Articles

Taking a balanced look at the Priorats

by  |  16-05-2016

Whether viewing it as a yolk and its white or a donut and its hole, it’s hard not to see DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant closely linked given that the latter wraps nearly completely around... more »

These wines of solidarity

by  |  07-03-2016

Despite this being a rather mild winter, even for Mediterranean standards, it seems that once spring arrives, there is a change of heart for people and they are more open and giving. Perhaps it’s for... more »
Milk chocolate, Vi de Panses, dark chocolate, Arrels del Priorat

Wine & Chocolate, ergh

by  |  02-02-2016

Being originally American, I grew up steeped in the tradition of Valentine’s Day which arrives on the 14th of this month. Let this be a reminder for those who don’t happen to pledge allegiance to... more »

Cava, for that bubbly time of year

by  |  08-12-2015

For those who love sparkling wines, this is a great time of year. However, the festive season can be a minefield of lesser bubblies just waiting to hurt your body, soul, and potentially, friendships. In... more »

The evolution of Espelt

by  |  02-10-2015

In 2007, Espelt was one of the first wineries I got to know well in the northern DO Empordà region that borders France. Wine has been made there since the Greeks but the 20th century... more »

Spotlight on Xarel·lo

by  |  31-08-2015

While Xarel·lo (pronounced sha-rel-lu in Catalan) is a white grape widely planted in Catalonia, it is often easily dismissed as merely one part of the principal three grapes in the typical Cava blend. There are... more »

Terra Alta & Lafou’s White Grenache

by  |  05-05-2015

As the furthest south Denomination of Origin in Catalonia, Terra Alta is oft unknown by most. Admittedly I was quite daft as to what they were doing down there until 2012 when I happened upon... more »

In Small Packages

by  |  15-04-2015

As it is said it Catalan, Al pot petit hi ha la bona confitura which roughly translated to English means, “big things come in small packages”. I bring this up as every waking moment of... more »

Wines from a Stone

by  |  05-03-2015

I offer up the profile of two wines from Vins de Pedra. A well-known winery from Empordà is La Vinyeta and is run by husband and wife team Josep Serra (who is originally from the... more »

The Sweet Lent

by  |  04-02-2015

For those that fall prey to the virulently spreading American tradition of Valentine’s Day, the 14th is coming. For those more religiously minded, Lent is quickly approaching starting on the 15th. While the tie in... more »