Spanish Wines : Spain's Great Match
Spain’s Great Match arrived in New York to face an eager group of trade and consumers.
Guests found an assortment of walk around food and wine tastings, like cooking demos, sommelier food and wine pairing challenges, and lots more.
The wine trade (buyers for restaurants, retail stores, journalists) got an early look. This included access to several fabulous Master Sommelier oriented educational classes.
Spanish Wines: Sherry Tasting
Last year, one of my favorite Masterclasses was the Sherry seminar led by Cesar Saldana, the president of Consejo Regulador de las Denominaciones de Origen Jerez-Sexes-Sherry.
It was a pleasure to taste these classic examples of different sherry styles in one sitting. Mr. Saldana revealed the terroir of Jerez (capital of the Sherry region), the wine production, and maturation.
During the session, Mr. Saldana explained Sherry production in a simple, clear way everyone could understand. While they use only a few grape varieties in sherry production, what differentiates the different styles are factors revolving around oxidation and length of maturation.
I knew at that moment I wanted to learn even more. I took steps to become an official Sherry Educator, and just now returned from the Sherry Academy in Jerez.
You can see some of my experiences this past September 2022 here.
Spanish Wines: Pairing with Cheese
Another great seminar paired four diverse Spanish wines with cheese from the region.
Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein introduced Ferran Centelles, who writes for Jancis Robinson’s website. He had been the key sommelier at El Bulli. He had also worked as celebrity chef Ferran Andria’s “wine man.”
The refreshing seminar explained the variety of delicious cheese from the different region, and the wines they pair best with.
Along with the expected white wine (Albarino), a somewhat expected red wine (Monastrell),I was surprised to see a premieum sparkling Cava and a sweet Osborne VORS Amontillado.
Final Thoughts
Later in the evening, guests could also choose from an assortment of sommelier-led mini-wine tasting classes during the day.
The space, the Mercado Restaurant at Hudson Yards, was large and airy. Its colorful design energized the senses.
Overall, the event served as a great love letter to Spanish wine and its delicious cuisine.
Also good to know that 100% of ticket proceeds go to World Central Kitchen, José Andrés’ charity that uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies https://wck.org/mission.
