The best wine routes along the Spanish coast

wine routes along the Spanish coast

During this summer we will surely travel the Spanish coast and we will discover its beaches and charming towns. Here wine is also the protagonist because there are wine tourism routes and also vineyards that are worth discovering. Next we will tell you the best wine routes along the Spanish coast.

Route of the wine of the Rías Baixas

In the north, Galicia is a temptation to spend the summer season, surrounded by sea and cool nights. It is one of the areas where wine has more character, thanks to its different denominations of origin, such as Rias Baixas. This includes wineries, ideal to discover wines such as the famous Albariño, spas to relax, vineyards of high altitude, get into the sea with the Nautical Station of Rías Baixas, and much more. And of course, this can be completed with the extensive gastronomic offer, based on fish and seafood from the Galician coast.

Costa del Sol, a wine value on the rise

A super tourist area thanks to its beaches, that this summer will continue full of people. But there is more, because the Costa del Sol is also committed to wine tourism, with the Ronda and Málaga Wine Route. In fact, the average expense of wine tourists has increased considerably in recent years, reaching 161.9 euros per person and day in 2018. This summer you can take a tour of the wineries that are in the Montes de Málaga, the Serrania of Ronda, the Axarquía and Manilva.

DO Empordà on the Costa Brava

One more year, the Costa Brava will host a quality tourism that knows what it wants. Wonderful fishing villages are on display for anyone who wants to know more about their history. The best thing of all is that the Costa Brava is complete, that is, we can find sea, mountain, coast, natural parks and wine. The DO Empordà Wine Route allows you to enter a tradition deeply rooted in this land, centuries of history dating back to Roman times. Wineries, shops and more to discover the white, rosé and red wines of the DO Empordà.

Canary Islands Wine Route

Of course, the islands do not fall short on this topic. Tenerife is a destination for the whole year, and the Tenerife wine route is one of the most relevant. Here you will reach volcanic sand beaches, practice nautical and active tourism and pairing the richest wines of the area with the local cuisine.

Two glasses of wine a day reduce cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s

We already know the multiple benefits provided by wine. Many investigations show the beneficial consequences for the body that wine consumption has.

Therefore, Corporación Vinoloa reminds us, as a collection, the health benefits of this drink.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases. This is provided that the amount of 150 ml per day is not exceeded. The antioxidants that make it up increase the levels of ‘good’ cholesterol or HDL and this prevents the formation of clots.
As a treatment for the gums. The benefits of drinking wine for your mouth are incredible. It is good for gum treatment and to clean the palate. The composition of the fermented grapes avoids the appearance of streptococci and bacteria related to caries, while it is also very effective against gingivitis and sore throats.
Reduces the risk of dementia. New studies confirm that drinking two glasses of wine a day decreases inflammation and brain toxins, even those that are associated with Alzheimer’s.
One feels happier. It has been shown that the intake of wine has also benefits in the mood. When you drink a glass, endorphins are released, relaxation increases and we are happier.
Excellent to keep the line. Surely you did not know that wine can be the perfect ally to meet your weight loss goals. Red wine contains a compound that prevents the formation of fat cells and allows stimulating the existing ones to purify them and eliminate them.
Wine-therapy for the skin. The benefits that wine brings on the skin are several. For example, it hydrates it deeply, providing greater elasticity, luminosity and fighting against free radicals.
Improves the peripheral circulation of the dermis. And furthermore, wine favours the decongestion of tired legs and reduces the appearance of varicose veins.

How will the “crianza” wines of the future be?

The "crianza" wines of the future

We can not guess how the wine of the future will be, but the trends mark a series of parameters that tell us roughly where they will go. As to how the “crianza” wines of the future will be, we rely on the new techniques that are researched to continue with the initial goal of this kind of wine, that is to preserve the flavour of the product.

Trends in wine ageing

When we talk about “crianza” wines we refer to an ageing and maturation process that pursues the best aromas and nuances, either in barrels, in tanks or in the bottle itself.

"crianza" wines

Red “crianza” wine has minimum ageing of 24 months, 6 of them in oak barrels. In white and rosé wines, the total maturation time is 18 months, 6 of which, at least, must be carried out in barrels.

Wine has always been preserved in wooden barrels. Then several types of wood emerged. For example, there is Spanish oak, that provides great potential for ageing, and Hungarian oak, which preserves fruit aromas more than French oak. Other woods used are those of pine or chestnut that have a lower cost.

The trends of the 80s and 90s, where an excess of wood eclipsed the rest of the aromas, are being abandoned. Now the ageing wines have spicy aromas, with a strong personality and must rest in other places, not only in wood.

On the other hand, we see that, in some Denominations of Origin as La Rioja, wines with a shorter ageing are being produced. That maintains the fruitiness of the grape without losing a touch of wood that adds complexity. We think that “half ageing” is a great trend that the current consumer appreciates and has a long journey ahead.

Beyond wood

From 2017 onwards, the expansion of wineries that opted for the use for fermentation and ageing in more neutral containers began, giving priority to the characteristics of the grape varieties, the terroir and its personality, rather than to the aromatic and structural contribution of materials such as wood.

Among the new trends that are established for ageing wines, there is the preservation in places other than wood, such as jars that, in addition, to recover traditional, ancestral methods, the porosity of the clay allows the micro-oxygenation of the wine. There is also the ageing in concrete, which performs transpiration similar to wood and provides oxygen to the ageing of the wine, but without adding flavours. It is already onset in some wineries.

trends in "crianza" wines

Other places are using ageing in a Flex Tank, a container that, through micro-oxygenation by porosity, adds complexity to the wine while maintaining fruitiness and freshness. We will be attentive to such changes.

The most fashionable healthy drinks

Both in summer and winter, healthy is a trend. First of all, as this concept is very broad and already applies to everything, it is convenient to ask a nutritionist if we have doubts about whether what we eat and drink is healthy or not. We discover some of the healthiest and most fashionable drinks today.

Coconut water

Actually, it’s not something expanding right now, we’ve heard about it years ago. Coconut water is the liquid that is found naturally in the inner hollow of the coconut. It has a transparent colour and provides several benefits: 94% water, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium, and vitamins A and B12.

Kombucha

Strongly popular, it is found at the coolest establishments of the moment. It is a drink made from fermented tea, which mixes a sweet and citric flavour. It is usually consumed in China or Russia and not long ago it reaches many other countries in the world. And this is because, in this natural and healthy fever, it has a lot of minerals and vitamins, antioxidant polyphenols, it is 100% natural, it gives us energy and helps keep the intestinal flora in good condition. Where to take it? There are many establishments that serve this drink, among them, the terraces of the Hotel Ohla, Hotel Clarís, or El Sueño de Picasso, in Barcelona, or the Hotel Villareal in Madrid.

Guayusa

It is also a tea that comes from a jungle plant in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is rich in antioxidants and chlorogenic acids, and low in calories. This protects our heart and helps us lose weight, provided we lead a healthy lifestyle.

Jamaica’s water

It also receives the name of hibiscus water or tea, being strongly consumed in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, as well as in Mexico and Jamaica. Like the rest of the drinks it is usually obtained from the infusion in water of the flowers of a type of hibiscus. It is diuretic, strengthens our digestive system, and is rich in vitamin C and minerals.

Matcha tea

We keep adding health. Matcha tea comes from Japan, in powder and is a ground green tea that is extracted from the whole leaves, and therefore retains all its nutrients. Its properties include antioxidants, tannins, minerals and vitamins. This makes it good for our digestion, reducing cholesterol and blood sugar and fat levels. Where to take it? At Suis & Bowls, in Barcelona or Waycup Specialty Coffee, in Madrid.

The Four Main Characteristics of Natural Wines

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The natural wines are becoming increasingly popular. They have entered a market in which the consumers demand more naturalness. The winemakers don’t add sulphites, and they grow the vines organically… these are just some of the characteristics of natural wines. Read on to understand and learn more about them.

Sustainable Agriculture

Winemakers produce biodynamic wines through sustainable agriculture. Therefore there is a focus on the preparation of the soil using minerals and vegetation. Furthermore, these winemakers respect the cycles in nature. This helps them to determine the sowing, processing, and harvesting times of the grapes. The winemakers who use these methods believe that it creates a safer and more authentic product. Francesca Bordin, f & b manager of Hotel Granados, explains: ”They are of the conviction that the growth of the strain is determined by the stars and the positions of the planets. They use natural influences that stem from plants and fermented manure to serve as natural fertilisers.”

Cultivation with Respect for the Environment

The Association of Producers of Natural Wines explains that winemakers respect the natural cycles when they produce the wines. Sulphur or copper sulphate are common and accepted treatments in organic farming, but they must limit the use to what is essential. “We don’t use chemical fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, systemic fungicides and genetically engineered organisms,” they add.

No Added Sulphites

Francesca Bordin explains that there are main differences between conventional wines and natural wines. There are only naturally produced sulphites in natural wine. These are produced during the alcoholic fermentation of the must. ”The wine is an organically cultivated product and winemakers don’t add to or remove anything from this type of wine. They don’t use additives during the fermentation process because they want to reflect what the land itself adds above all else. The winemakers don’t filter or clarify the wine because they want to preserve the natural characteristics. It is not everyone that agrees with or understands this specific work philosophy.”

wine, biodynamic wine, organic wine, natural wine

The Viticulturist, The Creator

The creator of the wine controls the vineyard, is responsible for all the work and makes the decisions. The Association of Producers of Natural Wines gives a lot of attention to this type of wine. They encourage the winegrowers to involve themselves directly in each task and to devote a significant amount of their time to the vineyard.

6 cellars worth visiting near Barcelona

The wine sector of Catalonia grows. Barcelona is the axis of wine tourism, since many tourists who visit and stay in the city usually make wine routes at the cellars near Barcelona. We review some of them.

1. Agustí Torelló

Located in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, one of the most important enclaves of cava and wine worldwide, Agustí Torelló has wines from the Penedès region. Its cavas are the result of the elaboration and production of the pressing of the native grapes of the area, such as Xarel·lo or Macabeo. You can visit the cellar, try their products and make tastings.

2. Alella Vinícola Can Jonc

The DO Alella is strongly rooted in the area. It produces, elaborates and bottles wines and cavas of this appellation, that has vineyards just 15 km from Barcelona. In this area, modernist cellars abound, with amazing architecture. They not only offer quality in their wines but also enormous beauty in their facilities. Here you can take guided tours, activities in the vineyards and their surroundings, get to know the cellar, tasting workshops and be able to eat at its nearby restaurants.

3. Bodegas Freixenet

It is one of the most traditional cellars around the world. Its history rooted in the Penedès marks a before and after in the wine world of all time. Visitors enjoy a great experience when visiting Freixenet because one discovers how the cava is made, in addition to tasting it. A memorable visit.

4. Bodegas Pinord

It is fortunate to have such a large wine extension next to Barcelona. The most famous palates enjoy visiting these cellars because they offer tradition and modernity. In Vilafranca del Penedès, Bodegas Pinord presents 150 years of winemaking tradition. In their facilities, they produce more than five million bottles a year. Their wines are powerful and have all the art and tradition of the Penedès area.

5. Bodega Parés Baltà

In Pacs del Penedès there is Masia Can Baltà, which allows you to discover the vineyards of this important wine area, in addition to being able to see and touch the earth and taste its ecological and biodynamic wines.

6. Can Calopa-L’Olivera Cooperativa

In the Collserola Park of Barcelona there is a farmhouse, almost touching the big city. With the view one enjoys walking through the vineyard, in addition to knowing the process of organic wine elaboration.

Images: Uvinum and Armando Castillejos

Rock moves to the sound of wine

The wine will be flowing during World Rock Day, which is celebrated on July 13. Wine and rock are intimately linked through events and moments in history. We give you some examples of how these two worlds collide and create a perfect fusion.

Rock bands, Rock, Wine, Wine and Rock

The wine from U2

Rock lovers also drink wine. Just ask the Irish group U2, a world-famous rock band which has its own wine, The Joshua Tree Riesling. One of their albums influenced the choice of the name. The name gave rise to a wine in which the Riesling grape is the main protagonist.

Motörhead Shiraz

The British hard rock band created the wine Motörhead Shiraz, which is made with Shiraz grapes from Australia. It has been reported that they have sold more than 300,000 bottles worldwide.

Kiss Also Added a Wine to Their Repertoire

The 70’s rock band, Kiss, also created a wine: Kiss Zin Fire, which mixed pepper and blackberries, honouring the strength and power. It is no wonder that a band like Kiss would create a daring wine. It should be noted that they created many other wines before the Kiss Zin Fire. Unfortunately, they cannot be found as they are not being sold.

AC/DC: The Line of Wine

AC/DC is a heavy group but we can’t leave them off the list of rock bands that have created their own wine. The Australian band presented their AC/DC Wine line in collaboration with Warburn Estate winery. This means that it is not a single wine but several different wines. Each wine has been named after some of the most successful songs of the group. Therefore you can enjoy a Back in Black Shiraz, or why not a Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon?

Festivals

Certain wineries and wine tourism destinations around the world let the world of rock and wine go hand in hand. They host-specific festivals and concerts to unite both concepts. This mix of wine and rock music at special celebratory events is always a success.

Rock bands, Rock, Wine, Wine and Rock

Very rock’n’roll labels

Ever since rock groups entered the world of wine, some wineries have chosen to pay their tribute to this musical style. They create labels and interesting names that have a great relationship. Bodega Renacer launched “Music Edition”, a limited edition of Punto Final Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These wines and labels pay tribute to the most renowned rock bands.

Wine and Art: A Marriage That Has Lasted for Centuries

art, wine

Both wine and art are integral parts of the history of the world. As a result, art and wine have often crossed paths throughout the centuries. There are Egyptian frescoes referring to the grape harvests. Artists have also created mosaics dedicated to Dionysian, Baroque, Impressionist or Cubist paintings … Wine truly serves as inspiration in every era and style.

Below we’ll show you some examples of great works of art in which wine plays a part. Do you know them?

The Wedding Feast at Cana – Paolo Veronese

“The Wedding Feast at Cana” is a colossal work by the painter Paolo Caliari, known as Paolo Veronese (1528-1588). It measures an impressive 6.77 m x 9.94 m. The painting dates to 1562, when Veronese was commissioned to decorate the refectory of the Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice.

The painting represents the famous biblical episode of the wedding at Cana, during which Jesus transformed water into wine. If you want to admire the painting in its full glory, you must go to the Louvre in Paris. Napoleon brought it here in 1797.

Bacchus – Caravaggio

Caravaggio (1571-1610) painted the portrait of the god Bacchus between 1596 and 1598. The protagonist is represented according to traditional iconography: naked, with a crown of vine leaves on his head and a glass of red wine in his hand, which he seems to be offering to the viewer.

Experts believe that Caravaggio used a mirror and his own reflected image to study the position of his hand. It is for this reason that Bacchus holds the glass with his left hand.

You can enjoy this painting at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Meeting of Drinkers – Bartolomeo Manfredi

Bartolomeo Manfredi (1582-1622) represented a style similar to Caravaggio’s style. In his painting “Meeting of Drinkers”, the figures emerge from a dark background, violently illuminated by a light that comes from above. It is a painting that gives a feeling of suspense and restlessness, well represented by the overcrowded position and the expressions of the characters.

The painting, dating from 1621, is now located at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Luncheon of the Boating Party – Renoir

The famous “Le déjeuner des canotiers” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) dates to 1881. Today you can find it preserved in the Phillips Collection in Washington.

The painting features the terrace of the Fournaise restaurant on the island of Chatou. The Parisian rowers who loved to practice their sport along the Seine often also frequented this fine establishment. It is a festive and joyful scene that shows 14 people gathered around the same table to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

It is a painting with bright and soft tones, which gives the viewer a feeling of lightness.

art, wine

The Night Café – Vincent Van Gogh

Blinding, loud, anguished. “The Night Café” (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) is an attempt to represent the human degeneration that occurs in bars at night.

In the late-night establishments, the most dreadful human passions come to light aided by alcohol. According to the painter, the most suitable colours to represent restlessness and despair are red and green. These colours are plentiful in the painting.

If you are curious to see the original painting, you will find it in the Art Gallery of Yale University.

The Day After – Edvard Munch

Wine is a source of great joy … But do not exaggerate! The Norwegian painter Edvard Munch (1863-1944) wanted to represent the drama of the hangover in the painting “The Day After” (1895). The title already says everything you need to know.

The main protagonist is represented on the bed, in a less than elegant position. In the foreground, you can see the bottles and glasses which were abandoned there the night before. It is a sad scene, which represents the physical consequences and loneliness caused by the abuse of alcohol.

You can admire the painting up close in Nasjonalgalleriet in Oslo.

Two Women Sitting at a Bar – Pablo Picasso

The painting dates to the blue period of the painter Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). As the name suggests, “Two women sitting in a bar” (1902) – also called “Two prostitutes sitting in a bar” – represents two girls dressed in blue sitting at the counter of a cafe. The girls, however, do not seem to enjoy themselves.

The slouching shoulders and the lowered faces imbue a feeling of sadness and boredom, a sensation highlighted even more by the cold and muted tones of the painting. The provocative clothes seem to suggest the profession of the two, who wait in the bar for the next customer.

The painting is on display at the Hiroshima Art Museum, Japan.

The next time you walk through the doors of a museum, focus your eyes and try to find as many glasses as possible in the paintings on the walls.

Follador Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut

Follador Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut: This is a sparkling wine from Prosecco Di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene with selected clusters of glera.

Sassicaia 2015

Sassicaia 2015: a red wine from Bolgheri Sassicaia based on cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from 2015 and with an alcoholic content of 13.5%.

The Best Wine Routes Along the Spanish Coast

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The summer is upon us, and many will travel along the Spanish coast to enjoy the beautiful beaches and charming towns. Along these routes, you will find that wine is a big part of the experience. There are many amazing discoveries around the corner such as specific routes for wine tourism and impressive vineyards. We’ll give you some insight into some of the best wine routes along the Spanish coast.

The Rías Baixas Wine Route

Galicia in the north of Spain gently lures you in to spend your summer surrounded by the sea and enjoying the cooler nights. The wines originating from this area tend to have a bit more character thanks to the different DOs like the Rías Baixas. Here you will find great wineries like the famous Albariño, spas for relaxing and vineyards in high altitude. You can also enjoy the sea at the Rías Baixas Marine Resort, and much more. If you are a bit of a foodie you will also enjoy the local gastronomy. It is mainly based on fish and seafood from the Galician coast.

Costa del Sol, a Winemaking Area on the Rise

This area is very popular among tourists thanks to its beaches which will remain busy through August at least. But the area has more to offer than the traditional southern holiday. Costa del Sol is increasingly focusing on wine tourism and they offer a wonderful experience on the Ronda and Málaga Wine Route. In the last few years, the average expenditure has increased to 161,90 euros per wine tourist per day in 2018. If you are looking for some inspiration this summer, we recommend taking a tour of the wineries in Montes de Málaga, the Serranía de Ronda, Axarquía and Manilva.

DO Empordà on the Costa Brava

During the season the Costa Brava will host the tourists who are looking for quality and know what they want. The area is full of wonderful fishing villages to explore for anyone who wants to know more about their history. Costa Brava has everything the adventurous heart could desire: the sea, the mountains, beautiful coastlines, natural parks, and, of course, wine. The DO Empordà Wine Route lets you emerge yourself in the traditions that are deeply rooted in this land. The history of the area dates back centuries to Roman times. You will also find wineries, shops and more to fully let you enjoy the reds, whites, and rosés of the DO Empordà.

The Canary Wine Route

The Canary Islands do not fail to impress. Tenerife is a destination for the whole year, and the Tenerife wine route is one of the most important. Here you can lounge on the volcanic sand beaches and enjoy the nautical and adventurous activities. But one of the most enjoyable activities is pairing the best wines of the area with the local cuisine.

How to pair wine and meat?

Eating meat, in moderation, and drinking wine are both pleasures. And if we combine the two with each other it’s even better, don’t you think?

Red meat goes well with red wine, but other types of meat can be paired perfectly with other types of wines. A rosé, in addition to red, pairs very well with steak tartar. At the same time, a good entrecote of veal is perfect with strong and consistent red wines (Priorat, Penedès, and Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes). The meat will taste better, but in addition, the pairing always depends on the sauce that is used to season the red meat.

Poultry and chicken are preferable with white and light red wines. Poultry meat is very versatile and therefore requires different wines. Wines produced on the Syrah grape go very well with duck, and once again it is worth mentioning the Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that is strong on the palate, which surely compliments this type of meat. It is recommended pairing game (partridge or pheasant, ostrich) with young red wines.

Pork can be paired with any type of wine, whether white wines or rosé wines. The meat is more mellow and tender, and it does not need to be paired with wines that are too strong.

And the sausages? When we prepare meat on the grill or barbeque, often with some sausages on the side, we often choose red wines to accompany the meal. Similarly, we often choose the full-bodied red wine when preparing lamb as this meat is denser and more marked.

If we opt for baked or roasted meats, then, thanks to slow cooking and great preparation, it is better to drink more concentrated wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Again, the Cabernet Sauvignon pairs really well with dishes such as osso buco.