We were guests at a very specially planned evening of wine and food this past weekend. Our hosts, Marta and Francis went to great lengths to select wines and foods of Spain they have experienced and loved.  They cooked regional dishes to give us a spectacular introduction into Spanish dining.

To begin the journey, we were poured two wines from the appellation of  Rías Baxias in Spain made from Albariño, the primary grape of the region.  The first wine from the province of Pontevedra in Galicia was a 2010 Martín Códax Albariños  followed by a Abadia De San Campio wine from the Terras Gauda Winery.  The two were distinctly different.  I tried both with a serving of Marta’s Gazpacho and both accompanied the course well.

With an array of cheeses, sardines, olives, sausage, potatoes, peppers and an assortment of crackers and breads we shared a 2005 Marqués de Riscal Reserva  and a 2007 El Coto Crizanza Rioja wine. The course was especially nice to linger over, while experiencing some regional specialties and to create our own combinations of flavors with the foods.

A tremendous course of Paella came next and was served with two Ribera del Duero wines –  a 2007 Emilio Moro and a 2007 Viña Mayor Crianza.  To add a bit of Portuguese into the mix,  a bottle of  Vino del Duro – a 2008 Ventozelo was shared as well.

A delicate Cava completed the evening meal.   A Segura Viudas Brut  from Penedés, Spain accompanied the delicious dessert.

Our hosts created a superb evening of outstanding foods and wines that certainly encouraged some extraordinary conversation.  Thank you Marta and Francis for such a memorable evening!

Salud!  Debbe