- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances SJPP to SdC Oct/Nov 2015
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W. Highland Way August 2016
Camino Somewhere September 2017
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My favourite wine is red and I drank it between St Jean and Santiago.I saw the grape, and it was red...
So....how about your favorite night out while on Camino Frances? What were you drinking, and was there singing or dancing?
The wine not to miss on your camino would of course come from the Rioja region. Rioja is made from a blend of grape varieties, with Tempranillo the dominant grape (Garnacha is typically included in the blend to add some fruitiness. Mazuelo and Graciano may also be included)
The wine is known for its structure and tannins, similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also has a fruity characteristic. This is a wine perfect for a drinker who loves Cabernet but is also looking for the dominant cherry flavor that’s often present in a wine like Pinot Noir.
Spain is very proud of its indigenous Tempranillo grape because they have been making it into wine for over 2,000 years. Unlike other countries who have adopted grapes that were originally indigenous to France of Italy, Tempranillo was born and cultivated in Spain, and there is no region for which they are more proud, and taken more seriously, than Rioja.
Rioja is as age-worthy as the wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, yet it flies under the radar compared to its more well-known peers. This means that a stellar bottle of age-worthy Rioja can be procured for far less than a similarly rated bottle of Bordeaux or Burgundy. It is the great “deal” wine. In fact, the 2013 “wine of the year” as determined by Wine Spectator was a Rioja that can be found for only $63 a bottle while its peers who were further down on the list fetched in the $100’s.
When choosing to buy a Rioja, the most important thing to know is that the wine separates into four levels of classification, which depends on the amount of time the wine spends in oak, and is similar to the Burgundy Cru classification system. The classification of each Rioja will be labeled clearly on the bottle.
The four classifications are:
While Rioja goes well with almost anything, the wine goes best with savory flavors like meats and strong cheeses that stand up to the strength of the wine, a pairing that is similar to its peer Bordeaux.
- Rioja: This is the basic form of the wine. It has been aged for only a short amount of time in oak, potentially only a few months, and then the wine is bottled and sold. It is in this wine where the juice will taste the “ripest” because the wine is very young.
- Crianza: For a wine to be labeled a Crianza, it must spend a minimum of 1 year in oak. Following its removal from oak, the wine must spend at least another few months in the bottle, before being sold. This is the level of Rioja that is most widely available on the American market because it’s incredibly affordable, at prices that are usually around $15 or less.
- Reserva: This is a Rioja made from the best grapes of the harvest, and is only made during years that were considered to have a good growing season. A Reserva must be aged a minimum of 3 years, with at least one year being in oak, and the rest in the bottle. One can find incredible Reserva wines in the $15-$30 range.
- Gran Reserva: This is a Rioja that is only allowed to be made in years with exceptional growing seasons from the most exceptional grapes harvested. Gran Reserva’s must be aged in oak for at least 2 years, and then must spend at least 3 more years in the bottle. Gran Reservas bring out an immense amount of passion in those who drink them, and it was a Gran Reserva that received the “wine of the year” honor in 2013.
To open and savor a bottle of Gran Reserva in Logroño is likely to remain a lasting memory of your camino, make sure that you choose company worthy of the treat, certainly not of the "menu peregrino with free Vino tinto included"-type of person.
I started a post about Spanish wines but realized I was over my head to describe everything that is available here.The wine not to miss on your camino would of course come from the Rioja region. Rioja is made from a blend of grape varieties, with Tempranillo the dominant grape (Garnacha is typically included in the blend to add some fruitiness. Mazuelo and Graciano may also be included)
The wine is known for its structure and tannins, similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also has a fruity characteristic. This is a wine perfect for a drinker who loves Cabernet but is also looking for the dominant cherry flavor that’s often present in a wine like Pinot Noir.
Spain is very proud of its indigenous Tempranillo grape because they have been making it into wine for over 2,000 years. Unlike other countries who have adopted grapes that were originally indigenous to France of Italy, Tempranillo was born and cultivated in Spain, and there is no region for which they are more proud, and taken more seriously, than Rioja.
Rioja is as age-worthy as the wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, yet it flies under the radar compared to its more well-known peers. This means that a stellar bottle of age-worthy Rioja can be procured for far less than a similarly rated bottle of Bordeaux or Burgundy. It is the great “deal” wine. In fact, the 2013 “wine of the year” as determined by Wine Spectator was a Rioja that can be found for only $63 a bottle while its peers who were further down on the list fetched in the $100’s.
When choosing to buy a Rioja, the most important thing to know is that the wine separates into four levels of classification, which depends on the amount of time the wine spends in oak, and is similar to the Burgundy Cru classification system. The classification of each Rioja will be labeled clearly on the bottle.
The four classifications are:
While Rioja goes well with almost anything, the wine goes best with savory flavors like meats and strong cheeses that stand up to the strength of the wine, a pairing that is similar to its peer Bordeaux.
- Rioja: This is the basic form of the wine. It has been aged for only a short amount of time in oak, potentially only a few months, and then the wine is bottled and sold. It is in this wine where the juice will taste the “ripest” because the wine is very young.
- Crianza: For a wine to be labeled a Crianza, it must spend a minimum of 1 year in oak. Following its removal from oak, the wine must spend at least another few months in the bottle, before being sold. This is the level of Rioja that is most widely available on the American market because it’s incredibly affordable, at prices that are usually around $15 or less.
- Reserva: This is a Rioja made from the best grapes of the harvest, and is only made during years that were considered to have a good growing season. A Reserva must be aged a minimum of 3 years, with at least one year being in oak, and the rest in the bottle. One can find incredible Reserva wines in the $15-$30 range.
- Gran Reserva: This is a Rioja that is only allowed to be made in years with exceptional growing seasons from the most exceptional grapes harvested. Gran Reserva’s must be aged in oak for at least 2 years, and then must spend at least 3 more years in the bottle. Gran Reservas bring out an immense amount of passion in those who drink them, and it was a Gran Reserva that received the “wine of the year” honor in 2013.
To open and savor a bottle of Gran Reserva in Logroño is likely to remain a lasting memory of your camino, make sure that you choose company worthy of the treat, certainly not of the "menu peregrino with free Vino tinto included"-type of person.
You are right of course, I "failed to mention" other regions simply because I was afraid to abuse this forum. Indeed, Spain is a wonderful wine-country and it would be unfair to leave unmentioned exquisite growth such as...I started a post about Spanish wines but realized I was over my head to describe everything that is available here.
Pano you have failed to mention some other great regional wines from Spain's Ribera del Duero, Bierzo, Txakolina regions, etc, etc.
I live in Pays Basque and we are very partial to our roses because they are less strong for lunch and afternoon aperitifs.
PS you will find many places serving chilled vino tinto only because it more palatable than 4o degree wine.
You are right of course, I "failed to mention" other regions simply because I was afraid to abuse this forum. Indeed, Spain is a wonderful wine-country and it would be unfair to leave unmentioned exquisite growth such as...
Albariño
This dry, crisp wine is Spain’s most well known white. Its citrus flavors and great acidity make it fantastic for pairing with food and the perfect wine for summer. When it’s served ice cold on a hot day, there is almost nothing better. If you’re a fan of Pinot Grigio, this is the Spanish white wine for you.
Verdejo
This aromatic white wine has similar citrus notes to its cousin Albariño, with aromas of grass and lemon similar to Sauvignon Blanc, making it the perfect wine to try for those who are fans of the later, specifically Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Verdejo was once used to make a sherry-like white wine, but since the ’70s, winemakers from the Rueda region of the country, which is the region you should look for, have been creating fantastically crisp whites from the grape.
Txakolina
Pronounced chock-oh-LEE-nah, this is a classic example of a wine that is all the rage in the sommelier-influenced wine world, yet the majority of wine drinkers have never heard of it. All the while, the former continues to assume everyone knows what the wine is, and the latter never figures it out. Confusion ensues. But everyone really should know about Txakolina, because it’s delicious. This wine is incredibly refreshing, with aromas of sea air, and a wonderful acidity; it’s also often slightly fizzy, which makes it even more fun to sip. It’s the perfect wine for drinking while lounging at an outdoor cafe or the beach.
Priorat
Made primarily from the red wine grape Grenache, or as the Spanish call it Garnacha, this is a big, dense wine that can approach 15.5 percent in alcohol. In recent years Priorat has become quite the rage for its collecting potential. It’s particularly favorable among wine collectors who enjoy the French wine Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a wine that is also made with Grenache as its base, yet want a wine that is not only a cheaper alternative to the wallet busting Châteauneuf but also has more succulent fruit flavors. It’s this characteristic that causes many people to refer to Priorat as the ultimate sensual wine.
Ribera del Duero
While Rioja has been famous for centuries among wine drinkers, Ribera Del Duero only began to become well known in the 1980s. What’s interesting about this is that the regions are relatively close to one another, with Rioja just Northeast of Ribera del Duero, and the wines are made largely from the same grape, Tempranillo, though in Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo is called Tinto Fino. Some wine critics refer to Ribera Del Duero as “the Malbec of Spain,” because these wines are big, rich and ripe, with bold fruit flavors and tannins that dry out your mouth, perfect for a big, juicy steak dinner. Over the past few years, Ribera del Duero has also begun to challenge its neighbor to the north, Rioja, as Spain’s popular red, with many equating its popularity to how easy it can be to appreciate. If you enjoy California Cabernet or Argentinian Malbec, this wine will be just as easy for you to love.
To enjoy a chilled red in summer is a most sensual experience, indeed;of course it would be a young, fruity wine.
And one last tip to peregrinos not so familiar with wine: The camino is a fantastic opportunity to learn and to distinguish by spending a few coins for an upgrade from bottom shelf hooch.
(PS: I hasten to mention that the source of the excepts used in the above is the most eminent wine-knowledge site www.vinepair.com)
Thank you kindly ma'am.Check this out re the Tannat grape. It is native to the Basque region.
I have made a note in my guidebook. Where would you recommend I go, or specifically what to order,once I have found a like minded pilgrim?To open and savor a bottle of Gran Reserva in Logroño is likely to remain a lasting memory of your camino,
WHAT!I have made a note in my guidebook. Where would you recommend I go, or specifically what to order,once I have found a like minded pilgrim?
Who said we would be sharing one bottle?You mean the Spanish have invented a wine bottle that holds enough for two women!!!!!!!
Now you're talking!Who said we would be sharing one bottle?
Tannat is a grape with incredibly thick skins from southwest France that is known for doing very well in warm and humid climates. As the name suggests, Tannat is known for having an incredibly high amount of tannins and when blended with the Syrah it gives the wine a really nice structure, making it a perfect wine for grilled lamb or BBQ.A bloke at our last pilgrim's meeting was on about an admirable Spanish wine grape named Tannat, or something similar.
Anybody have any ideas as to what it could be?
Regds
Gerard
The camino is about discovery and Logroño is so abundant of good surprises when it comes to food and wine. Be adventurous and leave it to chance (just avoid those obvious tourist spots) or ask around (Spanish clerics btw are often a very good source of informationI have made a note in my guidebook. Where would you recommend I go, or specifically what to order,once I have found a like minded pilgrim?
It wasn't the length of the path but the width of it that took longer.Last autumn I was walking the Camino del Sureste and arrived in Rueda at about 11am. I don't normally drink before lunch, but thought it would be fun to be able to boast that I'd drunk Rueda in Rueda, so asked for a copita in a bar on the main drag. The nice barmaid then poured out nearly half a bottle of verdejo for me. It was a deliciously crisp and refreshing drink, but I think the next few km on towards Tordesillas took a little longer than the previous ones...
One of my favorite labels is a rose from the nearby Marmandais region, Crepuscule d'Ete winery has a wonderful merlot rose blend that goes well with cheese and sausage on a hot afternoon. Just like Fin de Nuit, this label says it all, in the twilight of the summer.I saw the grape, and it was red...
Last night, I did some serious Camino Frances training, drinking 1.5 bottles of pinot noir. I danced and made merry at St. Josef's Winery, about three miles from my front door. I do consider this part of the training ritual.
My personal favorites for wine include pinot noir, pinot grigio, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and even light bubbly wines---including champagnes.
My favorite ever bottle was named Fin de Nuit---end of the evening--and I shared it with a lovely person under a California night sky, blazing with bright stars and the promise of a long, healthy life. I was about 25 years old, and very strong with a courageous, optimistic attitude. I'm now about 56, and a bit more cautious. I look back on that night and smile.
So....how about your favorite night out while on Camino Frances? What were you drinking, and was there singing or dancing?
I am contemplating my first Camino and would love to know in advance. Lively suggestions.Given the lively responses on this thread, I have taken initiative to start a new one “Establishing a CGG (Camino Gourmet Guide)“. Lets discuss the idea! Looking forward to your contributions and suggestions.
Even the best friends, smiles and platitudes cannot prevent the side- and after effects caused by inferior wine.The best wine is the wine you drink with friends. It's been scientifically proven that wine tastes better when you smile.
The best wine is the wine you drink with friends. It's been scientifically proven that wine tastes better when you smile.
Like cheese and cured meat, wine in Spain is very very regional. Every camino path passes through one or more wine regions, so it pays to keep your horizons open -- don't limit yourself to any one region or grape or type! Ask for a copa of the best local wine at every place you stop, and you will get a delicious education in all the wide wonders available on this relatively short Way.
Riojas are justifiably famous, but I prefer Ribera del Duero when I am looking for something special. For a really big, delicious Spanish red wine that is not overwhelmingly oak-flavored, you cannot beat red wine from Toro, a little D.O. on the Rio Duero near Zamora. Look for "Prima," a brand widely available; a Crianza sells for about 11 Euro. Let it breathe a few minutes... that first sip will knock your socks off, and the further in you go, the more round and mellow and plummy it gets. Have a bottle with a racion of queso de oveja curado and a tart apple. YUM.
If you love wine, I recommend walking the Camino Invierno. It starts in Ponferrada, home to some of Bierzo's finest... even the unlabeled new "co-op" wine is exceptional. (Pitticum, from Villafranca, is superb; the co-op in Cacabelos has some exceptional wine for sale at exceptional prices, pumped into the bottles or cans you provide using what looks like a petrol pump!)
Within a day you cross into the Valdeorras region, an up-and-coming young D.O. with fruity, tannic wine made with both Mencia and Godello grapes. There's a Vinoteca on the main street of A Rua where you can taste all kinds of local wine, with a voluble and knowledgeable barman, too. The camino here passes along the Sil river valley, with slate mines and vines all along the banks. Sometimes you will find family-owned bodegas open for tastings - ask the barmen or police which ones.
Continue into Ribera Sacra and Ribero regions... I could blather on but I won't.
Indeed, don't stop.Like cheese and cured meat, wine in Spain is very very regional. Every camino path passes through one or more wine regions, so it pays to keep your horizons open -- don't limit yourself to any one region or grape or type! Ask for a copa of the best local wine at every place you stop, and you will get a delicious education in all the wide wonders available on this relatively short Way.
Riojas are justifiably famous, but I prefer Ribera del Duero when I am looking for something special. For a really big, delicious Spanish red wine that is not overwhelmingly oak-flavored, you cannot beat red wine from Toro, a little D.O. on the Rio Duero near Zamora. Look for "Prima," a brand widely available; a Crianza sells for about 11 Euro. Let it breathe a few minutes... that first sip will knock your socks off, and the further in you go, the more round and mellow and plummy it gets. Have a bottle with a racion of queso de oveja curado and a tart apple. YUM.
If you love wine, I recommend walking the Camino Invierno. It starts in Ponferrada, home to some of Bierzo's finest... even the unlabeled new "co-op" wine is exceptional. (Pitticum, from Villafranca, is superb; the co-op in Cacabelos has some exceptional wine for sale at exceptional prices, pumped into the bottles or cans you provide using what looks like a petrol pump!)
Within a day you cross into the Valdeorras region, an up-and-coming young D.O. with fruity, tannic wine made with both Mencia and Godello grapes. There's a Vinoteca on the main street of A Rua where you can taste all kinds of local wine, with a voluble and knowledgeable barman, too. The camino here passes along the Sil river valley, with slate mines and vines all along the banks. Sometimes you will find family-owned bodegas open for tastings - ask the barmen or police which ones.
Continue into Ribera Sacra and Ribero regions... I could blather on but I won't.
Hey Don I agree on both counts. Excellent restaurants and wines well worth a goodly taste. I would add to your list a restaurant in Molinaseca called Ramon's for the very same reasons. They also serve an orange coloured wine the name of which was erased from my memory after my second pacharan!La Moncloa de San Larzaro in Cacabelos has a wonderful restaurant featuring wood fired grilled meats with a private label red from Bierzo and the Hotel Iacobus in Castrojeriz puts on a nice table with a chilled private label red from a bodega in Logrono.
I drink the 59 cent wine in the cartons.
Yes. Usually pretty easy. Catalan whites usually aren't too difficult either. And Basque txakoli if you have a good storeI've had no problem finding Rioja wine in the US at my local New Hampshire state liquor store. My store has several feet of shelf space devoted to Rioja wine starting at about $7 and up. I like Campo Viejo and El Coto.
Has anyone else found Rioja wine in the US?
I saw the grape, and it was red...
Last night, I did some serious Camino Frances training, drinking 1.5 bottles of pinot noir. I danced and made merry at St. Josef's Winery, about three miles from my front door. I do consider this part of the training ritual.
My personal favorites for wine include pinot noir, pinot grigio, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and even light bubbly wines---including champagnes.
My favorite ever bottle was named Fin de Nuit---end of the evening--and I shared it with a lovely person under a California night sky, blazing with bright stars and the promise of a long, healthy life. I was about 25 years old, and very strong with a courageous, optimistic attitude. I'm now about 56, and a bit more cautious. I look back on that night and smile.
So....how about your favorite night out while on Camino Frances? What were you drinking, and was there singing or dancing?
I'll be starting the Camino on Sept. 24 and I do love red wine! I really hope our paths cross and we can toast the Camino with a glass of Rioja. Buen Camino and cheers!
Below is a pic of all of the wine labels we enjoyed on our Camino. There were several memorable bottles.
On the way to Belorado, I stopped for lunch in Alto - this gem of a restaurant set away from the Camino a couple of hundred meters by the highway. I enjoyed a beautiful salad with a fantastic bottle of 2011 Artadi Tempranillo - it was incredible.
On my birthday, we were in Sahagún where we enjoyed a wonderful birthday feast with a 2009 Muga and fresh made flan.
In Ponferrada, we lunched on brick-oven pizza with a great bottle of Losada.
Departing from Madrid, we suppered in the wine cellar at Botin - the world's oldest restaurant! The LOA and the Irius were very good.
View attachment 19981
I agree. I especially liked the tapas/pinchos that were so often served with a glass of wine. The photo below is a glass of red with accompanying free nibblies that I was served in SDC. I paid the princely sum of 80 eurocents for the lot!!! It was the café right next door to the Pilgrim House (Rua Bella) and might I add the food on the main menu was fabulous and well priced as well.Vino tinto ... everywhere and often
For a really big, delicious Spanish red wine that is not overwhelmingly oak-flavored, you cannot beat red wine from Toro, a little D.O. on the Rio Duero near Zamora.
I prefer Red. In a glass. But to each his own.Red. In a bottle
Enjoy......but not toooooo much......early start in the morningTonight it will be vin rouge and the location will be SJPDP
I saw the grape, and it was red...
Last night, I did some serious Camino Frances training, drinking 1.5 bottles of pinot noir. I danced and made merry at St. Josef's Winery, about three miles from my front door. I do consider this part of the training ritual.
My personal favorites for wine include pinot noir, pinot grigio, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and even light bubbly wines---including champagnes.
My favorite ever bottle was named Fin de Nuit---end of the evening--and I shared it with a lovely person under a California night sky, blazing with bright stars and the promise of a long, healthy life. I was about 25 years old, and very strong with a courageous, optimistic attitude. I'm now about 56, and a bit more cautious. I look back on that night and smile.
So....how about your favorite night out while on Camino Frances? What were you drinking, and was there singing or dancing?
Wine. Sigh. Love it. But I am a three drink person. I drink one. I spill one. I give one away.
I wanted to try out the famous Pulpo, (octopus), in Galicia. I was told it was almost 'against the law' to drink red wine with it, so I tried some Albarino and thought I'd died and gone to heaven. So that's a recommendation - pulpo de gallega in Santiago and the Albarino - a good reward for the journey's end - that and your best girl by your side of course.
There's actually two Estrella beers. Estrella Damm, from a brewery in Barcelona that is pervasive and available in many countries. There is also a lesser known Estrella Galacia which you'll probably also find on the Camino since it's from A Coruña.5. Estella (Estrella?) is the Spanish national beer. Have I got that right?
There's actually two Estrella beers. Estrella Damm, from a brewery in Barcelona that is pervasive and available in many countries. There is also a lesser known Estrella Galacia which you'll probably also find on the Camino since it's from A Coruña.
Now I'm wondering which beer the forum posters are referring to. The local Estrella Galacia or the better known Estrella Damm.
Great summary CaminoDebrita.I'm going to be writing extensive journal notes based on all of your comments. A few things I've discovered through this thread:
1. Tempranillo, which I've purchased locally, is from Spain, originally. I really love this wine, so I'm delighted to know more about this.
2. You all seem to love wine, and I'm starting to understand how important wine, bread and food in general is to the Camino. Bread is the staff of life; a loaf of bread, a glass of wine and thou; man can not live on bread alone, but must have wine with it!
3. Regions and the grapes they sustain will differ, and that will be part of the beauty of moving across Spain.
4. Unlabelled wines may be very special, and also, one must rarely refuse a taste.
5. Estella (Estrella?) is the Spanish national beer. Have I got that right?
Have I missed any grand point? Thanks, and thanks, and thanks again!
Great summary CaminoDebrita.
1. Correct! Browse for "Tempranillo" and you'll get a wealth of information
2. Again: nicely said. Anyone on the camino drinking Coke is a barbarian! Quench your thirst with water in the day and a cool beer after arrival; Wine? Its the liquid culture of the region you're walking through, drink it (moderately) and it gives you wisdom...for that evening. Nothing gives you more life-quality than experiencing the contrasts of hardship with the opulence of good food and wine. Better than an orgasm...though Mary, a sprightly 65 year-old artist from Oregon walking along on my camino would strongly protest every time I made this claim.
3. You got wisdom already!
4. Taste, taste, taste and soon enough you know what's good!
5. Estrella, nothing better to remove the dust on your tongue after a long day and to prepare your taste-buds for the good stuff.
You did not miss anything...cheers!
(puke---) the basque are not perfect....they have their share of barbariansCoke with wine is called Kalimotxo. Great drink in the land of the Basque.
Ondo Ibili !
@CaminoDebrita, as said in my previous post: You did not miss-out anything!@PANO , I just returned from a summer BBQ---and prepared well for it by taking two bottles of Spanish wine. One, a Tempranillo, and I drank the whole thing alone! I did offer to share, of course, but many bottles of wine were being consumed, and it just so happened that the consumption of that bottle was destined to be a solo venture. I loved it! Full, delicious, smooth...as have been previous Tempranillos, but I also notice that the heady feeling is completely absent. No mild headache, no feeling of drunkenness whatsoever. Just a nice, mellow feel.
The food was wonderful too, and very cosmopolitan: bbq chicken, bbz ribs, tandoori chicken, bratwurst, and salads of all sorts. I took a Greek cucumber salad, with my own homegrown cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, dressed in (of course) Greek yoghurt with lemon, fresh mint, a fresh clove of garlic, and plenty of sea salt. I also added a tablespoon of curry. That salad was huge, and was mostly eaten up! Delicious with the tandoori chicken!
As check in luggage? What happens wrt Customs?I usually bring home a dozen in a carton, wrapped in socks and underwear, a couple of rolls of packing tape keeping it together.
From one Basque expat to another.Coke with wine is called Kalimotxo. Great drink in the land of the Basque.
Ondo Ibili !
This was some bad advice and a process which can get one in deep trouble with US Customs. Two bottles are the limit and if you transit through many international airport you will be found out.As check in luggage? What happens wrt Customs?
This was some bad advice and a process which can get one in deep trouble with US Customs. Two bottles are the limit and if you transit through many international airport you will be found out.
Been there, they have a tolerable beer, so your barbaric concoction is not a matter of survival....but rather of tasteFrom one Basque expat to another.
I spent many a night in West Africa mixing dusty, aged (as in out of date) boxes of Don Simon with chilled Coca-Cola. I hate to admit it is quite refreshing on a 40+c day even though it is quite down market. Aski.
I challenge the wine aficionados find a fine bottle of wine in Cote d'Ivoire or Togo.
As check in luggage? What happens wrt Customs?
I was just looking through my notes, as I get ready to "write up" my Caminos Catalan and Invierno from this summer, and I saw a note that reminded me of a big upcoming wine festival. On the first weekend of August every year, the bodegas near Barco de Valdeorras (huge wine center) in Villamartin are open for visiting and tasting. One of the women working in my pension in Barco told me all about the fiesta, which requires you to buy a bracelet, 12 euros, and with that you can visit as many of the 45 bodegas as possible. Wine and pinchos all included in the price. She told me that it is not to be missed, but it did sound like things sometimes get pretty crazy.
http://www.paxinasgalegas.es/fiestas/xix-festa-das-covas-vilamartín-de-valdeorras-3652.html
Hi, Deb,This sounds remarkable. I think it was Rebekah who mentioned to me that Camino Invierno would be a great journey for a wine lover; in fact, I think the detour for that Camino looks fairly doable, albeit a bit longer as it veers southward from the CF. It does occur to me that while it would remove the pilgrim from the Sarria freeway, that could be a nonissue for one who plans to walk into SDC in early November, right?
I may stick to the "missionary route" this time and get more adventurous next year. It may be an earlier start for me next year---perhaps either Spring or just a tad earlier in September.
Deb
I am SO glad to hear this, because the last 35 euro bottle of special wine that I bought for a friend was described in some wine review as having tastes of "tobacco" and "smoky minerals." I can't imagine how that can be a good thing.Those like me who enjoy a glass or two but feel ať a loss for the appropriate adjectives to describe wine's taste may now relax. Bianca Bosker In this current New Yorker article suggests that over the top winespeak hype may at last have become toast.
Those like me who enjoy a glass or two but feel ať a loss for the appropriate adjectives to describe wine's taste may now relax.
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