Say Ole To Spanish Wines and
Spazzo Mediterranean Grill
By Kathy Ward
Tasting Card
Eclectic and educational, the panorama of this program will be
a geo-political perspective of the fall and current rise of Spanish
wines. We will learn how this greatest of wine producing areas began
a decline about 100 years ago when wars, political upheaval and
economic chaos began its ravage on the country. The recovery of
this industry is even more enlightening.
A pivotal point in Spanish wine history coincides with Steve Metzler's
entry into the import business in the early 1980s. As guest speaker
for the program, he will show how the country is rapidly regaining
its once known quality and reputation. Production that had fallen
into a few hands and limited the range to stereotypical styles is
now returning to traditional viticultural practices and, as Steve
says, a "burst of artistic energy" in wine making. He and his associates
have not only observed the resurgence, but also have helped shape
this national industry during its historic rediscovery. On the tasting
card will be some of their pioneering discoveries in the import
of fine wines of Spain. From the land where wineries are called
bodegas, Steve has chosen a selection of regional estates for our
tasting tour. We will rendezvous with the familiar Chardonnay and
Cabernet and also make the acquaintance of native Verdejo, Viura
and Tempranillo grapes. The amicable Muscat of Alexandria grown
on Greco-Roman terraces in Alicante will greet us as a luscious
"Honey Harvest" dessert wine.
|
Classical Wines From Spain
Tasting Card
Can Feixes Blanc Selecciò 1997,
D.O. Penedès, J.M.Huguet, Cabrera d’Anoia
Loriñón Blanco Barrel-Fermented
1997, D.O.C. , Rioja, Bodegas Bretón, Logroño
Lorinón 1995, D.O.C. Rioja,
Bodegas Bretón, Logroño
Condado de Haza 1996, D.O.
Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Condado de Haza, Roa
Guelbenzu EVO 1995, D.O. Navarra,
Bodegas Guelbenzu, Cascante
Casta Diva "Cosecha Miel" 1996,
D.O. Alicante-Marina Alta, Bodegas Gutiérrez de la Vega, Parcent
Food Presentation by
Spazzo Mediterranean Grill
Peter Kelly
Spanikopita: Feta and Spinach
Wrapped in Filo
Mediterranean Spreads on Crackers
Tyrosalata (whipped feta)
Baba Ghanouj (eggplant)
Hummus (chick peas)
Tzatziki (cucumber, mint, yogurt)
Gambas: Skewered Prawns
Marinated in Sherry, Lemon,
Red Pepper Flakes, Wine and Butter
Variety of Miniature Desserts
|
Thrill to the Grill
Eastsideweek polls have named Spazzo Mediterranean Grill Best Bar
For After Work Get-Togethers; Best Mediterranean Restaurant and,
not surprisingly, their Peter Kelly was voted Best Chef. A Schwartz
Brothers restaurant, Spazzo is located in the Key Bank building
on NE 4th in downtown Bellevue.
Also topping the restaurant's list of kudos is Best Appetizers,
but these are not your ordinary hors d'oeuvre category. Spazzo does
tapas — filling finger foods prepared from ingredients distinctive
to the Mediterranean coast regions of France, Spain, Greece, Italy,
Morocco and Turkey.
Grouped together, tapas make a complete meal. In this spirit, Spazzo
has developed a special Tapas Fiesta menu featuring their signature
appetizers, a treat that runs through the end of November at the
restaurant. We will sample some of these delights selected to complement
wines chosen to represent several regions of Spain.
The Wines of Spain and Spazzo tasting is October 14 at St. Demetrios
Cultural Center in Seattle. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the program
begins promptly at 7:30. Reservations are not necessary. Entry fee
is $10 for members, $15 for guests. Plastic cups are provided for
wine tasting. If you prefer, bring your own glass — more than one
if you wish to do comparative tasting. Enological Society logo wineglasses
can be purchased at the meeting for $2 each.
Check out the October program featured wines on the Internet at
www.classicalwines.com.
|
