Wine and Dine on VinVillageRadio

Miguel A. Torres, President, Bodegas Torres, joins us to talk about the family's history in brandy and winegrape production since 1870 in the Penedes region of Spain, south of Barcelona. One of six Mission Statesments includes the following: "To maintain our tradition as a self-financing and independent family firm of international scope." The company has been enjoying a five percent growth per year since 1940 which includes: 4000 hectares of grapes in Spain divided between Catalunya, Conca de Barbera, Penedes, Priorat, Ribera del Duero and La Rioja; 400 hectares in Valle Central and Valle de Curico in Chile under Miguel Torres label; and 40 hectares in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast under Marimar Estate California. The company's philosophy to conserve vineyard natural environments and care for the well-being of staff and society as a whole is evident in every bottle of wine.
http://www.torres.es/eng

Miguel A. Torres is about to enjoy a bottle of Torres Vina Sol with sushi not far from his home in the Penedes. For fish, shellfish, chicken, vegetable combinations, and light cuisine, Vina Sol is a perfect light, dry, partner. Miguel Torres, S.A. online provides a plethora of food-related information, including recipes, food and wine matching, and even a new Wine Appreciation online course. The Torres family invites everyone to visit them at one of their properties in Spain, Chile, and at Marimar Torres Estate in Green Valley, California. Request a tour online.
http://www.torreswines.com

Gerald Hirigoyen, Chef, Author, joins us to talk about his new book release, Pintxos: Small Plates in the Basque Tradition, from Piperade restaurant, San Francisco. He is also the chef-owner of San Francisco's Bocadillos. Hirigoyen grew up in the French Basque region which provides the inspiration for tapas known as pintxos (pronounced PEEN-chos) and are typically finger foods eaten in one or two bites. I love his thoughtful approach in Pintxos by providing wine recommendations with each recipe.
http://www.piperade.com

Jeff Stai is one of the original founders of TAPAS is Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society, dedicated to promoting Tempranillo and other varietal wine grapes native to the Iberian Peninsula and wines produced from them in North America. This means grapes native to Spain and Portugal and includes the following: Tempranillo, Albarino, Garnacha, Graciano, Mourvedre (Monastrell), Touriga, Verdejo, Bastardo and more. You are invited to attend the most extensive annual tasting of domestically produced Spanish and Portuguese varietal wines in North America on Sunday, June 14, at the Fort Mason Conference Center, San Francisco. Become a member of TAPAS if you like but by all means, join them in SF on June 14th. Tickets can be purchased online.
http://www.tapasociety.org