Wine and Food: November 2004 Archives

In Segovia we were very lucky to visit a superb restaurant called Restaurante "JOSÉ MARÍA":

This restaurant had a traditional menu of dishes from the region which we all enjoyed.  Of course, I had roast suckling pig which fell from the bone.  The wine, which is produced by the restraunteur was the highlight of the meal:

PAGO DE CARRAOVEJAS

This is a relatively new winery in the Ribera del Duero region, headed by a somewhat famous restaurateur from Segovia, José María Ruiz Benito of Mesón Jose María.  There are several other partners, including winemaker Thomas Postigo.  They have extensive acreage in the area of Peñafiel.   

I gather they are rather selective about what is actually bottled and sold under their Pago de Carraovejas.   The wine is quite rich and really nicely oaked.  It's about 75% Tinto del Pais and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.   French and American oak barrels are used for the maturation of this, about one-third of the barrels being brand new.  It's outstanding paired with pork, grilled steaks, or lamb.