Because happy grapes must taste better than sad grapes! Uvas Felices, or ‘Happy Grapes,’ is a group from Spain whose goal is to source and produce wines from premier regions and represent the authenticity of their terroir.
The wines are produced in extremely small volume, and we were lucky to be given the opportunity to try them. You might recognize the bold blue bottle below. We previously featured the Venta las Vacas 2010 in WineCollective and Tannic. We loved this wine so much, after selling out of the 2010, we have supply of the 2011 in the online members-only Store. Don’t miss out!
Last week, Amparo Soler from VILA VINITECA visited Calgary and brought four great wines from Uvas Felices. The wines, which are imported by Bonvida Wines in Alberta, were showcased at Vero Bistro in Calgary. Mark Bata of Bonvida hosted the night, with Amparo presenting the wines.
This was Executive Chef Jenny Chan’s first time preparing authentic Spanish cuisine. According to the Spaniards at the table, she nailed it! Be prepared to start salivating…
The night started with a glass of prosecco, and several generous tapas: lamb meatball, marinated squid, and bruschetta. The formal appetizer plate was a duo of Jamon Iberico de Bellota (Bellota Iberian ham) and tortilla de patatas tradicional (traditional Spanish omlette) with fried artichoke and olives. This was served with the 2009 La Locomotora.
La Locomotora has a unique label (like all the other Uvas Felices wines). The locomotive is reflective of the transportation in the area during the 40’s to 60’s. The wildflowers represent the over 80 different species of flowers found in Rioja.
Rape con salsa romesco (monkfish with ramesco sauce) was paired with the Paisajes Valsalado. Guiso de lentejas con chorizo (lentil stew with chorizo) was served with Paisajes La Pasada. The Paisajes or “Landscape” line embraces the distinct terroir of the vineyards.
“All wines are a look at the landscape. Valsalado Landscapes brings together 4 different varieties, 57 to 60 years of age randomly planted in one hectare of clay and gravel, located in the Logroño. Landscapes La Pasada comes from a farm planted with vines of Tempranillo Briones-57 to 60-year-old on a floor of gravel and clay. Landscapes Cecias from a 2.4 farm planted with Grenache than 85 years.” –Villa Viniteca
Yes, after 6 dishes we were quite full! Not full enough to pass on the lomo de cerdo asado con pisto manchego (roasted pork loin with pisto). Served with our favourite, Venta Las Vacas.
The dinner finished with helado de biscuit con turron de almendras (biscuit ice cream with almond nougat). The Spanish feast was a special treat to have at Vero Bistro! Keep tabs on their event calender to be sure you don’t miss out on the next one!