Gazpacho soup originated in southern Spain's, Andalucia region. Although there are many regional and modern versions it's traditionally made with the following; ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, garlic, bread, olive oil, and vinegar.
Torre del Oro was constructed between 1221 and 1222 by the Berbers. This Golden Tower was the last point of a fortress that extended from the Alcazar to the river. Huge chains crossed the Guadalquivir river and this structure anchored them thus preventing ships from sailing upstream. The chains were used in the city's defense against the Castilian fleet during the reconquest.
Seville is one of the most celebrated cities in southern Spain. It is truly one of the most romantic cities I have seen in all of this region. Andalucia is a spectacular region of white hill towns winding through olive groves. This is old Spain; horses drawn carriages, cobble stones, flamenco and wrought iron adornments.
The only dish required is a paella pan. I bought mine at Williams-Sonoma years ago. Gather some help to assist with chopping and ingredients to make it more fun. Then, open a really good Spanish wine like this one from the Ribero Del Duero region. Of course you must have music and if you own an iPod there is a station on shoutcast radio under classical called flamenco guitar and this station is sure to bring out the fun while you chop. It's not a hard dish to make but the timing is important.
Pomegranates are one of the oldest fruits in history. The ancient fruit is mentioned in Europe as early as the Iron-Age Greek Mythology. In this picture it adorns the entrance to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
Last night I opened the Condado de Oriza Crianza from my favorite Spanish wine region Ribero Del Duero. The deep purple color begs for the old world crystal goblet. The bouquet was lovely with scents of dark fruit and spice. As I taste the first sip silky cherry fruit glides over my tongue, with chocolate notes. Wow. Gorgeous texture of leather and chewy tannins.
Natural wines are made with as little chemical and technological intervention as possible, either in the way the grapes are grown or the way they are made into wine. The term is used to distinguish such wine from organic wine. Organic wine is organic in the sense of having been produced from organically grown grapes, but it may be subject to technical manipulation in the winemaking process.
It happened. I didn't notice it after my luggage was delivered to my room, but suspected when filling out the breakfast request. During dinner I observed the portraits on the wall had a dark mood. The people of the 13th century were staring at me, dark and brooding reflected in their eyes. Something was very different during my stay in the city of Cordoba. As if nothing has changed for the past 800 years; clippity-clop sounds of the horse drawn carriage make the turn at the corner below my bedroom window. A blacksmiths horseshoes on cobble stones. Was I dreaming? Tired and full I was fast asleep under the heavy blankets of wool and skins. The next morning the staff rolled breakfast in and everything became clear; I felt like a ruler.
Welcome back to part 2 of my Spanish wine region series. Navarra lies in northern Spain around the Basque area. The Ochoa family-run winery is located in the higher elevations of Navarra where grapes are carefully selected and grown. Production is limited and not highly produced so they keep a watchful eye over the soil and masterfully blend unique wines. Actually, the only place in the states to purchase is NY or San Francisco.
