Sean and I got together this past Saturday to celebrate my big 5-0 and birthdays of my fellow Scorpios and "Scorpio-adjacent" friends, and enjoyed a fabulous selection of tapas paired with Spanish reds and whites.
Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano were the reds of the night, and usually in blends. We also enjoyed a delicious Syrah and some Bordeaux-style blends as well. My favorite of the night was a 2013 Rioja from producer Muga -- earthy, smooth, and rich!
Whites included one of my personal favorites, Albarino. From Spain, the whites are higher in acidity and crisper in style than our California styles with their lush tropical and stone fruit flavors. Although the night would not be complete without a creamy Cava, which I adore, we had been saving a 2014 Roederer double magnum to start the evening out on the right foot with bubbles ;)
The menu included a summer paella, Fabada Asturiana--a traditional hearty white bean and chorizo stew, ceviche of abalone, octopus, and shrimp, cauliflower frites with marinara, and plenty of Manchego cheese plus myriad other appetizer delicacies...
To great friends, thank you for a wonderful evening... Salud!
-Brooks