We all surely had too much food during this Christmas holidays, and that is why we propose some tips to start the year in a healthy way, with small actions, food and others. Take good note.

Hydrate: water

We need maximum hydration to eliminate toxins and reduce the Christmas excesses that we see in our body. For this, nothing better than drinking water. It is recommended to drink about 2 to 3 litres a day at any time. When we are dehydrated we can eat too much when we really do not need it. With water we improve digestion and purify the body. But we should not drink water only during the first days of the year but throughout the year. Our body will thank us.

Healthy fats

When we talk about fat in food, not all are bad. There are healthy fats, especially the mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that we find in many foods and that we must incorporate in our diet if you have not already done so. Avocados, spinach, nuts, eggs, seeds (sunflower, linseed), bluefish… are some of the best foods with good fats.

Do not skip breakfast

Many people reach fainting to lunchtime, thinking that they ingest much less a day. And the reality is not like that. If we skip breakfast, one of the most important meals of the day, we are increasing our appetite and we will eat in an exaggerated way. A good breakfast, strong and abundant, will give us energy and allow us to be healthier during the day.

Natural wines

No additives, no sulphites and totally natural. That is the way the wines with no chemical products added are. According to the Association of Producers of Natural Wines (PVN), natural wine refers to wine made in small quantities, by small vine growers, using manual processes, with minimal handling and without using any type of additive.

The crop is respectful with the environment and natural cycles are respected, following ancestral methods or some type of ecological or biodynamic agriculture, and of course, the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides is not allowed… since it is natural it will always be beneficial to our body.

A glass of wine a day

Although we do not know for sure if this statement is correct – it is better to hear a doctor, according to our personal circumstances- the Mediterranean diet states that we can have a glass of red wine a day. It offers many benefits by bringing resveratrol, a component of wine that is heart-healthy, and it has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plan our meals

Finally, a tip that, although may seem basic, many people still do not follow. In this case, it is about planning our meals (and purchases) in order to have what is strictly necessary and not buy too many products, because then we can directly to the processed ones, sugars and fats, not good for our body.

Ramón Bilbao Crianza 2016

A rennovated classic, versatile, fruity and balanced, Ramón Bilbao Crianza 2016 is an essential wine in our tables.

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Soup, seafood, nougat and cava will be present in many Spanish tables this Christmas, but what usually eat and drink during the Christmas dinners in the rest of Europe? Let’s do a review of some of them. Take note if you want to incorporate some dishes into your menus!

Christmas dinners in England

As you already know, in Anglo-Saxon countries there are plenty of sweets and desserts, therefore, at Christmas puddings of different flavours with seasonal fruits are common, in addition to ginger cookies that can be decorated with Christmas designs and cakes as the Yule log. But before, the English eat roast turkey accompanied by side dishes such as potatoes. To drink, as is often quite cold, Mulled Wine is a tradition, being a hot wine with sugar and other spices.

Christmas dinners in Belgium

Turkey is repeated to eat at Christmas dinner, and sweets run through the holidays. During the dinner is usually eaten a dessert made with cream, in addition to the special and differently flavoured Belgian chocolates. Champagne and wine from France or Italy are the preferred drinks for Belgians.

Christmas dinners in Italy

Christmas dinner in Italy mix capon and turkey with different types of fish. The dessert is known worldwide: panettone and pandoro. Besides Italian D.O. wines to drink, it is also frequent the mulled wine and fruits.

Christmas dinners in Sweden

In the countries of northern Europe drinks also must be hot, so the Swedes drink julmust, with malt and hops, in addition to delicious fish, ham, chocolate candy and gingerbread cookies.

Christmas dinners in Germany

The combination of dishes is rich, so we can find lamb, duck and fish. As in other countries, it’s usually a family dinner, in which each member receives dishes with fruits and varied sweets. And mulled wine, which in this case is a mixture of red wine, lemon, cinnamon, cloves or other spices, and sugar. Besides champagne, also not lacking in the German Christmas tables.

Christmas dinners in Spain

Seafood, fish, soups, Iberic ham have always a highlighted place in Christmas dinners, and so have sweets. The so-called “turrones”, also known as Nougat (a family of confections made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts, whipped egg whites, and sometimes chopped candied fruit) are equally important in Christmas dinners, as much as wine and sparkling wines.

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial:  a sparkling wine from Champagne DO of the best of pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes and 12,5º of alcohol strength.

Pol Roger Brut Réserve

Pol Roger Brut Réserve: a wine sparkling with DO Champagne a based on pinot noir and pinot meunier and 12.5º of alcohol. 

Without ideas for Christmas cocktails? No worries, we show you 5 ideas which can please your guests and family in general; some suitable for all ages and others for adults.

Clericó Cocktail

This cocktail is ideal for Christmas parties, being composed of a soft liquor and numerous fruits. It has a mild flavour and is suitable for family members of almost all ages.

Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle of White wine
• 1 litre of sparkling mineral water
• Apples, chopped and peeled
• Oranges, peeled and sectioned
• Black and white grapes
• Melon, chopped and macerated in sugar
• 300 grams of chopped pineapple
• 300 grams of sugar

Elaboration:

1. Wash and cut the fruits into small pieces.
2. Macerate the fruits in sugar for 12 hours.
3. Mix the white wine with the other ingredients.

Blanc Pescador

El Blanc Pescador is a success of aromatic wine with a refreshingly light spritz. One of the Top-selling Spanish white wines.

Daiquiri Cocktail

This cocktail with strawberry and lemon is an ideal appetizer for Christmas, and the presence of rum makes it refreshing.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• Lemon
• Sugar
• 200 grams of strawberries
• 50 cc white rum
• Fresh mint

Elaboration:

1. Put ice, lemon and sugar in the blender.
2. Blend until the ice is well crushed.
3. Add the strawberries into pieces.
4. Finally, add rum and blend until the mixture looks like granita.

Havana Club 3 Years 1L

Havana Club Añejo 3 Años is a white rum made in Cuba that presents an alcohol content of 40º.

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Christmas Appetizer Cocktail

This cocktail, in spite of being warm, may be paired with chilled champagne to give it a refreshing twist.

Ingredients

• 20 cc bitter liqueur
• 50 cc champagne
• 1 maraschino cherry

Elaboration

1. Mix the bitter liqueur with champagne.
2. Pour into a flute glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry and serve.

Campari 1L

Campari is the most contemporary and charismatic classic spirit and is the base for some of the most famous cocktails around the world.

Tutti Frutti Champagne

This recipe is great for the holidays, it is refreshing for after December abundant meals, and you can use ice cream with other flavours if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of champagne or cava of your choice
• 1 litre tutti frutti ice cream or your preference.

Elaboration:

1. Place the ice cream in the fridge and the champagne a day before.
2. When serving, place 2 scoops of ice cream and complete with champagne.

Pol Roger Brut Réserve

Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve is a balance between power and finesse. It combines wonderfully structure and vinosity, elegance and freshness.

Vanilla Punch

This cocktail is made with milk punch, cinnamon, vanilla and whiskey. It is creamy and very palatable.

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 litre of milk
• 6 tablespoons vanilla
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 vanilla pod
• 1/2 cup whiskey

Elaboration:

1. Proceed to heat the milk with cinnamon and the whiskey of your choice.
2. Beat the eggs with sugar until they begin to whiten.
3. When the milk is boiling, add the ?flanin? sachet dissolved in milk.
4. When the mixture begins to thicken, turn off and let stand in order to cool slightly the milk.
5. Mix the eggs gradually with the milk while to you stir constantly with a spoon.

Bell’s 1L

Bell’s signature malt is from Blair Athol, with part from the known Caol Ila, Glenkinchie, Dufftown and Inchgower. The result is a well-rounded and consistent character with a distinctive nutty and spicy flavour.

We truly hope that you enjoy these cocktails with your family and friends and… You can find all the products and more on our website: https://www.drinksandco.co.uk/

Thousands of families gather around a table to eat and drink and celebrate one of the most important festivities in the world, by the number of people who celebrate it. We’re talking about Thanksgiving Day, a celebration that takes place in the United States and Canada, held the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, it can vary by day and is the second Monday in October.

It originated in religious terms, but today is considered a civil and folk holiday. In North America, some of its origins are held by European traditions when they celebrated the good harvest that was gathered from the fields, and there are its beginnings to celebrate the end of harvest.

Therefore, the gastronomic celebrations are numerous and all members of the family concentrate around a table full of luscious delicacies where the protagonist is the turkey. It’s a party told in numerous books, series and movies, always in a festive and family atmosphere.

The roast turkey is usually eaten this day, usually at a dinner party, is filled with various ingredients, such as corn or sage. Accompanying the turkey there are vegetables such as potatoes, mashed potatoes or carrots, which are common dishes in the cuisines of these countries. Sweet also accompany the feast and the table that day, such as the popular pumpkin, pecan, apple pies or the chocolate cookies.

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.

7 Fuentes 2016

The 7 Fuentes 2016 is the ideal red to combine with white meat and red meat.

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Vinatigo Listan Blanco Islas Canarias Tenerife 2017

4 of 5 points is the average score of this white according to Uvinum users.

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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.

Montarro Frisante Rosé

Rosé wine Montarro Frisante Rosé is produced in the Bairrada region

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Porta 6 2017

Porta 6 2017 is the product of the fertile vineyards from Alenquero and Cadaval, in the mountains in the North of Lisbon.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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

Raventos D’Alella Santa María 2015

A white wine from Alella based on pansa blanca

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Blanc Pescador

The Blanc Pescador is a true success of an aromatic wine with a refreshingly light spritz.

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Wine has become an essential element in most restaurants. Currently you can find there several Appellations of Origin from many different places and special gastronomic wine lists, endorsed by sommeliers who join forces with the chefs to create perfect pairings. Follow our route of the best restaurants with wine pairing in Barcelona.

1. Barcelonas, at the Gran Hotel La Florida

At this restaurant you can enjoy high cuisine, not only for its location, 500 meters above the city, near the Tibidabo, but also because it takes good care of every detail of its cuisine, Mediterranean and Catalan, where the chef Jordi Delfa offers two different tasting menus for those who wish a total immersion in the new gastronomy. These are paired carefully with wines of varieties of geographical proximity represented in the appellations Montsant, Priorat or Penedés, taking also into account other areas such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero, organic wines, Sherry wines, French wines and a wide variety of champagnes.

2. Sintonía

The ex-Bulli Pablo Tomás proposes a menu that one can build “a la carte”, according to the dishes that are available at that moment. But the highlight is that they have a wine list of 100 references, eminently from small producers, focusing on the gastronomic side. Prepared by Patricia Pacho, maître of the restaurant, Catalan wines take centre stage, as well as champagnes, sparkling wines or wines by the glass. Its pairing pays attention to combining products from the land with wines also from the same origin. The bouillabaisse stands out with a rosé from the area of ​​Soria, and the red wine Ferret from Priorat for the veal knuckle with vegetables, cut in front of the diner. “Some vegetables with a light and aromatic wine could help that intended balance. A barrel with deeper notes is perfect for a white meat that has a more complex elaboration”, explains Patricia Pacho.

3. Caelis

The Caelis wine list is based on local and Spanish wines, as well as French, Italian, German and American wines. They offer 350 references and also different and new options that the sommelier and the chef try, in order to offer something outside of the usual. Here we find several tasting menus: the Tierra y Mar (“Land and Sea”) is shorter and paired only with Catalan wines, while the Celebration is longer, and there are wines from all over the world.

4. Nora BCN

There are restaurants that surprise for their thorough and extensive wine list. At Nora there is a “wine room” where you can eat or dine with wine pairings to combine perfectly, with a mix of Catalan and international cuisine.

Porta 6 2017

PPorta 6 2017 is the product of the fertile vineyards from Alenquero and Cadaval, in the mountains in the North of Lisbon.

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Hortas do Caseirinho

An excellent white wine from Portugal with a unique price-performance ratio.

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