In 1771, Maria Jose Velazquez’s ancestor bought at auction the house and property in the vall d’Albaida that, 200 years later, became Casa Los Frailes. Before Carlos III stamped them out, Jesuit friars (‘frailes’) lived in this small valley not far from the Mediterranean coast, tended vineyards, made wine and stored it in clay amphorae, tall as coffins, sunk into the cool earth in the low-beamed cellar.
One of the most beautiful vineyards I have had the pleasure of visiting was Whistling Dog Cellars just outside of Salem.
One thing I learned in the WSET Level 2 course is the significance of location. Minor differences in altitude, aspect… Read more Why Vineyard Aspect Matters
I had planned the perfect pairing: cheese ploughman’s with a fresh, crispy baguette accompanied by a zingy Albarino or Godello… Read more Cheese Ploughman’s + Falcata
Photos: Richard Duval Images, courtesy: Montinore Vineyards Willamette Valley, May 6, 2014 Driving through Willamette Valley wine country on a… Read more Vinelands: Montinore, Willamette Valley
Then Outside, rhododendrons, lilacs, roses, cypress, oak, weeping willow channel the exuberance of the earth into great bursts of foliage… Read more Montinore Vineyards Then and Now
Located in the arid interior of the northern tip of the province of Murcia, on the Mediterranean side of the… Read more Vinelands: Bodegas Castaño, Yecla, Spain
In 2015, Oregon Wine Pioneers (Vine Lives) was published. It told the stories of 15 ground-breaking Oregon wineries and winemakers.… Read more Plum Hill Vineyards – Then and Now
