Winetourism is the password

Extremadura invites for a journey of exploration
Extremadura province is lying in south-west of Spain, north of Andalusia, east of Portugal, south of Castilla y León and west of Castilla-La Mancha. Extremadura is a kind of modern expedition for a traveller. It fulfils wanderer’s hopes by showing new and inspiring alternatives. There are sights for a people who are interested about culture, gastronomy, nature and sports.

Terroir ja indigenous vine species are keys to Extremadura wines. Special feature is cava produced in Almendralejo. Town is one of the seventh wineares where viniculture of cava is allowed (D.O. Cava). Unique grape varieties, diverse terroir, wines and growing winetourism gives something more to explore on a traditional wine business.

Extremadura offers tasty setting for a person who is after them. Food and wines are essential parts of travelling, sometimes starting point and advantage. Jamon Ibercio is Extremadura’s absolute visiting card and frame. One can find Jamon Iberico surely on dining table all day long. It is a question of skill and experience to cut Jamon Oberico de Bellota and have thin, almost see-through, square shapes slices.

 
Mallorca charms with its scenery
The island of Mallorca on Mediterranean Sea offers many memorable experiences to tourists. Idyllic trip by train to northwest part of the island reveals the unique beauty of Söller region. Rugged mountains, verdant orange groves in the valleys and enchanting small villages complements Mallorca’s picture as a diverse holiday island. Palma de Mallorca is Mallorca’s complex capitol, where historical past seamlessly unites with the beat of modern tourism. City urges travellers to turn off to the alleys of old town and peek in behind interesting doors.

Hereus de Ridas, the oldest winery in Mallorca is located in Consell on Mallorcas plateau, Es Pla. Araceli Servera Ribas tells that winery have produced wines over 300 years, ever since 1711.

Traditional kitchen in Mallorca could be characterized as rural, where Mediterranean raw materials, vegetables, fruits, fresh fish, meat, olive oil and herbs represents the core of cooking. Coca de Trampó that is served in Mallorca is different version from pizza, it’s faraway seed baked without cheese. Fresh vegetables, olive oli and thin bed ensures light tidbit that tastes even on warm air. Light white wines, fresh rose, even red wines verifies the consistence of food and wines.

Monastrell thrills in Murcia
Murcia is a province in south- east part of Spain offering to traveller versatile climate, food and wines. Murcia D.O. has three communes, namely Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla. Monastrell ia an indigenous grape in Murcia. It dates back over 2500 years when it arrived from Middle-East.

One of the highlights when visiting vineyard is to meet and talk with old winemakers like Ramón Castaño Santa. Ramón Castaño appreciates his roots and relationship with the vine cultivation and winemaking that dates back for many generations. Ramón doesn’t any longer take part of the works in a vineyard. He has left the business, but not wines. Ramón Castaño is very contented with life, his three sons and their families, land, vines and above all wines.

Gachasmigas is a “country side” breakfast, a kind of flour porridge, which is enjoyed with nice fresh tomatoes and green olives. At its best it is supposed to be enjoyed with a big piece of bread and a nice bottle of the area.

Teksti ja kuvat: Heikki Remes

www.viinimies.com