Rioja, Oak and Tapas (ONLINE TASTING)

This workshop explores the relationship between Rioja Wines and the use of oak in wine-making.   We'll also be trying to find the ideal match between each carefully selected Spanish nibbles and specifically chosen Spanish wine. Pairing food with wine should be easy and fun, yet so many people become stressed at the idea of make a wine faux pas. Yet the best part about pairing food with wine is the experimentation and delights at finding a pairing that YOU enjoy. Spain produces amazing quality wine at the moment. But Spanish wine can be intimidating for beginners due to the unfamiliar names — it's more Tempranillo & Albarino than Merlot and Chardonnay. But the secret to drinking Spanish is… it's all about the food! At the core of this tasting we find the classic Rioja - whites and reds, young and fruity as well as mature and oaked - paired with manchego cheese, chorizo, spicy cheese with jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes, etc. I recommend you buy in advance: 1 bottle of Rioja Joven (any winery will do and Camp Viejo is always a good bet) and 1 bottle of Rioja Reserva (from Baron de Ley, or Cune, or Campo Viejo), and opening those 2 wines LIVE with us on the night. PLUS prepare a platter with the following tapas: chorizo slices, Serano ham, manchego cheese, fresh vine (or cherry) tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and manchego cheese.   If there's anything you know you really don't like, don't buy it, but do give it a try if you can.  If you want to stretch to a third bottle look out for a Rioja Crainza and ad that to your list also. All of these are readily available from various supermarkets. Let's bring some wine & food pairing fun to your living-room! ;-) 1 ticket will entitle everyone in your household to attend this tasting (no need to buy a ticket per person!).