Can convince you that you might have missed your calling.
That really, you should be the apprentice of a winemaker in Rioja, Spain. That you should spend your days strolling through vineyards, harvesting grapes and doing all those romantic-sounding things that vintners do.
I had lunch with the delightful Maria Martinez of Bodegas Montecillo Rioja recently and sampled seven vintages from her winery that date all the way back to 1975. (Quite a way to spend an afternoon.)
So if the winemaking life is calling to you too, head to Spain and try a bottle of Ms. Martinez’s first vintage: Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial (1975). Or if you just want to pick up a bottle to take to your next dinner party, opt for her Montecillo Reserva (2006) which is a modest $23.99 and available in BC.
[First photo found here.]
