Wine Travels with Dagny: 08.2013

I think the title says it all. Actually, missing one key bit... Enjoying a glass of Doniene 2011 Txakolina. You ask, what is that? I answer, traditional white wine from the Basque region. Yes, the same folks who brought you the separatist movement of ETA and more importantly the gastronomic capital of Spain (think Arzak). Anyway, I have already digressed!

I writing today for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, because I owe you about two plus years of blogs so figured I would catch-up. Secondly, because we have been living in Madrid for over a year now so it's about time we started telling you a little about this part of the world (through wine, beer, and food goggles of course). Oh yeah, today I had earmarked as a non-drinking day. Then I went for a nice long swim and a very hot/dry walk back home. So I drink. Oh well, will try another day to go alcohol free (but not likely until September). And yet again I have digressed...

Let's keep it very local for now. Madrid is the capital city of Spain. Right in smack in the center of the country where I think you can get to Lisbon, Portugal faster by car than you can Barcelona. It is a great town. I would highly recommend a visit. Good food scene, plenty of juice, artisanal brew, vibrant nightlife, and strong in the arts. An added bonus if you have kids is that this is a very kid friendly city.

So today's blog will be brief as I just want to point out some good wine & beer shops, restaurants, and a few snapshots of wines for reference. We will come back to you with blogs from actual wineries. In fact, we tried to visit one south of Madrid but during the summer they are only open M-F from 10am-3pm (the heat)...

Wine and Beer Shops

If in Madrid and in a pinch for wines (plus wanting to taste a few while shopping), then these are our top 3 wine shops:

http://www.lavinia.es/es

This is a trendy wine shop with a huge selection of wines from all over Spain and the world. It is located in the high-end shopping area of town but prices are reasonable. They usually have 4 or 5 wine stewards working the floors who are very knowledgable. Also, they have a bar, dining room (would recommend for lunch), and pay by the pour fountains to sample all sorts of good stuff.

http://www.lacartadevinos.com/

These guys are more exclusive to Spanish wines but have a handful of others to offer. In fact, I picked up a really nice white burgundy (Francois Antoine Jobard Bourgogne Blanc Burgundy) from the Mersault region for about 20 euros a couple of weeks ago Also, you can pay by the pour. Both of these guys deliver to the house for a small fee (unless you buy in quantity) and they are located in easy to get to areas.

http://www.reservaycata.com/

This was a new discovery thanks to our friend Alirio. A mom and pop shop which is what we love. An ecclectic collection of wines. A simple bar to taste wines. Ezequiel was a great host as he poured all sorts of good juice. In fact, we were treated to pre-release wines with no labels to speak of. That was really cool. He makes wine as well. Current project is a Bobal (Bobal Icon - http://www.reservaycata.com/bobal-icon-2011.html) from 80-year old vines. An easy drinking second bottle of wine and for the price I would say the QPR is high. Kara may disagree but we are talking 6.50 euro. Trust me, if you come to visit, I may pour a nice bottle to start but you will have the Icon to finish :) Anyway, very excited about this new find and will probably lean on Ezequiel as I build the local cellar.

Now let's talk beer. Two must do's if you are a beer fanatic and if you are not then do it anyway. It is a good cultural experience.

http://fabricamaravillas.com/

A must go to! I said that... Great beer made in Madrid. Fun atmosphere. Fun neighborhood. A Frenchman runs this joint. Who would have known? Nuff Said!

https://www.facebook.com/quebuenapinta

Need beer? I mean need good damn beer from Spain, Scotland, US, Denmark, Belgium, etc... Want to have a pint while thinking it over in a cool little local neighborhood market a stones throw from the action? Nuff said! Ok, have to say more. I shop here every two weeks or so. One of my favorite world wide IPAs (from Spain) only found here (picture below).

Dagny loved the label (other side - sorry no pic)
I bought one just to see...
Who would have known...
My kid is a savant...

Restaurants

Now we come to food part of this blog... A handful of restaurants that you must add to the list. A good wine list was the starting point (oops... tequila as well)!

http://www.ponceletcheesebar.es/ - Need I say more? Ok, they also have a cheese shop which we frequent.

http://www.garciadelanavarra.com/ - Two things to point out. First, recommended by our French friends. Second, awesome wines and great prices. Think about it!

http://www.lagabinoteca.es/ - Fushion meets tapas with a fun atmosphere. Oh yeah, the mojitos. Nuff said!

http://www.puntomx.es/ - Need a margarita? Need damn good mexican? Need to overpay? :( Well the food was awesome. And the margaritas... They will give Rio Grande's in Colorado three margarita rule a runs for its money...

http://www.99sushibar.com/ - Not the Michelin star sushi joint in Madrid but who cares. Best sushi to date. Prices good. Great wine list.

http://restaurantearce.com/ - Would you like land, sea, or air? Stop here. Do not past go! The best wine list yet at retail prices (from release not current).

There are others but these stand out to us right now.

Pictures of Spanish Wines

Just a few morsels for now.