Falling for Flamenco
This week marks the start of the Fall For Flamenco Festival, with international performances, workshops and local artist shows filling up its marquee (check thecoast.ca for a full list of events). In honour of the dance fest, we’d like to raise a glass of Spanish wine—or two. Check out these spots for choice bottles and glasses.
Bishop’s Cellar
The independent shop in Bishop’s Landing just received a Spanish wine shipment last month and retail sales associate Matt McIntyre went ahead and suggested three wines to try. First up: Lorca Monestrell ($13), a red that MacIntyre recommends pairing with lamb or veal, adding that this label’s a bit smoother than the average. Second: Laxas Albariño (pronounced “luscious”) at $25.25 a bottle, which he notes is a white with dry, light, citrusy notes. Lastly: Casajüs Tempranillo, a more expensive wine at $40 a bottle but MacIntyre says it’s worth more than its price. He suggests letting it breathe (open bottle, or in a decanter) for about 40 minutes before tasting its chocolatey, buttery finish.
Bishop’s Landing, 1475 Lower Water Street, 490-2675
Season’s Bistro & Wine Bar
The wine bar in Atlantica Hotel has one Spanish wine on its menu: Posada Del Rey. It’s one of the wines the bar sells by the glass ($8) and bottle ($32). Bartender Ashley March suggests sipping this red with Season’s mushroom croustini, since it pairs nicely with the goat cheese in the dish.
Atlantica Hotel, 1980 Robie Street, 490-3331
Brooklyn Warehouse
Brooklyn Warehouse owner George Christakos takes off for Spain in two weeks and has been doing his research. He serves a Sabor Real Viñas Centenarias Tempranillo at Brooklyn and it’s the only Spanish wine he serves by the bottle. Christakos calls the Sabor Real a “delicious, approachable wine,” adding that “It’s Spain, wine’s on the table like water. It’s all part of the whole dining experience.
2795 Windsor Street, 446-8181
This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 6, 2010.