. According to Green, up-and-coming "sleeper" regions not to be missed include the wines of Bierzo, Somontano, Jumilla and Yecla.
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Darryl Beeson travels the world, looking for great wine finds. He is a sommelier, a professional wine judge , and teaches for The International Sommelier Guild (www.internationalsommelier.com).
About the Author:
Over the past decade, as sommelier or cellar master of hotels such as The
Gaylord Texan, The Mansion on Turtle Creek and The Adolphus Hotel's French Room,
Beeson helped garner awards such as the Wine Spectator's Grand Award, Food &
Wine Magazine's Best Wine List Award, and nomination for The James Beard
Foundation's Award For Best Restaurant Wine Service.
Beeson, an international-level wine judge, not only tastes professionally, but
also is a writer and reporter on the subject. Though a Texas native, he is the
"farthest flung" member of Cambridge University's Wine Society. He is the
American wine editor for the UK based wineontheweb.com.
Website URL: www.wineontheweb.com
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