Well, it’s been a little over a year since I last visited Rioja, the classic red wine region of Northern Spain.  And so it’s with eager anticipation, as I write this post, I’m also running through a mental checklist of things to pack for my upcoming trip with Jorge Ordonez Fine Estates.  In fact, by the time I submit my next blog entry, dear readers, I look forward to sharing with you an on-the-ground account of my journey. 

It is perfect timing: this trip will undoubtedly provide me with some fresh insights, experiences and material to blog about.  And judging from my last posting (did I really write about the pile of mail on my desk?) it couldn’t come a minute too soon. 

First a little background on Jorge Ordonez, the noted wine importer from Malaga.  For nearly two and a half decades now, Mr. Ordonez has enthusiastically marketed the diverse terroirs of Spanish wines and, like a true ambassador, brought them to the attention of wine lovers across the globe.  Many of Spain’s lesser known appellations like Jumilla, Toro, La Mancha, Campo de Borja and Rias Baixas (to name just a few) owe him a debt of gratitude.  Because of his efforts, their wine’s distinctive expressions are now understood and appreciated by wine fans in America.  

Today his company portfolio includes some 40+ producers throughout Spain and, judging from the trip itinerary, it appears that I’m slated to tour the wineries or have lunch or dinner with winemakers from roughly half of them. Personally, this will be my third trip to Spain with ABCFWS (previous trips to Rioja last year and Andalucía back in 2005).  But this one presents a rare opportunity to see more than just one wine region at a time.  By my count, I will visit a total of 10 different denominacions including Ribera del Duero and my beloved Rioja.  Can’t wait to share it all with you!

I’ve got some flamenco playing on my iPod to set the mood as I’ve got a bit of packing to do. 

I can almost taste the tapas…..

Jim Greeley, Wine Supervisor, SW Florida