GASTRONOMY AND WINE

Our foods and wines could serve as an emblematic slogan presenting Spain as a memorable, friendly, hospitable and diverse country, which stretches out its hand to offer a glass of wine and a table laden with food to welcome celebrate the arrival of a stranger.

Spain is a varied and colourful whole: its inhabitants, customs and languages as well as its foods and wines represent regions in this vastly diverse country.

But whatever the door through which a visitor enters, there will always be someone ready to offer a glass of excellent wine to welcome them as friends. It may be a Galician Ribeiro or Albariño, or perhaps a red Rioja, or a rosé from Navarre, a Cava from Catalonia, a Priorato or a Jumilla. Or possibly a fino or manzanilla Sherry or a Condado wine from Andalucia or a Valdepeñas from La Mancha.

Such a warm welcome makes strangers feel at home, encouraging their desire to become part of the place and to learn more about a country so abundant in different cultures and customs. And nothing accompanies a good wine better than a good meal. Visitors will be delighted to find a variety of colourful and healthful food, rich in aromas and flavours. They will discover the excellent nutrition of the Mediterranean diet, which reflects our country's varied cuisine: its olive oils, cereals, fruits and vegetables, fish and meat…

Today, the gastronomic tourist will find true culinary quality everywhere -in the modern cuisine of the Basque Country and Catalonia, in a broad spectrum of aromatic and healthful dishes from the Mediterranean coast or Andalusia, and in the robust cookery of Castile and Extremadura, where one finds superb roasts and exquisite game dishes.

Genuine food lovers the world over are curious, open and appreciative. In my personal and professional experience, I have been fortunate to meet gourmets from all corners of the globe, and there is no better way to make new friends than with a good meal, accompanied by a good wine. Wherever visitors may be in our country, there will always be food and wine to share with hospitable people who are ready to offer a warm welcome and unforgettable stay.

Luis Irízar