Campo Viejo Trail Launch

A couple days ago I had the pleasure of going to the Campo Viejo Trail launch party.  Why did I get to go? Facebook contests… YES! Campo Viejo is a Rioja, contest in the bag. But really, I answered the question and won entrance to the party.

The night was really fun. I met some interesting characters, had a never ending supply of 2007 Campo Viejo Reserva and ate a few small bites of food.  This wine is a favorite, it can be as low as 8 euro when you find it on sale and it’s so easy to drink. Enough fruit to drink alone and enough tannin for food.  The small bites I had were skewered pieces of pork with a tomato topping, a Russian potato salad and a sauteed shrimp in a garlic sauce.  The pork went best with the wine and the spicy tomato sauce topping.

If you’re wondering what the Campo Viejo Trail is:

Every Wednesday and Sunday for 20 Euro all food and wine included, the trail takes people to four of Dublin’s best tapas restaurants. It’s similar to Raleigh’s food walking tour which I always wanted to try, but never had a good day to do it. Bonus: they had pamphlets at the launch including the recipes for the tapas meals used on the trail or at least items similar. Now I can try them out myself.  I have really gotten into tapas and hope to have a dinner party soon all tapas style. so if you have any good ideas – let me know!!

http://www.campoviejotapastrail.ie/index.php?page=thetrail

(Photo taken from Campo Viejo images)

Tempra-WANT-llo, Tempra-LOVE-llo, Tempra-NEED-llo

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. For the next 40 days and 40 nights I will refrain from eating pork, chicken and beef. As bad of news as that is, the good news is that wine is completely vegetarian! So of course as you would suspect, I celebrated Ash Wednesday by visiting Lucky 32 in Cary for their Wine Wednesday deals.

From a pre-selected wine menu I chose the 2005 Condesa de Leganza, Crianza for just $3.50 a glass!  The Crianza is a Tempranillo from the La Mancha region in Spain.  “A Spanish red?” you ask as you scratch your head with a furrowed brow and unusual boggling of the eyes, “but didn’t you just say you gave up meat?”  Why, yes… I did just say that and I had fish for dinner, da..da..duuuunn… Before the gasp leaves your lungs, let me explain: This is America and I’m free to pair, as I like!!  Also, Lucky 32 has a wonderful way with food.  I split the cornmeal-crusted catfish with Creole mayonnaise, grilled seasoned asparagus, green beans and whipped sweet potatoes.  A white wine would have been nice, but I had never tried the Crianza and really felt like having red wine. (A good friend of mine is in Spain teasing me with her 5 Euro bottles of fantastic Tempranillo! Grrr.) Surprisingly, the spicyness of the Creole mayo played nicely with the spicy, full flavor of the Tempranillo grape.

The Crianza was heavy and fruity with the hint of spice you’d expect of a Spanish red.  Its soft tannins, created through a 12-month aging process in American oak barrels, were a nice contrast to the light flaky catfish.  My parents enjoyed a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir.  Though my clever brother had the audacity to try and trick me, Princess Bride Sicilian poison style, I have actually become familiar with both varietals.  Never go in against a Brianna when WINE is on the line! Hahahaha ha…. (I hope you get the reference, if not, click here)

I have had many a good wine and a good food at Lucky 32 and they are even expanding and changing their collection to be even better than it already is.  From the wine flights to the 3 oz pour, you have no excuse when it comes to tasting as many as you like. (Except if you’re the designated driver of course). From their award #WINNING food and chef, to their business casual style atmosphere, Lucky 32 in Cary or Greensboro is the place to be.

Website: www.lucky32.com

Facebook: Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen