12 comments

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  RichardA

  2 years ago

  Hi Gabriella:
  
  
  
  
  Another fine post as usual. I just have a bit of a historical quibble over one matter that you said. You stated: "By the 13th century, when the Moors were permanently expelled from Spain,..."
  
  
  
  Actually, the Reconquest of the Moors was not completed until the 15th century. Ferdinand and Isabella were instrumental in recapturing the last Moorish lands and strongholds in Granada. And it was not an easy task.
  
  
  
  I am actually in the process of reading: "Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors" by James Reston. This is an excellent history which discusses the late 15th century in Spain. It talks of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Reconquest of the Moors, Columbus, the Inquisition and much more. It is also the book where I found that the word "cava" means "whore" in Arabic. For anyone who wants a good description of this historical period, it is well worth checking out.
  
  reply
• 

  RichardA

  2 years ago

  Hi Gabriella:
  Another fine post as usual. I just have a bit of a historical quibble over one matter that you said. You stated: "By the 13th century, when the Moors were permanently expelled from Spain,..."
  
  Actually, the Reconquest of the Moors was not completed until the 15th century. Ferdinand and Isabella were instrumental in recapturing the last Moorish lands and strongholds in Granada. And it was not an easy task.
  
  I am actually in the process of reading: "Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors" by James Reston. This is an excellent history which discusses the late 15th century in Spain. It talks of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Reconquest of the Moors, Columbus, the Inquisition and much more. It is also the book where I found that the word "cava" means "whore" in Arabic. For anyone who wants a good description of this historical period, it is well worth checking out.
  reply
• 

  Gabriella Opaz

  2 years ago

  Thanks so much Richard! You are absolutely correct and that was a typo on my part. Good to have great editors like you out there~! Additionally, I have not read anything from James Reston, but I would be fascinated to hear your thoughts on it!
  reply
• 

  RichardA

  2 years ago

  I have about another 80 pages left in the book. One thing that has really strikes me about the book is all of the small and fascinating details that Reston weaves into the narrative. They intrigue rather than distract. He is an excellent storyteller and the tale never drags. Plus, I find the subject matter fascinating. The late 15th century in Spain was such a pivotal period of history not only for Spain but for the rest of the world as well. And we see how the different threads of that period are interconnected. I certainly am learning new things about that time. I highly recommend this book.
  reply
• 

  Gabriella Opaz

  2 years ago

  Thanks so much Richard! You are absolutely correct and that was a typo on my part. Good to have great editors like you out there~! Additionally, I have not read anything from James Reston, but I would be fascinated to hear your thoughts on it!
  reply
• 

  RichardA

  2 years ago

  I have about another 80 pages left in the book. One thing that has really strikes me about the book is all of the small and fascinating details that Reston weaves into the narrative. They intrigue rather than distract. He is an excellent storyteller and the tale never drags. Plus, I find the subject matter fascinating. The late 15th century in Spain was such a pivotal period of history not only for Spain but for the rest of the world as well. And we see how the different threads of that period are interconnected. I certainly am learning new things about that time. I highly recommend this book.
  reply
• 

  LR

  2 years ago

  Hi Gabriella,
  
  
  Quite interesting the whole article but I would like to clarify a few (2) things.
  
  
  
  
  
  Cariñena variety is the "Mazuela", it's the common farmer name given to the grape by the folks of Cariñena.
  
  
  
  Concerning the Bodegas Ignacio Marín (not available in US)... we have the "Barón de Lajoyosa Gran Reserva" but not very extended around the US, matter of fact it's one of the wines I gave you to taste along with the MARIN OLD VINE GARNACHA.
  
  
  
  Just a quick observation, in September (mid month, I'll double check exactly when) in Cariñena the main holidays are the FIESTA DE LA VENDIMIA, and we have an OPEN HOUSE for everyone to come visit the bodega, taste our wines and come to enjoy the town holidays where we have the main fountain pouring out wine for everyone.
  
  reply
• 

  LR

  2 years ago

  Hi Gabriella,
  
  Quite interesting the whole article but I would like to clarify a few (2) things.
  Cariñena variety is the "Mazuela", it's the common farmer name given to the grape by the folks of Cariñena.
  
  Concerning the Bodegas Ignacio Marín (not available in US)... we have the "Barón de Lajoyosa Gran Reserva" but not very extended around the US, matter of fact it's one of the wines I gave you to taste along with the MARIN OLD VINE GARNACHA.
  
  Just a quick observation, in September (mid month, I'll double check exactly when) in Cariñena the main holidays are the FIESTA DE LA VENDIMIA, and we have an OPEN HOUSE for everyone to come visit the bodega, taste our wines and come to enjoy the town holidays where we have the main fountain pouring out wine for everyone.
  reply
• 

  Gabriella Opaz

  2 years ago

  LR
  
  
  Thanks so much for the information. In regards to the common farmer name of Cariñena, I was not familiar with that, nor did it come up in any of the research I did, so I really appreciate the information! There is nothing better than having someone share local terminology and cultural tidbits that just aren't widely available for us to learn.
  
  
  
  In regards to the availability of your wines in the US, I again, appreciate the information. I looked at stocks lists and was unable to find bottles available. I am happy to hear that there are and would love if you would share with us where people can find your wines.
  
  
  
  You are very correct in saying that you did give us some sample wines and will be posting an article within the week with our TNs. However, I will give you a glimpse into the article by saying that if anyone does have a chance to pick up the Barón de Lajoyosa Gran Reserva, I would HIGHLY suggest.
  
  reply
• 

  Gabriella Opaz

  2 years ago

  LR
  
  Thanks so much for the information. In regards to the common farmer name of Cariñena, I was not familiar with that, nor did it come up in any of the research I did, so I really appreciate the information! There is nothing better than having someone share local terminology and cultural tidbits that just aren't widely available for us to learn.
  
  In regards to the availability of your wines in the US, I again, appreciate the information. I looked at stocks lists and was unable to find bottles available. I am happy to hear that there are and would love if you would share with us where people can find your wines.
  
  You are very correct in saying that you did give us some sample wines and will be posting an article within the week with our TNs. However, I will give you a glimpse into the article by saying that if anyone does have a chance to pick up the Barón de Lajoyosa Gran Reserva, I would HIGHLY suggest.
  reply
• 

  LR

  2 years ago

  I'll check with our Salesmanager for Spain and see where exactly folks in Spain can buy it.
  
  
  
  
  I'll answer your email concerning the other info you needed sometime next week, going to be quite busy after the Vinexpo. I'll try to be quick about it.
  
  reply
• 

  LR

  2 years ago

  I'll check with our Salesmanager for Spain and see where exactly folks in Spain can buy it.
  I'll answer your email concerning the other info you needed sometime next week, going to be quite busy after the Vinexpo. I'll try to be quick about it.
  reply