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DO Wines Spain – Rioja Spanish Wine D.O.Ca Region

Our Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards series is covering some of the great Wine Regions of Spain.

Quality Spanish wines are classified using a system based on the “Denominación de Origen” or “DO”, designated origin, which determines where each wine has been produced. Spanish wine laws created the “DO” system in 1932 and it was later revised in 1970. In addition to the “DO” system in Spain there is also the Denominación de Origen Calificada “DOCa” or “DOQ” in Catalan, a status for DOs that have a consistent track record for quality. There are currently only two DOCa/DOQ regions in Spain: Rioja and Priorat.

Rioja stampLocated partly within the Basque country, Rioja  DOCa  Wine Region of Spain is perhaps best known for red wines and the Tempranillo grape. The Rioja Spanish Wine DO Ca region’s red wines cover many different styles from young wines through to more sophisticated wines which are capable of many years of cellaring – proving the versatility of Tempranillo. Some producers also offer white wines, including some fine barrel-fermented and oak-aged styles and rosés.  The best known of the Spanish wine DO regions, Rioja Spanish Wine DOCa carefully preserves its wine styles but interestingly there are some modern trends which are starting to show through.

Rioja Spanish DOCa wines are mainly aged according to strict specifications and not released until they are considered to be ready to be drunk, which is unique to this part of the wine world. Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, the various ageing categories are indicated on the back label of each bottle. With an indication often given of other grapes which may have been utilised in the blend.   For example, Tempranillo is supported by Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo depending on the producer and even Cabernet Sauvignon occasionally. More especially in barrel aged wines, this gives Rioja Spanish Wine DOCa region wines their very distinctive style.  Not all Rioja Spanish Wine DOCa region wines follow the traditional age classifications and indeed some modern types of wines have more focus on a specific vineyard, reflecting the strong interest among producers to offer wines with distinctive local character.

tempranillo grape

The first Spanish Rioja bodegas date from 1870-1890 but the region expanded dramatically and established its reputation at home and abroad during the 20th century. The early years of this century has a new wave of modern architecture appearing on the landscape and also for new cellars many metres under ground.  Wineries/Cellars designed by famous architects such as Santiago Calatrava and Frank Gehry now stand next to those with an historic background, making Rioja Spanish Wine DOCa region an incredible place to visit for wine, food, spectacular scenery and architecture.

The main towns on Rioja’s wine routes include Haro, Labastida, Cenicero and Elciego, which all have a concentration of wineries with tours and tastings available.

Rioja Spanish Wine DOCa Region Principal Red Grape Varieties: Tempranillo (approximately 80% of all varieties planted), Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo. Other authorised red varieties: Maturana Tinta

Rioja Spanish Wine DOCa Region Principal White Grape Varieties: Viura, Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca. Other authorised white varieties: Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Turruntés, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo

rioja cork

If you love Wine you can’t miss the Wine Regions of Spain!

Join us on a Private Wine Tour of Spain like our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain of Portugal to explore the Ribera del Duero, La Rioja, Priorat and Penedes Wine Regions of Spain and enjoy expert  guided visits to some fantastic wineries and taste some great Spanish wines.

Just some of the wineries you might visit in the La Rioja DOCa Wine Region of Spain are:
  • Marques de Murrieta 
  • Miguel Merino
  • Ysios
  • Roda
  • Torre de Oña

 

More from our Gourmand Breaks DO the Wine Regions of Spain:

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DO Wines Spain – Penedès Spanish Wine D.O. Region

If you love Wine then don’t miss our series on the Wine Regions of Spain.  Our Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards series is covering some of the great Wine Regions of Spain, like our previous posts of the Ribera del Duero, Bierzo and Cava DO Wine Regions. New Year is just around the corner, and the sparkling Spanish Wine of Cava will feature in many meals on New Years Eve. The majority of Cava is produced in the Penedès area of Catalonia, a D.O wine region in itself that produces some great Spanish Wines. The Penedès DO Wine Region of Spain spans the provinces of Barcelona and Tarragona in the region of Catalonia.

The DO of Penedès Wine Region of Spain is where Spain’s modern-day wine-making revolution started. By the 1970’s stainless steel tanks had been adopted here and the area began to develop in wine terms with similar dynamism to the nearby city of Barcelona.  The area stretches from the coast to the higher altitudes inland and it features an array of hillsides, coves and valleys providing a rich choice of terroirs for the viticulturalist and winemaker.  Penedès divides into three areas. The lowest “baix-Penedès” (0-250m) is home to the white Cava grapes Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada. In the middle “mitja-Penedès” (250-500m) Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon perform well as do the Cava trio. The highest “alt-Penedès” (500-800m), taking in some of the highest vineyards in Europe, is where Chardonnay and other cool climate varieties are grown as well as the finest Parellada grapes.

The Roman influence in the Penedès led to the cultivation of different red varieties, imported by the Phoenicians and Greeks from the Middle East and Egypt. But the real evolution of the vine and the winemaking in the Penedès took place in the 6th Century AD, because the heart of Mediterranean wine culture was centred in the Penedès. The via Augusta, which crossed the Penedès, from the puente del Diablo [Devil’s Bridge] to the Arco de Berà [Arch of Berà] was the centre for the wine selling.

The well placed geographical position of the Penedès converted this land into an important production area, increasing its prestige in time both in the production of white and red wines. Despite the fact that red wines were more highly prized than whites, as happened all over the Mediterranean, it was said that the white wines were the better offer to Bacchus. The production of quality wines continued until the Middle Ages, the Arab invasion was of no benefit to the cultivation of vines in certain areas of the Penedès, but the period of domination was not very long and vines continued to be grown in the region.

A factor which contributed in a decisive manner to the continuation of the vine in Catalonia was the need, from the poorest of parishes to the richest monastery, (basically those of the Cistercian and Benedictine orders) to have wine available for holding mass. The old white varieties that are more acidic were used for distilling and making brandy. One century later, overproduction affected the Penedès and for this reason many varieties were eliminated in order to plant vines of higher quality. The technique used in the distillation process was very similar to that currently in use. The first brandies were distilled in the 14th Century, following the secret formulae of Arnau de vilanova. The varieties were distilled in copper stills and followed a process of ageing over a long period in oak casks.  At the end of the 19th Century, specifically in 1872, the “sparkling wine of the Penedès” came to life. After the catastrophe caused by phylloxera, the renewal of the vines allowed for important evolution, as right from the very start cavas of very high quality were made that in a very short period of time were conquering very large markets. During this century cava has kept up this quality tendency supported by the wine growing sector.

Xarel.lo grapes

White grapes dominate the D.O Penedes wine production; there is a slight downward trend in the volumes produced for Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada and an upward trend for Chardonnay and other aromatic white varieties. Red varieties are increasingly favoured, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot while the ancient traditional variety Samsó is enjoying a renaissance.  The Consejo Regulador of Penedès has recently introduced the classification “Vino Dulce de Frío”, an ice wine equivalent. This natural sweet wine can be made from a wide variety of grapes including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, authorised Moscatel varieties and Riesling.

The D.O. Penedès Wine Region of Spain is noted for its excellent white wines, fresh, fruity and with moderate alcohol content, while its reds are soft, with velvety texture and character. The Penedès rosé wines are fragrant and fruity. There are some outstanding sparkling wines, with intense and persistent aromas. The flagship grape variety of this region, which stands out among the 18 authorized varieties, is Xarel.lo making it the icon of the Penedès Denominació d’Origen. The 2010 vintage has been clearly marked by the weather. The rain fall on the 20th August forced an early start to the vintage, making the selection of grapes in the vineyard key to the quality of the wines of the D.O. Penedès the last year. Of one thing wecan be very sure, and that is that the raw materials – the grapes – brought into the cellars during the 2010 harvest were of a very good quality.

Penedes Spanish Wine DO Principal white grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Subirat-Parent (Malvasía Riojana) and Chardonnay. Others: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc and Muscatel varieties (Muscat d’Alexandrie and Frontignan)

Penedes Spanish Wine DO Principal red grapes: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Monastrell, Samsó and Merlot. Others: Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Syrah

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If you love Wine you can’t miss the Wine Regions of Spain!

Join us on a Private Wine Tour of Spain like our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain and Portugal to explore the Ribera del Duero, La Rioja, Priorat and Penedes Wine Regions of Spain and enjoy expert  guided visits to some fantastic wineries and taste some great Spanish wines.

 

Just some of the wineries you might visit in the Penedes Wine Region of Spain are:

  • Pares Balta
  • Jean Leon
  • MasTinell
  • Mas Comtal

 

More from our Gourmand Breaks DO the Wine Regions of Spain:

 

DO Wines Spain – Cava Spanish Wine D.O. Region

Our Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards series is covering some of the great Wine Regions of Spain like our previous posts of the Ribera del Duero and Bierzo DO Wine Regions.

With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to introduce some bubbles and the Cava D.O region of Spain. Cava is a sparkling Spanish wine that is permitted to be produced in various wine regions, however the majority is produced in the Penedès area of Catalonia.

Quality Spanish wines are classified, using a system called the “Denominación de Origen” or “D.O.”, which in English translates as “designated origin”, to determine where they were produced. Spanish wine laws first created the “D.O.” system in 1932 and each “denominación” D.O. has its corresponding regional regulatory council or “Consejo Regulador”. The Cava Denominación de Origen (D.O.) was officially recognized in 1986.

Because of its immense impact on the culture and economy of Catalonia, Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) has its own Destination of Origin (D.O.). Cava comes in four variations: brut, dry, semi-dry and sweet. This celebrative libation—made from Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes—is usually served in a glass flute to highlight the bubbles sparkling upward.

Cava holds a special place in the hearts of Catalans because it represents the viticultural renaissance Catalonia had in the mid-19th century. A phylloxera epidemic had previously wiped out almost all the region’s vineyards—many of which had been growing grapes for centuries. But when the microbiological research of Louis Pasteur was used both to overcome this epidemic and enable control of the second fermentation for sparkling wines, Catalonia’s vineyard culture was revived. The joy of this revival can also be seen in the great care some of the most popular Modernist architects put into new wine cellars, like the one at Codorniu by Puig i Cadafalch.

Cava originated in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia with the research and experimentations of people like the Raventós family, who still own Codorniu cava. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia still produces 75 percent of the 200 million bottles made every year in Catalonia. This is also where Cava Week is held in the beginning of October, complete with a Cava Queen, her speech and a train to tour different cellars.

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia and its surrounding areas in the Penedés region are ideal for cava production because its soils are calcareous and permeable to water while the typical Mediterranean climate offers many sunny days during mild winters and not excessively warm summers.

Cava DO Wine Region of Spain White Grape Varieties: Mostly Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, but in a few areas Chardonnay, Subirat Parent, Malvasia Riojana

Cava DO Wine Region of Spain Rosé Grape Varietes: Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, Trepat, Pinot Noir

 

If you love Sparkling Wine you can’t miss the Cava Wine Region of Spain! To learn more about the cava-making process join us on a private wine tour including the Cava DO Wine Region of Spain: Private Luxury Wine Tours

 

Just some fantastic Cava Wineries in Spain you could be visiting :

  • Agustí Torelló Mata
  • Codorníu
  • Albet i Noya
  • Gramona
  • Segura Viudas

 

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DO Wines Spain – Bierzo Spanish Wine D.O. Region

Our Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards series is covering some of the great Wine Regions of Spain.

First, and in no particular order, we presented the excellent Ribera del Duero Spanish Wine D.O. Region and now it’s the turn of the young and up and coming Bierzo Spanish Wine D.O. Region.  Located in the autonomous community of Castile and León some exciting Spanish Wines are being produced in the Bierzo DO Wine Region of Spain with the principle Red Grape Variety being Mencía. Do Bierzo

Quality Spanish wines are classified, using a system called the “Denominación de Origen” or “D.O.”, which in English translates as “designated origin”, to determine where they were produced. Spanish wine laws first created the “D.O.” system in 1932 and each “denominación” D.O. has its corresponding regional regulatory council or “Consejo Regulador”.  The Bierzo Denominación de Origen (D.O.) was recognized in 1989.

The young, up and coming, Spanish Wine DO Region of Bierzo, is tucked away in the north western corner of Castile and León, somewhat removed from the main hub of the Duero Valley but still attracts a great deal of interest.

Mencia grapes

 Thanks to the impressive wine making skills of both local Bierzo winemakers and those from other Spanish wine DO regions that have recognized its potential here, Bierzo DO Region red wines, made from the Mencia grape, are developing into something quite exciting. The Mencia vine is comfortable in Bierzo’s Wine DO Region mild climate and slate soils which combine to produce a wine which is more structured than the light, fruity reds of Galicia but leaner than the powerful styles of the Duero. They have a character of their own which brings a welcome diversity to Spanish red wines with their dark chocolate and black fruit flavors which are enhanced by French oak.

The climate and wines of the Bierzo Wine Region of Spain  could be described as a mix between Galicia and Castille.

The Bierzo DO Wine region of Spain covers 22 municipalities, including the largest town of the area, Ponferrada, and an attractive mix of castles, vineyards, pine forests and delightful mountain scenery. The area consists of numerous small valleys in the mountainous part called Alto Bierzo and a wide, flat plain called Bajo Bierzo. The focal point for wine is the market town of Cacabelos, a popular place for pilgrims to rest along the Camino de Santiago.

Bierzo wines
Bierzo DO wines must be elaborated exclusively with the following varieties: Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, Godello, Doña Blanca and Palomino.

If you love Wine you can’t miss the Wine Regions of Spain!

Join us on a Private Wine Tour of Spain and enjoy expert  guided visits to some fantastic Spanish Wine Regions and wineries and taste some great Spanish wines.

 

Some Top Bierzo DO winemakers include:

  • Descendientes de J. Palacios –  Villafranca del Bierzo Alvaro Palacios, credited with putting the Priorat Wine region of Spain on the map in the 1990s, along with his nephew Ricardo Pérez, pay respect to their subsequent father and grandfather with this fantastic Bierzo DO Winery. They have completely restored the old stone bodega although their first priorities are the vineyards. Las Lamas, La Faraona and Moncerbal are not only the names of 3 great Bierzo DO Wines but also the vineyards that give the Wine it’s independent and particular character.
  • Dominio Tares – San Román de Bembibre A collective venture uniting various young oenologists with a healthy obsession for old mencia and godello vines to produce the interesting wines of Godello F.B, Baltos, Cepas Viejas, Bembibre and Tares P-3.
  • Prada a Tope – Canedo In the 18th century, the nobility of Canedo had their own vineyards and a cellar storing over 32,000 liters of good wine. Prada A Tope continues with this tradition and recovered the abandoned land and hillsides. Their respect for the land combined with ecological and traditional methods produce authentic wines.
  • Pittacum – Arganza del Bierzo The Terras Gauda Group  acquired Bodegas Pittacum  in 2002 with a clear idea of making quality wines with a mencia marked personality. Quality red wines are produced from the grapes of an ancient vineyard where they are later aged in oak barrels.
  • Paixar – Cacabelos A joint venture between Alejandro Luna, owner of the Luna Beberide winery and Eduardo and Alberto Garcia, sons of Mariano Garcia, one of Spain’s top winemakers – ex winemaker of Vega Sicilia in the Ribera del Duero Wine Region of Spain and founder of the Mauro winery. These young wine-makers focus on the production of a unique expression of Mencia, using Luna Beberide for vinification and a conditioned subterranean bodega in a Palace-house in Villafranca del Bierzo for ageing.
  • Castro Ventoso – Valtuille de Abajo Founded in 1752 by the Perz Family and family-owned ever since. They produce five different Mencía wines; Valtuille, El Castro de Valtuille, El Castro de Valtuille “Joven Mencia”, El Castro de Valtuille “Mencia Selección” and Castro Ventosa Vintage. Their trademark Valtuille wine is made from five plots with pre-phyloxeric vineyards that are located on the only sandy soil found in Bierzo.
  • Bodega del Abad – Carracedelo Inaugurated in June 2003, Bodega del Abad offers modern facilities and technological innovations for the elaboration of its wines, which allow a thorough quality control of the whole process from start to end. Their 100% grape variety wines are represented by the Vinos Abad Dom Bueno range and the Gotín del Risc range, both using 100% Mencia or Godello and the singular Carracedo  – 100% Mencia.

 

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DO Wines Spain – Ribera del Duero Spanish Wine D.O. Region

Our Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards series is covering some of the great Wine Regions of Spain. First off is the Ribera del Duero Spanish Wine D.O. Region which is located in the autonomous community of Castile and León. The principle Red Grape Variety of the Ribera del Duero DO Wine Region of Spain is Tempranillo which produces some fine Spanish Wine.

Quality Spanish wines are classified, using a system called the “Denominación de Origen” or “D.O.”, which in English translates as “designated origin”, to determine where they were produced. Spanish wine laws first created the “D.O.” system in 1932 and each “denominación” D.O. has its corresponding regional regulatory council or “Consejo Regulador”. The Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen (D.O.) was founded in 1982.

Ribera del Duero Spanish Wine DO region has seen significant replanting since the late 80s and nowadays a modern and very professional approach has been taken to vineyard management and harvesting, which was vital to achieve quality in view of the challenges caused by spring frost, hail and autumn rains.  Substantial investment in upgrading or the apparition of completely new bodegas has also taken place at a fast pace since the Spanish DO of Ribera del Duero was established.

The Ribera del Duero Wine Region of Spain is characterized by a largely flat, rocky terrain, centered on the town of Aranda de Duero. The vineyards of Ribera del Duero Spanish DO Wine Region are sited to the north and south of the River Duero which runs from east to west though its centre with the most famous vineyards surrounding Peñafiel (featuring a castle where there is a very interesting wine museum) and Roa de Duero to the west.

Ribera del Duero Spanish Wine DO Region was the first to open up the red wine making potential of the DueroValley.  It has significantly grown to rival Rioja in terms of prestige and reputation and provides a welcome diversity at the top end of the quality Spanish wine spectrum.

tempranillo grapes

The success of Ribera del Duero Spanish wines is due to the Tempranillo grape, which is used almost exclusively by producers to make reds with various ageing credentials and rosés.   The main focus in the region is however, oak aged wines of a very high caliber which are capable of many years of ageing.

A significant factor where quality is concerned is the high altitude of the vineyards – most of them are located at 750-800 metres above sea level. There is therefore, a wide variation in temperature especially during the summer, when it is not unusual to reach 35˚C during the day and as low as 12˚C at night during August which encourages the vines to rest and favors grapes with lively acidity and concentration.

Special mention should also be made to the fact that the Ribera del Duero Wine Region of Spain was awarded Best Wine Region of the World, in 2012, by ‘Wine Enthusiast Magazine’.

If you love Wine you can’t miss the Wine Regions of Spain!

Join us on a Private Wine Tour like our Essentially Wine – Spain and France to explore the Ribera del Duero Wine Region of Spain as well as the La Rioja, Priorat and Penedes Wine Regions of Spain and Bordeaux Wine Region of France to enjoy expert  guided visits to some fantastic wineries and taste some great wines.

Just some of the wineries you might visit in the Ribera del Duero Wine Region of Spain are:
  • Abadia Retuerta 
  • Bodegas Ismael Arroyo 
  • La Pesquera
  • Emilio Moro
  • Protos

 

More of our Gourmand Breaks DO the Wine Regions of Spain:

Top 100 Wines of the World includes 8 Spanish Wines

North American Wine specialist magazine “Wine Spectator “ has included 8 Spanish Wines in their annual Top 100 Wines of the World List for 2014.

Wine Regions of Spain included in the Top 100 list include La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Bierzo, Castilla La Mancha and a fortified wine from Andalusia:

  • Viña Ardanza Reserva 2005 (34th place)
  • Abadía Retuerta Viño de la Tierra de Castilla y León Sardon de Duero Selección Especial 2010 (50th place)
  • Viña Cumbrero Crianza 2010 (62nd place)
  • Cune Monopole Blanco 2014 (64th place)
  • Godelia Mencía 2010 (68th place)
  • Cabernet Sauvignon Dominio de Valdepusa 2010 (79th place)
  • Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2005 (84th place)
  • Antonio Barbadillo Manzanilla Sanlúcar (95th place)

 

Since 1988, each year, Wine Spectator magazine editors study the wines that have been reviewed over the previous 12 months and select their Top 100 Wines of the World list. This year, 8 Spanish Wines are included in the list. All the wines are classified on a scale from 85 to 100 points (pts) based on quality, value, availability and excitement. This annual list acknowledges successful wineries, wine regions and vintages from all around the world.

If you love Wine you can’t miss the Wine Regions of Spain! Join us on a Private Wine Tour of Spain like our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain and Portugal to explore the Ribera del Duero, La Rioja, Priorat and Penedes Wine Regions of Spain and enjoy expert  guided visits to some fantastic wineries and taste some great Spanish Wine.

TOP 100 WINES FULL LIST :

Here’s the complete Top 100 Wines of the World list, 2014, according to Wine Spectator Magazine, with their corresponding punctuation (Pts). The 8 Spanish Wines selected feature in bold text:

# Wine Vtge Pts
1 Dow’s Vintage Port 2011 99
2 Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2012 95
3 Prats & Symington Douro Chryseia 2011 97
4 Quinta do Vale Meão Douro 2011 97
5 Leeuwin Chardonnay Margaret River Art Series 2011 96
6 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico San Lorenzo Gran Selezione 2010 95
7 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 97
8 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2012 94
9 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchor 2010 95
10 Château Léoville Las Cases St.-Julien 2011 95
11 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2011 95
12 Château Guiraud Sauternes 2011 97
13 Fonseca Vintage Port 2011 98
14 Fontodi Colli della Toscana Centrale Flaccianello 2011 95
15 Bedrock The Bedrock Heritage Sonoma Valley 2012 95
16 Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Bella’s Garden 2012 95
17 Soter Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District Mineral Springs Ranch 2012 95
18 Château Doisy-Védrines Barsac 2011 95
19 Luca Malbec Uco Valley 2012 93
20 Peter Michael Chardonnay Knights Valley Ma Belle-Fille 2012 95
21 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2010 93
22 Podere Sapaio Bolgheri Volpolo 2011 93
23 St.-Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 96
24 Massolino Barolo 2009 95
25 Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Malbec Uco Valley Alfa Crux 2010 94
26 Emeritus Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Hallberg Ranch 2011 93
27 Quinta do Portal Douro Colheita 2011 92
28 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 94
29 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2012 93
30 DuMOL Syrah Russian River Valley 2012 94
31 Tommasi Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2011 92
32 Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 55% Slope 2009 93
33 Orin Swift Machete California 2012 93
34 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva 2005 92
35 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2011 92
36 Marcassin Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Marcassin Vineyard 2009 97
37 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 2010 94
38 Aubert Chardonnay Russian River Valley Eastside 2012 95
39 Oddero Barolo 2010 93
40 Loosen Bros. Riesling QbA Mosel Dr. L 2012 91
41 Rombauer Chardonnay Carneros 2012 92
42 Lapostolle Clos Apalta Limited Release Colchagua Valley 2010 94
43 Charles Smith Riesling Columbia Valley Kung Fu Girl Evergreen 2013 91
44 Viña Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère Colchagua Valley 2011 91
45 Tikal Patriota Mendoza 2012 91
46 Turley Zinfandel California Juvenile 2012 91
47 Luce della Vite Toscana Luce 2011 95
48 Fincas Patagonicas Malbec Mendoza Zolo Reserve 2012 91
49 Trimbach Riesling Alsace 2012 91
50 Abadia Retuerta Viño de la Tierra de Castilla y León Sardon de Duero Selección Especial   2010 92
51 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate 2010 97
52 Herman Story Grenache California On the Road 2011 93
53 Ponzi Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Tavola 2012 91
54 Mumm Napa Brut Napa Valley Prestige NV 91
55 Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley El Caballero 2011 90
56 João Portugal Ramos Alentejo Ramos Reserva 2012 90
57 Viña Bisquertt Syrah Colchagua Valley La Joya Gran Reserva 2012 90
58 TwentyFour Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2010 93
59 Peter Lehmann Clancy’s Barossa 2011 90
60 St.-Urbans-Hof Riesling QbA Mosel Old Vines 2012 90
61 De Martino Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Legado Reserva 2011 92
62 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Viña Cumbrero Crianza   2010 90
63 Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc Constantia Bayten 2013 90
64 Cune Rioja White Monopole   2013 90
65 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2011 96
66 Fowles Shiraz Victoria Are You Game? 2012 91
67 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Single Vineyard 2013 90
68 Godelia Mencía Bierzo   2010 92
69 Feudo di Santa Croce Primitivo di Manduria LXXIV 2010 91
70 D. Kourtakis Assyrtiko Santorini Greek Wine Cellars 2012 90
71 Roar Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Rosella’s Vineyard 2012 93
72 Château Lilian Ladouys St.-Estèphe 2011 90
73 Gérard Bertrand Syrah-Grenache Languedoc 2011 90
74 di Majo Norante Molise Ramitello 2011 90
75 Disznókó´ Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2006 94
76 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne 2012 90
77 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2010 97
78 Acrobat Pinot Noir Oregon 2012 90
79 Marqués de Griñon Cabernet Sauvignon Dominio de Valdepusa   2010 93
80 Nino Negri Valtellina Superiore Quadrio 2010 90
81 Domaine de Triennes Vin de Pays du Var St.-Auguste 2010 90
82 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound Stellenbosch 2011 91
83 Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford 2013 90
84 Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial   2005 94
85 Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Marina Cveti S. Martino Rosso 2010 91
86 Pali Wine Co. Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County Huntington 2012 90
87 Firriato Sicilia Santagostino Baglio Soria Red 2011 91
88 Christian Moreau Père & Fils Chablis 2012 91
89 Carol Shelton Zinfandel Mendocino County Wild Thing Old Vine 2011 90
90 Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Trocken Wachau Terrassen 2012 90
91 Domaine La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pure 2012 95
92 Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Incanto 2010 90
93 Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee 2012 90
94 Château Lamartine Cahors 2011 90
95 Antonio Barbadillo Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda Solear   NV 90
96 Domaine Gerovassiliou Epanomi White 2013 90
97 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna 2012 90
98 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier Victoria 2012 90
99 Loimer Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Kamptal 2012 91
100 Saint Clair Pinot Noir Marlborough Pioneer Block 16 Awatere 2012 92
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Wine Regions of Spain … Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards

Spain’s wine history dates back to pre-Roman times, but it is only over the past few decades that the quality of Spanish Wine has significantly improved throughout the whole country and led to Spanish Wine being exported, sought after and enjoyed all over the World.  Wine is BIG in Spain and vines are cultivated all over the country!

Wine Regions of Spain

Thanks to http://www.beaconwinecompany.com/ for the great map

Spain is a vast country with differing climates and soils and all of the autonomous communities of Spain produce wine with their own grape varieties, Regulatory Councils and specific types. Due to the expanse of the land – Spain has around 3 million acres of vines planted – climates and types of grapes, there are numerous Wine Regions in Spain resulting in a fantastic variety of Spanish Wine. The best-known Spanish wines, however, are Cava, Rioja, and Sherry which are three very different wines made in three very different wine regions.

Quality Spanish wines are classified using a system based on the “Denominación de Origen” or “DO”, designated origin, which determines where each wine has been produced. Spanish wine laws created the “DO” system in 1932 and it was later revised in 1970. The “DO” system is similar to the Appellation d’origine contrôlée “AOC” system of France, the Denominação de Origem Controlada “DOC” of Portugal and the Denominazione di origine controllata “DOC” of Italy.

priorat wine day tour

In addition to the “DO” system in Spain there is also the Denominación de Origen Calificada “DOCa” or “DOQ” in Catalan, a status for DOs that have a consistent track record for quality. There are currently only two DOCa/DOQ regions in Spain: Rioja and Priorat.

In 2009, there were 79 Quality DO Wine regions across Spain, but undoubtedly, the most well-known Spanish DO Wine Region, especially for its red wine, is La Rioja – also a DOCa/DOQ Wine Region of Spain. There are, however, many other Spanish wine regions that produce high quality red wines, like Ribera del Duero or the other DOCa/DOQ wine region of Priorat.

Although the known type of Spanish wine is red wine, Spain also produces high quality white wines, especially in Galicia, Cava and Jerez (sherry) which is produced in the south, near Jerez in Andalusia.

Over the coming months we’ll be showcasing some of the DO Wine Regions of Spain in our “Gourmand Breaks DO the Vineyards – Wine Regions of Spain” series like:

 

If you love Wine you can’t miss Spain!

Join us on a Private Wine Tour of Spain like our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain and Portugal to explore the Ribera del Duero, La Rioja, Priorat and Penedes Wine Regions of Spain and enjoy expert  guided visits to some fantastic wineries and taste some great Spanish wines.

Michelin Guide 2015 – Complete List Michelin Starred Restaurants Spain 2015

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 was presented last month!  With little surprises for Spain with only 20 NEW Michelin Stars being awarded here’s the FULL Complete List of ALL Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015: 

No NEW Michelin 3 star restaurants keeping the total of 8 Michelin 3 star restaurants in the Michelin Guide Spain for 2015:

Akelarre. Pedro Subijana (Guipúzcoa)

Arzak. Juan Mari Arzak (Guipúzcoa)

Azurmendi. Eneko Atxa (Vizcaya)

DiverXO. David Muñoz (Madrid)

El Celler de Can Roca. Joan Roca (Girona)

Martín Berasategui (Guipúzcoa)

Quique Dacosta (Alicante)

Sant Pau. Carme Ruscalleda (Barcelona province)

 

1 NEW Michelin 2 star restaurant bringing the total to 18 Michelin 2 star restaurants in the Michelin Guide Spain for 2015:

Abac. Jordi Cruz (Barcelona)

Aponiente. Ángel León – El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz)  NEW

Atrio. Toño Pérez (Cáceres)

Calima. Dani García (Marbella)

Casa Marcial. Nacho Manzano (Asturias)

El Club Allard. María Marte (Madrid)

El Portal. Francis Paniego (La Rioja)

Enoteca. Paco Pérez (Barcelona)

La terraza del Casino. Paco Roncero (Madrid)

Lasarte. Martín Berasategui. (Barcelona)

Les Cols. Fina Puigdevall (Girona)

M.B. Martín Berasategui (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

Miramar. Paco Pérez (Girona)

Moments. Raül Balam (Barcelona)

Mugaritz. Andoni Luis Aduriz (Guipuzcoa)

Ramón Freixa (Madrid)

Santceloni. Óscar Velasco (Madrid)

Sergi Arola Gastro (Madrid)

 

 

19 NEW Michelin 1 star restaurants in Spain, bringing the total to 143 Michelin 1 star restaurants in the Michelin Guide Spain for 2015:

* Andalucía

  • Choco (Córdoba)
  • La Costa (El Ejido)
  • José Carlos García (Málaga)
  • El Lago (Marbella)
  • Skina (Marbella)
  • Alejandro (Roquetas de Mar)
  • Abantal (Sevilla)

 

* Aragón

  • Las Torres (Huesca)
  • Lillas Pastia (Huesca)
  • Tatau Bistro (Huesca)   NEW
  • Hospedería El Batán (Tramacastilla)
  • La Prensa (Zaragoza)

 

* Asturias

  • El Corral del Indianu (Arriondas)
  • Auga (Gijón)
  • La Salgar (Gijón)
  • El Retiro (Llanes / Pancar)  NEW
  • Casa Gerardo (Prendes)
  • Arbidel (Ribadesella)
  • Real Balneario (Salinas)

 

* Baleares (Islands)

  • Zaranda (Mallorca / Es Capdellà)
  • Andreu Genestra (Mallorca / Capdepera)  NEW
  • Es Molí d’En Bou (Mallorca / Sa Coma)
  • Es Racó d’Es Tix (Mallorca / Deià)
  • Simply Fosh (Mallorca / Palma)   NEW
  • Es Fum (Mallorca / Palmanova)
  • Jardín (Mallorca / Port d’Alcudia)
  • Can Dani (Formentera / Sant Ferrán de ses Roques)  NEW

 

* Canarias (Islands)

  • Kabuki (Tenerife / Guía de Isora)
  • Kazan (Tenerife / Santa Cruz de Tenerife)   NEW

 

* Cantabria

  • Solana (Ampuero / La Bien Aparecida)
  • El Nuevo Molino (Puente Arce)
  • Annua (San Vicente de la Barquera)
  • El Serbal (Santander)
  • Cenador de Amós (Villaverde de Pontones)

 

* Castilla-La Mancha

  • Maralba (Almansa)
  • El Bohío (Illescas)
  • La Casa del Carmen (Olías del Rey)
  • Las Rejas (Las Pedroñeras)
  • El Carmen de Montesión (Toledo)  NEW
  • Tierra (Torrico / Valdepalacios)

 

* Castilla y León

  • Cocinandos (León)
  • La Botica (Matapozuelos)
  • La Lobita (Navaleno)  NEW
  • Víctor Gutiérrez (Salamanca)
  • Refectorio (Sardón de Duero)  NEW

 

* Catalonia

  • Les Magnòlies (Arbúcies)
  • Ca l’Arpa (Banyoles)
  • Alkimia (Barcelona)
  • Angle (Barcelona)
  • Caelis (Barcelona)
  • Cinc Sentits (Barcelona)
  • Comerç 24 (Barcelona)
  • Dos Cielos (Barcelona)
  • Dos Palillos (Barcelona)
  • Gaig (Barcelona)
  • Hisop (Barcelona)
  • Hofmann (Barcelona)
  • Koy Shunka (Barcelona)
  • Manairó (Barcelona)
  • Nectari (Barcelona)
  • Neichel (Barcelona)
  • Pakta (Barcelona)   NEW
  • Roca Moo (Barcelona)
  • Saüc (Barcelona)
  • Tickets (Barcelona)
  • Vía Veneto (Barcelona)
  • Lluerna (Santa Coloma de Gramenet)
  • Can Jubany (Calldetenes)
  • Can Bosch (Cambrils)
  • Rincón de Diego (Cambrils)
  • Estany Clar (Cercs),
  • Bo.Tic (Corçà)
  • Malena (Gimenells)
  • Massana (Girona)
  • La Fonda Xesc (Gombrèn)
  • Casamar (Llafranc)
  • Els Tinars (Llagostera)
  • Sala (Olot)
  • Els Brancs (Roses / Playa de Canyelles Petites)
  • Els Casals (Sagàs)
  • L’Ó (Sant Fruitós de Bages)
  • Fogony (Sort)
  • Capritx (Terrassa)
  • La Cuina de Can Simon (Tossa de Mar)
  • Les Moles (Ulldecona)
  • Ca l’Enric (La Vall de Bianya)
  • Villa Retiro (Xerta)

 

* Galicia

  • Yayo Daporta (Cambados)
  • A Estación (Cambre)
  • Alborada (A Coruña)
  • Árbore da Veira (A Coruña)
  • Culler de Pau (O Grove / Reboredo)
  • As Garzas (Malpica de Bergantiños / Porto Barizo)
  • Nova (Ourense)   NEW
  • Solla (Pontevedra / San Salvador de Poio)
  • Pepe Vieira (Raxo)
  • Retiro da Costiña (Santa Comba)
  • Silabario (Tui)
  • Maruja Limón (Vigo)

 

* Madrid (Community)

  • Casa José (Aranjuez)
  • Coque (Humanes de Madrid)
  • DSTAgE (Madrid)  NEW
  • Kabuki (Madrid)
  • Kabuki Wellington (Madrid)
  • La Cabra (Madrid)  NEW
  • Punto MX (Madrid)  NEW
  • Álbora (Madrid)  NEW
  • Montia (San Lorenzo de El Escorial)  NEW
  • Chirón (Valdemoro)

 

* Murcia (Region)

  • La Cabaña de la Finca Buenavista (Murcia / El Palmar)

 

* Navarra

  • Europa (Iruña)
  • Rodero (Iruña)
  • El Molino de Urdániz (Urdaitz)

 

* Basque Country

  • Boroa (Amorebieta / Boroa)
  • Etxebarri (Axpe)
  • Aizian (Bilbao)  NEW
  • Etxanobe (Bilbao)
  • Mina (Bilbao)
  • Nerua (Bilbao)
  • Zortziko (Bilbao)
  • Kokotxa (Donostia)
  • Mirador de Ulía (Donostia)
  • Miramón Arbelaitz (Donostia)
  • Marqués de Riscal (Elciego)
  • Andra Mari (Galdakao)
  • Elkano (Getaria)   NEW
  • Alameda (Hondarribia)
  • Zuberoa (Oiartzun)
  • Zaldiarán (Vitoria)

 

* La Rioja

  • Venta Moncalvillo (Daroca de Rioja)

 

* Valencia (Community)

  • Monastrell (Alicante)
  • L’Escaleta (Cocentaina)
  • Casa Manolo (Daimús)   NEW
  • Casa Alfonso (Dehesa de Campoamor)
  • La Finca (Elche)
  • Casa Pepa (Ondara)
  • El Poblet (Valencia)
  • La Sucursal (Valencia)
  • Ricard Camarena (Valencia)
  • Riff (Valencia)
  • Vertical (Valencia)
  • Cal Paradís (Vall d’Alba)
  • BonAmb (Xàbia)

 

But it’s not all about giving. 3 restaurants lost their stars according to the inspector’s valuations and 6 lost them because they are either closed temporarily or permanently:

L’Aliança d’Anglès (Anglès / Girona)
Zalacain (Madrid)
Bal d’Onsera (Zaragoza)
41º de Barcelona (Closed temporarily)

Ars Natura de Cuenca (Closed temporarily)
Delacalle de Aranjuez (Closed)
La Llar de Castelló d’Empúries (Closed)
Mas Pau de Figueres (Closed)
Julio de Fontanars dels Aforins (Closed)

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain with 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

 

RESULTS ARE IN!!!! MICHELIN Guide Spain and Portugal 2015

We are delighted to announce the NEW MICHELIN Guide Spain and Portugal 2015 results!

There was a great celebration tonight in Marbella, at the Hotel Los Monteros, following the announcement of the results for the New Spain and Portugal Michelin Guide 2015.  With the NEW, hot off the grill, results for the Michelin Guide for Spain 2015, the country is certainly sparkling for yet another a year !!!!!

This year a mighty TWENTY new Michelin Stars were awarded to Spain!

  * * *  NO  NEW Michelin 3 Star Restaurant in Spain 2015 * * *

Strange, but true! No new Michelin 3 star restaurants will appear in the Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal for 2015. However, all eight of last years Michelin 3 Star Restaurants in Spain retained their magnificent status to head the list of the “crème de la crème” for yet another year!

The 8 Wonders of Spain – Michelin 3* restaurants 2015 (in alphabetical order)

Akelarre Michelin 3*Restaurant. Pedro Subijana (Guipúzcoa)

Arzak Michelin 3*Restaurant. Juan Mari Arzak (Guipúzcoa)

Azurmendi Michelin 3*Restaurant . Eneko Atxa (Vizcaya)

DiverXO Michelin 3*Restaurant . David Muñoz (Madrid)

El Celler de Can Roca Michelin 3*Restaurant . Joan Roca (Girona)

Martín Berasategui Michelin 3*Restaurant. (Guipúzcoa)

Quique Dacosta Michelin 3*Restaurant. (Alicante)

Sant Pau Michelin 3*Restaurant. Carme Ruscalleda (Barcelona province)

 * *  ONE NEW Michelin 2 Star Restaurant in Spain 2015 * *

ONLY one new Michelin 2 star restaurant in Spain announced by the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2015:

Aponiente –  Angel León in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cádiz

 *  19 NEW Michelin 1 Star Restaurants in Spain 2015 *  

Mugaritz !!!  A regular deception in the Michelin Guide for Spain over recent years! Every year we all hope that the great 2 Michelin starred Basque restaurant, Mugaritz, will be promoted (after all it has been a World Top 10 restaurant since 2006 and is currently rated 6th Best Restaurant in the World by Restaurant Magazine).  No exception this year! Mugaritz restaurant did not receive a well deserved 3rd Michelin star.

Barcelona city, yet again,  fails to receive that 3rd Michelin star, to be able to boast about a TriStar restaurant.  However, the city does maintain its fabulous four Michelin 2 star restaurants: ABaC (Jordi Cruz), Enoteca (Paco Pérez), Lasarte (Martín Berasategui) and Moments (Raül Balam), and numerous Michelin 1 star restaurants.

 

Congratulations to our wonderful Spanish Michelin Star Chefs!

 

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain with 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.

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Michelin Stars Spain 2015 – EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA Restaurant by Joan Roca

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015 is just days away! We’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain for 2015 on Wednesday, but in the meantime we’re showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain, if not the World! Our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain 2015 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks is an insight into the world of some of the current Michelin 3 star and Michelin 2 star chefs in Spain!

Previously, we showcased Michelin 3 star chefs Juan Mari Arzak, Martín Berasategui, Carme Ruscalleda, Quique Dacosta and David Muñoz plus Michelin 2 star chefs Paco Pérez, Andoni Luis Aduritz and Jordi Cruz.  In no particular order, today a Michelin 3 Starred chef with one of the Best Restaurants in the World and 2 expert side-kicks:

Joan Roca– Proudly heads the cuisine at Michelin 3 star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, which is also placed 2nd in the Top 50 restaurants of the World list for 2014 by Restaurant magazine.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours :)

Joan Roca

Joan Roca was born in 1964 in Girona. His earliest memories of cooking are with his mother in the kitchen of their family owned restaurant  “Can Roca”, which opened in 1967 serving traditional Catalan cuisine. It is no surprise, therefore, that Joan Roca along with his brothers,  Josep and Jordi, ended up in the restaurant business.

Joan Roca studied at culinary school in Girona and worked at Georges Blanc in Vonnas as well as with Ferran Adrià at El Bulli.

In 1986 Joan Roca, along with his brothers, opened El Celler de Can Roca, next door to their parents’ restaurant Can Roca. The restaurant, however, was small, it was a tight, ill-suited space, with a small kitchen and a modest decor. In 2007 El Celler de Can Roca moved, basically down the road, to its current purpose built building with a kitchen large enough for 30 chefs and a dining room featuring wooden floors and simply dressed tables. The word “Roca” in the Catalan (and Spanish) language means “Rock” so on each table sits three stones which represent the three Roca brothers.

El Celler de Can Roca serves traditional Catalan cuisine, but with creative twists and unusual presentations via avant-garde and molecular gastronomy techniques. The wine cellar at El Celler de Can Roca restaurant  is extensive to say the least and houses around 60,000 bottles.

El Celler de Can Roca entered the Michelin starred restaurant  world in Spain with its first Michelin star in 1995. In 2002 El Celler de Can Roca received it’s second Michelin star and in 2009 the 3rd star arrived making El Celler de Can Roca the Michelin 3 star restaurant that it is today.

In 2006 El Celler de Can Roca entered the acclaimed Worlds Best 50 restaurants list, compiled by Restaurant Magazine, in 21st place, rising to 11th place in 2007 and then falling to 26th place in 2008.  In 2009 El Celler de Can Roca rose to 5th place and since then has always appeared in the Top 10 with it reaching the Number 1 spot, THE Best Restaurant in the World, in 2013. El Celler de Can Roca is currently, for 2014, placed in 2nd place behind Noma by René Redzepi, in Copenhagen.

Joan Roca dish

But, as mentioned, Joan Roca is not a solo artist here at Michelin 3 star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. While Joan oversees the cuisine, his 2 younger brothers complete the restaurant with Josep selecting the wines and Jordi handling the pastry.

The 3 musketeers, or Rocateers if you will, react and interact with each other, combining their fortes, to present one the World’s Best Restaurants and Michelin 3 Starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca:

Josep Roca – the middle brother and sommelier

Wine pairings are important and are evident in many of the signature dishes of El Celler de Can Roca, which are the result of a close collaboration between Josep and Joan – Josep breaks down the notes of a wine and Joan creates a dish to complement it.

Jordi Roca – the youngest brother and dessert chef

Desserts at El Celler de Can Roca also take on a modern twist.  Jordi Roca also studied at the Girona School of Hotel Industry and when finished he joined The Celler team. Here in the pastry and desserts section, he got to know Damian Allsop and discovered the secret of the craft of pastry. In 2000 when Allsop left El Celler de Can Roca, Jordi Roca became the manager of the restaurant desserts.  Jordi Roca is also the driving force behind Rocambolesc, an alternative but affordable vintage style ice cream shop in the center of Girona.

Also by the Roca Brothers:

Mas Marroch – located on the outskirts of Girona it is the El Celler de Can Roca branch for banquets and celebrations. It is a 15th century masia surrounded by nature in the middle of fruit trees offering El Celler de Can Roca classic contempory cuisine for banquets and celebrations.

Roca Moo – Barcelona

Michelin 1 star restaurant in the Hotel Omm, Barcelona. Modern Catalan cuisine with a special twist, overseen by El Celler de Can Roca.

Roca Bar – Barcelona

Casual yet creative cuisine served in the lobby bar of the Hotel Omm, Barcelona. The Roca brothers take on street-food that also inludes an oyster bar and hand sliced Joselito ham.

El Somni  a cross-media creation taking several forms: an ultimate dining experience, the making of a film, the conception of two exhibitions and the publishing of a book.  All outlining the process of creation and adventure and a union between the arts and the kitchen at the service of thought.

El Celler de Can Roca On Tour – In August of 2014 El Celler de Can Roca  hit the road, literally, staff and all, with “Roca & Roll,” the Rocas’ response to numerous requests to open restaurants worldwide, bringing El Celler on a culinary tour to cities across the globe. This year, with the collaboration of the financial group BBVA, they took their skills to the United States, to Houston and Dallas, before going south to the Mexican cities of Monterrey and Mexico City, followed by Bogotá, Colombia and ended in Lima, Peru.

Celler de Can Roca

With Spanish Chefs taking the World by storm, now is the time to visit Spain, home to 10% of the World’s Best Restaurants and numerous Michelin starred Restaurants!  On one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours you can indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain.  Contact us for your personalized quote.