Even Nature likes Rioja

It must be! This is the second year running that we have had the most fabulous weather for Tapas Fantasticas. The predictions for rain throughout the day could not have been more wrong – we had blistering sun. We did, however, have a torrential downpour as soon as the event was over.

The conclusion is inescapabale – even Nature loves Rioja!

Thousands of people made it to Brick Lane for the show and even waited in line to get in. I’d take my hat off to them, except I had forgotten it at home.

The Monte Clavijo, Castillo de Clavijo and the Castillo San Lorenzo wines all performed well, but in the intense sun the white and red were the best performers. I even had several people tell me that the Monte Clavijo Rosado (the 2008) was their favourite wine of the event which is nice to hear.

In fact, it was so hot, we had to put even the Crianza and Reserva red wines in the ice bucket. Most were happy with the results (it is much more refreshing to have a red wine that is cool enough to taste compared to a flabby, warm wine) even if they were a bit shocked at first.

Lots more to come tomorrow.

I’ll post lots of great photos later in the week, but here are a couple favourites:

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