June 25, 2012 · Team HG
Time ticks on softly, but so does the rain… are we getting a bit discouraged?! Or are we pretending to be crazy and forcing summer? Yes, we are; I am helping.
The weather seems more changeable than ever: torrential downpours; thunderstorms; tornadoes, and when the sun gets a chance, it is hot and muggy. Jacket off, sunglasses on, and voilà: a downpour. Umbrella and raincoat back on.
The guest enters soaked and disappointed; how do you make up for this, hospitality entrepreneur? The answer must lie in: warmth; refreshing and pleasantly dry. I say: Altos d'Olivia GRAN RESERVA 2004.
The Gran Reserva is almost always the best wine a Spanish wine producer can make. In this case, the grapes come from the Catalonia wine region, west and south of Barcelona. The vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Terprenillo 30%, and Garnacha) are located quite close to the famous Priorato wine region. Yields here are low, which benefits the quality of the wine. After fermentation, this Gran Reserva ages for 36 months in oak barrels and then for several more years in the bottle. The result is a beautifully aged, high-quality Spanish red wine. Let the wine feel and taste like a dry blanket that provides warmth from within.
Perfect as a comforting aperitif and perfect with light meat dishes. Time is gently ticking towards higher temperatures.
Author W. Snaak / www.josbeeres.nl / HG
