Portland event Monday showcases Spanish wines
I usually limit the topic of my wine column to Oregon wines, but since this rare occasion to learn more about Spanish wines is happening in Portland, I’m giving myself some leeway.
Wine from Spain is hosting Great Match Portland, a dynamic evening full of wine tasting and seminars that highlight Spanish wines and winemaking in Spain.
Lovers of Spanish wine are familiar with the nation’s traditional Rioja, (cq uc) Sherry and Ribera del Duero. But these days, American palates also are familiar with Spain’s sparkling cava, and Spanish white wine has gained a foothold in the U.S. with Albariño. According to Wines from Spain, Albariño’s largest market is now the U.S.
During the past decade and a half, the number of designated Spanish wine regions (Denominaciones de Origen, or DOs) has grown by more than a third, to a total of 69, and Spain has created a new set of laws, doubling the wine quality categories and introducing top wines from regions never known for quality wine or, more often, never even heard of at all, according to the trade group. Understandably, this proliferation is creating remarkable confusion about what Spanish wine is, what it’s made from, and where these amazing wines are grown.
The goal of this event in Portland and one hosted this week in New York by Wine from Spain is to educate consumers and to familiarize the U.S. market with modern Spanish wines.
The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Left Bank Annex, 101 North Weidler St., and it also will feature tapas dishes from some of Portland’s top Spanish restaurants, including Andina, Crown Paella, Patanegra and Toro Bravo.
Tickets are $50, and a percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Oregon Culinary Institute for scholarships in oenology. To register or purchase tickets online, go to www.Greatmatch.org.
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About the Author (Author Profile)
Victor Panichkul is a journalist and writer by training; a cook, wine lover and photographer by passion; and a lover of the outdoors since moving to Oregon more than 10 years ago. He is a native of Bangkok, Thailand.
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