Airport drinking and drinking well in strange places

Year 12, No. 05

Greetings,

So... after writing last during a massive heatwave, we're now in the middle of a torrential storm, in July, in Spain. Things are always "exciting" around here.

In this newsletter we open with an excellent essay by contributor, Ruth Spivey. Here she takes on that most pressing concern of all in the world, airport drinking (*). A great read if you wanted something a bit less doom and gloom these days.

Then we shift into a solid hit of Catalan coverage with: the new DO Montsant report, five wines you gotta know from DO Penedès, and then an update on the new Vi de Mas wines as well as attending newest edition (after two years off) of el Cim del Xarel·lo, all in Penedès.

We head down south to look at the volcano eruption last year on la Palma in the Canary Islands which was exceedingly destructive. Thankfully work is being done to recuperate their ancient clonal varieties.

Lastly, I'm really excited to bring back the Drinking Well series which aims to help you enjoy a drink in less obvious and at times, exotic destinations. We make this triumphant return with a focus on the Faroe Islands!

Drink well, be well.

-Miquel

* articles are free to read

FEATURED ESSAY

In praise of airport drinking *

In this newsletter's main essay, contributor Ruth Spivey lays down the law for what (is not) one of the world's most pressing problems. A fun read for tough times! 

FEATURED ARTICLE

The Xarel·lo Summit returns!

While it's still a tricky situation to hold events, it was admittedly great fun to visit this outdoor event called, "El Cim del Xarel·lo" and taste all the exciting wines now being produced from this magical variety.

REGIONAL REPORT

DO Montsant of now

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Priorat's other DO clearly has developed a unique style all its own, despite sharing its entire border with DOQ Priorat.

AND NOW THIS

Drinking Well: Faroes

5 wines to know in Penedès

Saving la Palma's vines

Vi de Mas arrives

IN THE GLASS

Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2018  

A reference wine from a great producer, it's crisp and zesty with a warmer mango note and very prominent chalky mineral aspects. Falls off a bit more on the palate with lower acidity (with respect to the region), giving something of a short finish despite the plentiful citric notes. Good work in a tough year for Chablis.
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