Madrid, Spain
In Spain, food isn't just sustenance. It's a religion.
Gather some friends, find a sun-drenched corner table, and watch as plates materialize, laden with gifts from the kitchen gods. Jamón, croquetas, tortilla, each bite a little revelation. Wash it down with vermouth, a gin and tonic, wine, or a caña — that perfect little glass of beer that never gets warm. This, my friends, is Madrid.
Madrid is a culinary wonderland where your euros stretch like elastic and your belt... might need a new hole. From hole-in-the-wall joints slinging crispy croquetas to Michelin-starred temples pushing the boundaries of patatas bravas, this city's got it all.
Let me tell you about my lunch the other day. Twelve euros got me a feast: gazpacho to start, followed by fries and pork shank, capped off with a slice of melon that tasted like sugar candy. Oh, and a drink. Because a meal without a drink is like flamenco without the guitar — it still works, but you're missing half the soul.
Meals like this are an essential part of my job, believe it or not. It shows me what the locals are eating and drinking. It's part of how we see what wine is out there for our future Partnership collections. And this time, I had two pleasant surprises with wineries with which members of the Bonner Private Wine Partnership will be familiar.
Remember my recent missive about house wines? They're reliable, crowd-pleasing, and easy on the wallet. But here's the juicy bit: restaurateurs often pick house wines they personally love. It's like they're saying, "This wine? It's so good, I'd serve it at my own dinner party!" So when you see a house wine, you're getting a peek into the owner's personal taste. And let me tell you, in Spain, I personally see this happening all the time. It's no wonder the house wines here are often hidden gems!
Many times, this is my go-to, to get a feel for what’s going on locally. And this time, in two restaurants, I was offered wines from one of our absolute favorite Cava houses, Torelló, in the high-end Luzi Bombón restaurant, and Bodegas Hispano+Suizas at a place near my hotel. Great wines, both of them, and a good sign not only for me but for all of you who support our wine endeavors.
But that's not all – I've discovered some fantastic new wines that I'm excited to share with you in a future collection. Stay tuned for those!
If any of you are heading to Madrid any time soon, I've got some recommendations for you. Check out these restaurants: Los 33, Luzi Bombón, La Parra and Quintín. Each offers a unique taste of Madrid's culinary scene. And while you're there, don't miss the incredible Prado Museum — it's a feast for the eyes to complement your gastronomic adventures.
Salud, my friends. Here's to the joy of discovery, the pleasure of a well-spent afternoon with friends, and the wines that bring us together. May your glasses always be full and your plates always satisfying!
Until next time,
Diego
