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Many people forget that the Rioja wine region is one-third Basque.  Rioja Alavesa, located in the Basque province of Álava, is tucked between the north bank of the Ebro River and the Cantabrian Mountain Range.  As Rioja’s northernmost region, there …

Last update: November 15, 2016

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A little over a month ago I had the chance to spend a fun-filled, 12-hour day with Rick Steves, who was in town updating the Madrid chapter of his 2017 Spain guidebook.  Rick likes to meet up with local guides …

Last update: June 10, 2016

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While the previous wine review looked at the history and flavor profile of classic Rioja through Bodegas Faustino’s Gran Reserva, it’s time to look at the other side of the coin. Fernándo Remírez de Ganuza is one of modern Rioja’s …

Last update: April 26, 2016

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Permalink to The Best Cheese Shop in Madrid

Few people would hesitate to include Spain among Europe’s top cheese producing nations.  The country is blessed with extreme geographical diversity – many don’t know that it’s Europe’s second highest country after Switzerland – which in turn makes for an …

Last update: March 2, 2016

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Permalink to Homemade Spanish Croquettes

It’s a bold statement when a nation feels so strongly about a food, that they establish an international day to celebrate it.  You think I’m joking, but Spain has established January 16th as International Croquette Day. However, an internet search …

Last update: February 22, 2016

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Permalink to Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja is undoubtedly Spain’s most famous wine region, often presented as the “typical Spanish wine” to first time visitors.  Native to and synonymous with the region is the star grape of Spanish wine, Tempranillo (tem-pra-KNEE-yo). Perhaps no other Spanish wine …

Last update: February 15, 2016

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Permalink to Motteau Artisan Pastries

On a quiet back street in central Madrid, just a five-minute walk from the famous Prado Museum, lies Motteau, one of the city’s newest and most heavenly artisan pastry shops. Motteau is not just another pretty face in Madrid’s hip …

Last update: February 7, 2016

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Permalink to The Best Espadrilles in Madrid

Why does a line outside a store always grab our attention?  Does it arouse curiosity, excitement, a sense of mystery?  What could be so popular, scarce, or valuable that it provokes shoppers to brave the elements and surrender their time? …

Last update: February 3, 2016

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Permalink to Javier Sanz Verdejo Malcorta

Verdejo has taken Spanish white wine lovers by storm over the last decade, competing with, and often times dethroning, the more aristocratic Albariño on many a wine list.  Lavish ripe fruit and sweet herbal notes on the nose pleasantly deceive …

Last update: November 13, 2015

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Permalink to Mistura Homemade Ice Cream

This past April, ice cream lovers visiting the Plaza Mayor were given reason to celebrate.  At Calle Ciudad Rodrigo 6, linking the Plaza Mayor to the Mercado San Miguel, Mistura opened their 2nd ice cream shop, serving what is possibly …

Last update: January 29, 2016

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Madrid Tours & Tastings

Madrid Tours & Tastings