Paula Haddock - HERLIFE Magazine

herlife | winespanish foodand WINEby sherry l. granaderWine drinkers in America are becoming more interested inwines from Spain than ever before. Once known for offeringinexpensive, good-quality wines, Spanish vintnersare now demanding much higher prices for the qualityfermentedbeverage. Bars and restaurants throughoutthe U.S. are now offering a variety of Spanish wines by the glass, introducinga multitude of delectable wines to their patrons.Some of the best restaurants in the country stock high-quality Spanishwines, making it more tempting for food lovers and American chefs to travelto Spain for not only the wine but also the diverse Spanish cuisine. In theprocess, they have discovered the wide range of Spanish wines that aredelicious, flavorful and affordable.Traditional Spanish cuisine has received a modern twist, with newtechniques and updated dishes offering a broad spectrum of flavors that gowell with Spanish wines. However, this delicious cuisine also pairs well withwines from other countries, including California, France, Italy and Australia.When the opportunity presents itself, taste different Spanish wines pairedwith Spanish food, and you will be pleasantly surprised. There is a wholenew world to experience for wine lovers, chefs and restaurateurs alike whenit comes to Spanish wines that are now readily available in many marketsthroughout this country.Spain is home to hundreds of wine-grape varietals, leading you torecognize that not all grapes are created equal. Three grape varietalsin particular produce some of the most amazing wine. In the famousRioja region of north-central Spain you will find the Tempranillo redgrape, a vibrant, aromatic varietal that offers spicy, red fruit aromas20 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM