The Joy of Wine: Rioja, The Reservas // A 10-course paired tasting dinner

Rioja is Spain in a glass of red wine.

Spain is very proud of its indigenous Tempranillo grape because they have been making it into wine for over 2,000 years. Unlike other countries who have adopted grapes that were originally indigenous to France of Italy, Tempranillo was born and cultivated in Spain, and there is no region for which they are prouder, and taken more seriously, than Rioja.

THE WINES.

2010 Los Autores "El Brujo", Gran Reserva. // Robert Parker, 92-points
There is a line of wines produced by notable winemakers, the first of which was produced by Ezequiel García "El Brujo", a historic winemaker at CVNE (the Northern Spanish Wine Company who was founded in 1879 in Rioja). The 2010 Los Autores Nº1, Gran Reserva is the last wine he ever made before he passed away in August 2017.

2013 Fincas de Ganuza Reserva. // Robert Parker, 91-points
Remírez de Ganuza remains one of the most reliable sources for modern, ripe, concentrated, powerful and generously oaked Riojas around. You don't see that many dark and opaque Riojas that often.

2015 Abel Mendoza Seleccion Personal. // Robert Parker, 93-points
Abel Mendoza, one of the legendary winemakers of Rioja, is a proper old-school vigneron who cares deeply about his vineyards - which consist of many small plots scattered around the border of Rioja Alta and Alavesa. His wines are not stamped with any particular style, each wine conveys the individualities of the land and the year. This is a very special, deeply coloured, elegant and smooth full-bodied wine with a pure and intense bouquet of crushed fruits, spice and oak.

THE FOOD.

Marcona Almonds
Nori Seaweed, Shichimi pepper, Sesame Seeds

Spanish Charcuterie selection
Iberico Ham, Chorizo, Salchichon

Pa Amb Tomaquet
Catalonian Crystal Bread Rubbed With Tomato and EVOO

Oysters with White Gazpacho
Sherry Vinegar Pearls

Iberico Ham Salad
Roasted Pears, Ricotta Spheres, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil Cress

Montadito of Foie Gras & Anchovies
Foie Gras Ganache, Cantabrico Anchovies, Fried Capers, Nori Seaweed

Patatas Bravas Madrina
Like a Millefeuille, Wasabi Aioli, Sriracha Brava Sauce

Iberico Ham Croquetas
Classic but Creamy

Oxtail Mini Baguettes
Slow Braise in Rioja Red Wine, Pickled Cucumber, Green Lettuce

Steak Tartare & Marrow Bone
Manchego Cheese Foam, Soy Pearls, Crispy Toasts

Croquetas de arroz con leche
Spanish Rice Pudding Croquettes