Appetising restaurants

Spanish restaurants are really keen to work well and to pave the way for future periods of success and growth. We have witnessed this attitude over recent months -a challenging time if ever there was one but also imbued with the desire to embark on new ventures and to think of brighter horizons. We have travelled all over the country presenting our most food-friendly wines in a wide range of establishments, both new and with a long history. We have taken on new clients and made new friends who share our passion for the combination of food & wine. We focus on three of them that have greatly impressed us.

Yaín

Located in the old Jewish quarter of Teruel, Yaín is both modern and traditional, like its own name, which translates literally as "wine" in Hebrew. It is arguably one of the few restaurants in Spain founded and run by a sommelier, in this case the great Raúl Igual, winner of the Nariz de Oro award in 2010 and presently one of Spain's most prestigious wine professionals.

Yaín's cuisine seeks out the roots combined with quality produce, and boasts a Bib Gourmand awarded by the Michelin Guide, as well as an impressive wine cellar that pays close attention to current trends but shows genuine respect for the great classic wines. We are very happy to announce that Yaín will soon add our Conde de los Andes white and red wines to its wine list.

Restaurante Yain
Plaza de la Judería, 9
Teruel
Tel. 978 62 40 76

Raúl Igual, Yain's sommelier and owner

El Xato

Nestled amongst the mountains of inland Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea, the flavours of La Marina region come together in the stoves of El Xato. The vibrant energy of taverns and country eateries is palpable on the tables of this small restaurant, now acclaimed by the general public and critics alike, whose origins date back more than a century. With the Cano family at the helm and Cristina Figueira as chef, El Xato won its Michelin star a few years ago. Its success is based on the sum of tradition and innovation served with great skill.

We love to go to El Xato as we relish the aromas of salt and thyme, the vegetable garden and the scent of its outstanding rice dishes, the love of things done well and managed with care. And wer raise our glass right there with one of the latest additions to their wine list: once again, Conde de los Andes.

Restaurante El Xato
Avda. Església 3
La Nucia (Alicante)
Tel. 965870931

The Cano family, led by Esperanza Fuster

Casa Grande

We finish with the place closest to the winery. Casa Grande is a new boutique hotel in Grañón, a small village in the heart of Rioja Alta. Protected by the thick walls of this beautifully restored old manor house, Casa Grande's cuisine, with chef Antonio Barreiro, is both substantial and unique and focuses on quality produce cooked using traditional recipes that have been tastefully modernized. The same goes for the building's interior design: the austere contemporary steelwork is perfectly integrated with the striking stone blocks and timbers that are so traditional in the villages of the Sierra de la Demanda foothills.

We love Casa Grande for its cuisine -we've enjoyed some delicious steaks here this summer-, its décor, its charm... and its wine list. At present, it features a comprehensive selection of the diversity of Rioja, from the great wines of Conde de los Andes to the vibrant Muriel Crianza and Reserva reds, the depth of Viña Muriel and the freshness of Montalvillo. Do not miss Casa Grande and, if you happen to be in the area, jump at the chance to sleep in its peaceful, modern and comfortable rooms.

Hotel Casa Grande
Calle del Caño 13
Grañón (La Rioja)
Tel. 941 45 77 26

Casa Grande in Grañón, an example of a brilliant restoration"