No other nation in the world can match Spain’s diversity for food and wine. Indeed, Spanish wine has captured the imagination of everyone, from the most sophisticated pallet to a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
How did Spain’s wine culture reach such heights? According to Chef Carlos, “It’s because God loves the Spanish so much that he blessed them with Rioja, the perfect wine region!
With Spanish Wine, you don’t order by the grape; you order by the wine region. This should be considered while exploring the diverse Spanish wines of Don Quijote. It also contributes to your cultural adventure!
Chef Carlos says, “Tempranillo is the most common grape in Spain. It is often associated with Rioja, but Spain is a diverse country. Every part of Spain has Tempranillo, but yet they taste very different. They even have different names for the grape because they differ from region to region.
The Tempranillo grape adapts, over time, to the culture, climate, and soil of the region. Even though it’s the same grape, it will eventually adapt to the micro-climate.``
• An elegant pale coral pink rosé.
• Floral bouquet of red berry fruits and a hint of aniseed.
• Luscious palate with refreshing acidity, balanced character, and good length.
• Made from 96% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha Tinta grapes.
As a chef and wine connoisseur, Carlos prefers red wines like those from Ribera del Duero, Rioja, or Priorat. However, when it comes to seafood, an Albariño from Las Rías Baixas, one of the world’s most elegant white wines, is among his favorites.
Depending on the winery or the area, Albariños have the potential to be excellent. Albariño is a young, dry white wine with fruity overtones. Another excellent white wine is Verdejo from Rueda. This wine pairs well with seafood, chicken, cheese, or rice dishes. Verdejo is a Spanish white wine with its own character. It is clean to the palate and has a taste of fresh citrus fruit.
Chef Carlos believes Spanish Red Wine is the world’s best and has logic to support his claim: “Spain has more land under vineyards than any other country in the world, and much of that land is made up of old vines that have very low-yielding crops that produce flavored concentrated grapes.“
It’s also the second-highest elevation in Europe after Switzerland. The high elevation lets the grapes fully ripen despite Spain’s sun and intense heat. In most regions worldwide, the sun’s heat causes the grapes to bake, creating high sugar levels. However, Spain’s high altitude allows the grapes to cool down at night and maintain the perfect acid balance.
Chef Carlos says, “The soil, weather, and even culture (tradition) make a difference in the final wine tastes. Tradition is the aging process, techniques, picking methods, harvest, and how it’s processed. It is why regional pairing is so significant in Spain.“
Cava is a sparkling wine that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Its effervescence and acidity can cut through rich and fried foods, balance out salty and savory flavors, and complement a range of textures. This makes it an excellent match for diverse Spanish cuisine, from tapas and seafood to cured meats and cheeses.
Cava’s acidity provides a refreshing contrast to rich and hearty Spanish food, such as paella or grilled meats. The wine's fresh character helps balance out the heaviness of such foods, making each bite and sip enjoyable.
Cava is a traditional Spanish wine, often enjoyed with classic Spanish dishes. It complements popular tapas like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), croquetas (croquettes), and jamón ibérico (Iberian ham). Its flavor profile, which can range from crisp and fruity to nutty and complex, aligns well with these traditional foods.
People love buying and receiving wine gift baskets from Don Quijote. Choosing your wine brings a new meaning to it; it is better to give than to receive.
Why? Because shopping for your wine gift basket can mean trying a glass with Chef Carlos. Carlos loves to share his passion for wine through fun and entertaining stories.
Wine gift baskets add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dining experience. They can enhance the ambiance and make the meal feel more special for guests celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out.
A well-crafted wine gift basket is more than just a gift. It's a symbol of sophistication and culture. Wine, with its long-standing association with celebration and refinement, is the perfect choice for expressing appreciation or marking a special occasion.
A Spanish wine made of Tempranillo in Rioja will taste different than a Tempranillo from LaMancha.
With Spanish wine, you don’t order by the grape; you order by the wine region. This should be considered while exploring the diverse Spanish wines of Don Quijote. It also contributes to your cultural adventure!
Chef Carlos says, “Tempranillo is the most common grape in Spain. It is often associated with Rioja, but Spain is a diverse country. Every part of Spain has Tempranillo, yet they taste very different. They even have different names for the grape because they differ from region to region.
The Tempranillo grade adapts, over time, to the culture, climate, and soil of the region. Even though it’s the same grape, it will eventually adapt to the micro-climate.”
