Cellar Tastings

Patatas Bravas are one of the quintessential Spanish tapas, simple to make, easy to eat in crowded Spanish bars (tapas are often shared by groups of friends off a single plate), and delicious. The tapas dish consists of boiled potatoes, with a spicy piquant sauce (made with paprika, chilli and cumin). If you are visiting Madrid, Seville or Granada, you will easily find Patatas Bravas on the menus of the charming bars, along with “Gambas al Ajillo” (garlic sautéed shrimp), “Jamón Serrano” (Cured Spanish ham), “Pimientos Asados (roast bell peppers), “Tortilla de Patatas” (Spanish Omelette), “Croquetats de Jamón” (ham and Béchamel croquettes), larger portions (Raciones) of Paella and of course “Boquerones” (Anchovies, either battered and deep fried or served in vinegar). Patatas Bravas pair magically with rich red Spanish wines, for example from Navarra, La Rioja or Ribera del Duero. We recommend this recipe for Spanish tapas to be served with “Guelbenzu Evo” from Navarra (see below).

Ingredients

1. 5 large Potatoes
2. 1 ½ teaspoon Paprika
3. 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4. ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
5. 2 Garlic Cloves, Mashed
6. Chilli Pepper or Cayenne pepper to taste
7. 200 ml Tomate Frito/ Passata/ Tomato Sauce
8. 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
9. 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
10. Salt to taste

Preparation

Peel the potatoes and then boil until cooked (about 10 min). Drain and then cut into cubes. Sauté in olive oil (preheated) on the pan until the potatoes are browned and crunchy. In a separate bowel, mix the rest of the ingredients to make the sauce. Heat the sauce in a pan for 3 minutes, and serve the sauce separately for dipping. Sprinkle the potatoes with a bit of salt. Enjoy!

Try this dish with: Guelbenzu Evo, Navarra, Spain

The town of Cascante in Navarra has been producing wine since Roman times. In fact the town was located on the principal Roman Road to Astorga, in northwestern Spain. Bodegas Guelbenzu, a family run winery producing simply some of the best wine Navarra has to offer, has been selling wine commercially since the 1800's. In 1851, the Guelbenzus showed their wines at the great London Universal Exibition. They went on to win acclaim, taking a prestigious wine award in Bordeaux in 1882. But the present fame and high regard they have today in the wine world can be credited to the 8 Guelbenzu family members and fantastic winemaker Joseba Altuna, who launched the winery into the spotlight in the 1980's. Considered to be a boutique winery and located in a gorgeous mansion, Bodegas Guelbenzu are one of the most interesting and dynamic wineries in Spain at present