Ah, Sierra Cantabria Seleccion - the wine that's as smooth as a jazz saxophonist on a lazy Sunday afternoon. With its charming blend of black cherry, leather, and a hint of "I've been hanging around a Spanish bakery," it's the kind of wine that whispers, "Relax, I've got this."

Sierra Cantabria Seleccion

Type: Spanish Red Wine

Varietal: Tempranillo

Region: Rioja

Perfect Pairing: Patatas a la Riojana (Potato Stew with Sausage)

Picture a gown of intense ruby red, a hue deep enough to lose yourself in. The first act of this sensory ballet begins with a burst of red fruits, think strawberries picked at the peak of summer, twirling gracefully with an ensemble of spices, vanilla, and a whisper of oak.

As we move to the palate, it's a refreshing pirouette of flavors. This Tempranillo is as soft as a velvet cushion, impeccably balanced, like a tightrope walker making it look easy. The fruit, having matured in the wings, takes center stage, now perfectly in sync with the understated oak, vanilla, and a hint of light toast - a finale that leaves you applauding for an encore.

This, dear readers, is the essence of Sierra Cantabria Seleccion, a wine that doesn't just accompany our Patatas a la Riojana, it waltzes with it.

Patatas a la Riojana (Potato Stew with Sausage)

For such an easygoing Rioja, you'll want a dish that complements its straightforward nature without overpowering its subtle notes. Enter Patatas a la Riojana, a humble yet heartwarming dish from the very region that gave us this delightful Tempranillo. It's like matching a silk scarf with a classic trench coat - effortless and elegant.

Patatas a la Riojana is a potato stew, but not just any potato stew. It's the kind of stew that tells a story of Spanish kitchens, wafting with the aroma of chorizo and a whisper of paprika. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients:

• You'll need about 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks

• A couple of chorizo sausages, sliced into half-moons (because everything's better in half-moons)

• A sweet onion, diced

• A few cloves of garlic, minced

• A pinch of smoked paprika (because it's not Spanish if there isn't paprika)

• Some chicken or vegetable broth.

Instructions:

The Sauté: Start by gently sautéing the onion in olive oil in a large pot until it's as soft as your favorite slippers. Toss in the garlic and chorizo, letting them mingle until the chorizo is slightly browned and the air smells like a Spanish fiesta.

The Simmer: Add the potatoes to the pot, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and stir to coat those potato chunks in all the flavors. Pour in the broth, enough to just cover the potatoes. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer. You're aiming for potatoes that are tender but still holding a grudge against falling apart.

The Finish: Once the potatoes are cooked, season with salt and pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, throw in a bay leaf or two during the simmering.

Serving: Ladle the stew into bowls, and if you're in the mood to impress, garnish with some chopped parsley. It's like adding a dash of confetti to a party.

This stew, with its hearty potatoes and smoky chorizo, pairs beautifully with the Sierra Cantabria Seleccion. The wine's soft tannins and fruit notes dance delightfully with the spicy and rich flavors of the stew, creating a harmony as perfect as a well-rehearsed choir.

So there you have it, a match made in culinary heaven. Patatas a la Riojana and a glass (or two) of Sierra Cantabria Seleccion. It's a pairing that says, "We understand each other." Enjoy!

Paired Spain

Spanish wine, like a rich tapestry woven through centuries of viticultural history, stands as an indispensable pillar in the global wine landscape. The importance of Spanish wine transcends its borders, echoing the cultural richness and diversity of the Iberian Peninsula. With a winemaking tradition dating back to the time of the Roman Empire, Spain has evolved into a powerhouse of oenological innovation, boasting an extensive array of grape varieties and wine styles. From the robust reds of Rioja to the effervescent cava of Catalonia and the crisp whites of Rías Baixas, each bottle encapsulates the unique terroir of its region.