How did I spend a balmy Chicago evening? I enjoyed wines from Spain paired with four courses highlighting that country’s fall ingredients at Tavernita! Aptly named Tippling Nights, the award winning series was led by the handsome Tippling Brothers, Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci, as well as Tavernita’s engaging Chef/Partner Ryan Poli all of whom helped guests learn more about the wines and food of Spain. The vibe was lively, friendly, and somewhat raucous especially after a few of us had our turn with the porron (see below). Let’s just say that I’m more adept at drinking wine from a glass than pouring it from a vessel held twelve inches away from my mouth in a perfect arc…fortunately, there is no photograph to share! The evening was a success, wine pairings were carefully considered and the small plates were delicious.
The menu of the night was…
Chef’s Market Tapas were a variety of Spanish cheeses, charcuterie, and croquettes presented and paired with…
Bodegas Berroja 2010 Berroia, Chacoli de Bizaia
This wine consisted of 85% Hondarrabi Zuri grapes with the remaining of Folle Blanche and Riesling. Its crisp minerality was balanced with aromas and tastes of lime, flowers, and tangy fruit. This was a surprisingly tantalizing beginning to the evening!
**Prawn, Clam and Mussel Suquet in saffron broth with lobster, potato, and leek was spicy yet light and the perfect pairing was…
Pazo de Galegos 2011 Albarino
From the Riax Baixas region of Spain, I loved this Albarino which had aromas of lemon and flowers. Its minerality was a savory counterpoint to the delicate spices of the Suquet.
**Fabada Asturiana which included great white beans, morcilla, choriza, and pork shoulder was rich and hearty and complemented by…
A Portela 2010 Mencia
If you have never tried from Mencia you should! Grapes in this particular wine were grown on granite and slate soil and the spice, black raspberry, and earth were fantastic…especially paired with the rich Fabada Asturiana. From the Valdeorras region, this unoaked wine with sweet fruits on the nose and palate was incredibly balanced (and I asked for a second taste!).
**Churros with Selection of Sauces of Dulce de Leche and chocolate was a sweet ending especially enjoyed with…
Vinos Pinol 2008 White Garnacha Dulce
Wow! What a finish! With a color of light mahogany and tastes of sweet, warm, fruit liqueur this late harvest wine from Catalonia complemented the sugary tastes of the churros dipped in creamy sauces.
I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy wines and small plates from Spain on a balmy (or any!) night wherever you are!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
*Tavernita is located at 151 W. Erie in Chicago*
**The Porron Experience – Looking like a watering can, the porron allows multiple wine lovers to drink from the same vessel in a hygienic sort of way (hmmm) since the spout never touches your lips. The steps to successfully drinking from a porron are…
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bring the spout close to your mouth
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tilt it forward
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once the wine starts coming out of the spout, pull the porron away from your face
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look up (my mistake…I ended up pouring the wine directly on my chest!)
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drink
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lower the porron and bring it closer to mouth
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stop!
Good luck with this…apparently I need to practice – frequently!!
