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eilc314

@eilc314

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SDP sommelier ǀ my lens ǀ wine food travel 🌎
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“Four wheels carry the body, but two wheels move the soul!” … I share a deep passion for food, wine, and the timeless thrill of two wheels. It’s been years since I was on one, yet the memories remain so dear to my heart. My heart skipped a beat with joy finding out about a pre-birthday bike bash for me! The first and last pictures are a fond look back at my youth … From our old college @utarlington days to our separate lives today - we are far apart in space, but we always celebrate each other – always close at heart; the UTA A Team! Now and then … Cheers to the next 48 hours … Never stop. Stay Curious. Everyday and everywhere. by @eilc314
7
a day ago
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Chapter almost over 40s begins … 😂🤪 To the most special girl! … I hope today is as radiant and joyful as your wedding day and may that euphoric feeling follow you throughout the year; brilliant and beautiful … May every single one of your wishes come true. I hope these first-growth wines bring you right back to our unforgettable trips to Bordeaux and Petrus, the magic of your wedding day ... Now, with Le Pin, here is to celebrating the ultimate milestone of your over 40s—a truly precious day. Let’s see how much our brains hold onto by daylight! Celebrating a beautiful woman’s birthday with endless bottles and lingering sips. Tasting notes to follow... assuming the wine doesn’t erase my memory first. Happy Birthday dear bestie … Cheers … Stay Curious. Everyday and everywhere. by @eilc314
15
6 days ago
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The word “Alsace” ... Leaving the Spanish sun to settle back into the rhythm of a structure routine work life 😔🫣 Late into the night, I was drowning in lethargy, but someone called out Alsace – that snapped me right out of my stupor. Spiegel, Alsace Grand Cru from Lucien Albrecht is next – this makes leaving impossible. 🤣 … Gewurztraminer and Riesling from Alsace; completely smitten … Dry, w/honey and minerality framing the pears, peaches, apple and subtle floral flavors. Beautifully balanced w/a vibrant structure and a long finish. Unparalleled quality for its price point … Cheers … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. by @eilc314
6
10 days ago
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Not Cava … Six visionary producers [Gramona, Llopart, Nadal, Recaredo, Sabate i Coca, Torello] created a completely new paradigm: 100% organic, 90% indigenous grapes, hand-harvesting, on-estate vinification, and a minimum of 18 months lees ageing employing the classic traditional method within the Corpinnat territory - uncompromising standard capturing the authentic soul of the land and process! Deeply honored to spend a near-entire day at Sabate i Coca with Ricard, with Marcel joining us for an immersive tour - provided an in-depth, behind-the-scene look at their terroir, processes, the focus on Xarel-lo, and the guiding philosophy behind Corpinnat. It was a rare front-row experience into the heart of their work. Hopelessly devoted to food and wine, and the physical grind of the vines and winery has always fueled my spirit … But this latest chapter has taken that passion to entirely new heights. For those yet to discover Corpinnat, there has never been a better time to dive in. They have successfully changed the game! Mosset 2021: marries Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada + 44 months on lees – focused, showed a crisp and saline character on the palate. Notes of orchard pear and melon, grounded by orange and lemon peel, savory fennel, and toasted brioche. Exhibits richness from aging yet remains sharp and lively. Josep Coca 2021: Xarel-lo, Macabeo + 60 months on lees – structured, offering vibrant aromas of candied citrus and lemon custard, underpinned by toasted brioche and delicate pastry. A subtle botanical nuance leads into a prominent … but the real star here is the bright, stony minerality gaining momentum all the way through a long, echoing finish. Familiar 2015: Xarel-lo + 117 months on lees – offers a complex aromatic profile of dried fruits, brioche, and roasted nuts. These rich autolytic notes are perfectly balanced by bright garden herbs, zesty white grapefruit, and an alluring maritime salinity. Remarkable freshness. Corpinnat, “born in the heart of Penedes” elevating Spanish sparkling wines … no longer carry the Cava or Gran Reserva designation. Look for the word Corpinnat … @sabateicoca … Cheers … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere taken in Sabate I Coca by @eilc314
19
14 days ago
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Europe smallest countries … A principality … This country makes me think of nothing but royalty. It reminds me of a cozy Christmas romantic fantasy - an ambitious professional woman who was swept off her feet by a charming, towering man, only to discover at a fancy ball that he is a prince from Andorra—a country she knew nothing about! I am equally in the dark when it came to Andorra, with the sole exception of its fairytale romances. Embracing a slow morning, wandering and exploring this fairytale of mine leaving reality into the dreamland of my Andorra … a modern-day Cinderella energy! Never stop … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. taken in Andorra La Vella by @eilc314
14
24 days ago
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Oenophile’s candy store … I’ve always wondered where my fascination with soil types originated. Looking back, I realize it likely stems from my childhood years exploring my uncles’ diverse farms. I vividly remember how certain soils felt cold to my bare feet, and listening to my dad explain how different soil types dictate what can be successfully cultivated. Today, I jump at any chance to explore vineyards and dig into the soil. Spanning 17th-century ancestral farmland that evolved into a vineyard during the 19th century, the estate features terraced vines grown in llicorella. Carrying forward the family’s legacy, Salvador Burgos and Conxita Porta [wife], along with their two daughters, blend deeply-rooted traditions with modern technology to their winemaking. While every bottle here is beautiful, space constraints required me to highlight only the 2017, 2021, 2022 - 2017 [45% Garnatxa, 55% Carinyena]: ripe black berries n fruits open into bitter-sweet citrus-peel and cracked pepper. Delicate vein of minerality cuts through along the way, w/a powdery tannin embrace. 2022 [100% Carinyena - 900 bottles]: holds a fierce, quiet intensity ... dried undergrowth and dark cocoa powder w/an opulent core of black plum, licorice, and mediterranean spice. While robust and muscular in frame, the wine maintains a refreshing life. Slate-laced finish. 2021 [100% Garnatxa]: the nose greets you with lush red fruit compote and vibrant tart cherries. Balsamic edge and hints of dried herbs evolve gracefully, culminating in a refined, stony finish. The hospitality @mas_sinen left me completely in awe. I find myself fondly reflecting on our time together, wandering through the vines and cellars, and concluding with such a beautiful tasting of the family’s wines. It was an unforgettable experience! 🫶 Cheers … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. taken in Celler Burgos Porta - Mas Sinén by @eilc314
15
a month ago
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Pioneers [5] … a shared imagination of what could be … an unexplored avenue … the year 1979. This group of good friends crafted wine together until 1987, planting the seeds for Clos de L’Obac - debut harvest in 1989, their first release in 1991. Stays true to its origin; still crafting wines using the founders’ exact 1979 varietal [Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Carinena, picked by hand] recipe and percentage breakdown. All grapes are fermented together from day one, with zero blending later on. Kyrie 2025 [35% Garnacha Blanc, 30% Macabeu, 30% Xarel-lo, 5% Moscatel de Alejandria] - a whisper of baked pear and candied citrus dances with dried flowers and sweet spice. Beneath lies a quiet nutty, salinity embrace and the crisp, flinty breath of crushed stone. Captivating … Miserere 2015 [27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Garnacha, 26% Tempranillo, 10% Carinena, 10% Merlot] - exhibiting blackberries + plums, toasted smoky wood, dried fruit medley, bittersweet cocoa. Balsamic sighs where gentle minerality notes hum … Harmonious + enduring … 2015 [35% each Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, 10% each Carinena, Merlot, Syrah] - expressive, the bouquet bursts with succulent red fruits woven together by pronounced balsamic character and a deeply earthy, woody core. On the palate, the texture is silky and supple, while a bright streak of acidity works its magic, balancing the fruit ripeness for a harmonious finish. Inviting … 2008 - upon my initial sip, this wine immediately commanded my attention. Highly savory profile—showcasing dry, earthy, stony undertones, woody notes of bark, and a rooty depth reminiscent of ginseng. Prominent balsamic edges weave between sweet and bitter, allowing the fruit elements to remain a subtle, lingering backdrop. Awestruck … 2006 - completely spun my head - delivered a profound, tertiary explosion: deep yeasty cheese cellar, wood-fired hearth, and sweet, woody undertones framed by brilliant balsamic edges. Seamlessly integrated and comforting—it immediately gives me that cozy, nostalgic feeling of home. I wish I could freeze time and make this tasting last forever. Cheers … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. taken in Clos de l'Obac Winery by @eilc314
28
a month ago
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From vines to the glass … A quarter of a century ago, visionary botanist and gardener Antoni Falcon breathed new life into an abandoned land - this land bridges two dramatic landscapes - 20 km east lies the Mediterranean, bringing both fierce, dry winds and beautiful, cooling summer breezes. 20 km west, the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees. Fusing his love for vines and flora, he partnered hand-in-hand with nature carving out a unique estate. He cultivated 12 distinct French varietals, steering completely clear of local Spanish grapes. Upon turning 80, he sold the estate to two brothers, who two years ago began grafting and replanting the vineyard to favor indigenous Spanish varieties [will take up to five years to complete]. Taking a stroll among the vines to see Mother Nature’s work in person, followed by a beautiful tasting with the estate team here at the winery. Highlighting Selene and Geum … Selena: Grenache and Syrah … generous mouthful … expressive, fruit-forward, and vibrant wine with aromas of black berry, blueberry, red berry, and tart plum shaded with black pepper, spice, and dark chocolate lingering against polished tannins. On the other hand, the Geum [100% Merlot] offers a muscular structure and robust tannins, with rich notes of ripe cherry and currant that weave together seamlessly, picking up toasted notes through a long, elegant, and focused finish. Biodynamic and organic … Cheers … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. by @eilc314
17
a month ago
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The magic flows seamlessly from Barcelona to Catalonia … Both places have thoroughly captured my heart. High above the mist, the monastery looks as though it was naturally forged into the jagged, serrated peaks of the Montserrat mountains. If you arrive before the tourist rush, the dawn air hums with a deep, echoing quiet. Inside the basilica, the faithful queue to touch the orb of the Black Madonna—a relic that stands among the most frequently touched holy artifacts globally. Seen from afar, the Santa Caterina Market unfurls like a grand piece of art, drawing the eye with its vibrant, kaleidoscopic rooftop that commands your attention and demands to be explored. The interior matches this external splendor, overflowing with lively stalls and a rich tapestry of people from every corner of the world. The next building, Casa Batilo - I am struggling to name my reaction; it’s a haunting mix of love and dread. It captures both the mesmerizing nature of your affection with the vast emptiness of their eventual decay. [ornate skeletal facade entwined with blooming roses] … This must be the manifestation of my restless imagination and a lifelong romance for folklore - has officially taken over. Ahh … a window into my mythological heart. Next - time to uncork, unwind, and visit the place where the only decision is which wine to try next. Stay curious ... Everyday and everywhere. by @eilc314
14
a month ago
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Non-indicative facade … The design,1882 … 2026, the final assembly: the tower of Jesus Christ coming together completing the breathtaking masterpiece … As someone without an architectural background [learning as I go], my first glance left me breathless; a colossus of Gothic design piercing into the heavens. Entering the temple paralyzes me; the inside bears no resemblance to the Gothic exterior. While steeped in rich religious symbolism, stepping inside – an awe shift in perspective. Looking up, the branching columns and soaring heights evoke the feeling of a futuristic interstellar vessel rather than a traditional church. From the iconic, sky-high religious masterpiece [Sagrada Familia] to Park Guell [latter half of this post]; for someone who enjoys myth and animation, this feels like an animated storybook brought to life. It welcomes you through a mosaic-draped threshold with a giant lizard, drawing you into a raw, cave-like grottos that awaken pure imagination. Striking an entirely different chords in me; pulling me in two completely different emotional directions. Antoni Gaudí … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. taken in Barcelona, Spain by @eilc314
18
2 months ago
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An incredible start … Welcome to Barcelona … Our lively party kicked off the evening brilliantly with goat cheese-stuffed dates paired with Fino and tonic + artisan cheese assortment w/Guillem Carol 2019 Cava [minerally stone fruit and citrus on the nose, hints of fresh herbs, and yeasty toast points. Lively, mouth-coating, and vibrantly crisp on the finish] Anchovies, roasted peppers w/Mas Rodo Montonega [what an electrifying introduction to Montonega! This vibrant pour bursts with notes of fresh herbs and dried orchard fruits, grounded beautifully by a lingering minerality salinity finish] Baby potatoes, sun-dried tomato, aioli w/Protos Clarete [offers an inviting medley of wild strawberry and raspberry. A beautifully integrated acidity caresses the palate, creating a seamless and harmonious balance with the lush fruit flavors - Tempranillo] Pork cheek, celeriac puree w/Jardin de la Emperatriz [100% Tempranillo offers a lush, velvety texture loaded with dark berries, aromatic herbs, and a dusting of spice. It gracefully tapers into a refined, mineral-driven finish] Roasted leek w/”the identity of this pairing completely escaped me” - by this time, the atmosphere at the king’s table was electric. Each plate arrived as a masterpiece, beautifully curated from its visual artistry to its exquisite flavors and flawless wine pairings. The energy vibrating from the King’s table defied description. Transitioning into our final course a dual pairing: the bright, crisp energy of a Tarima sparkling wine [lively blossoms with a distinct stony backbone] followed by the rich, historic profile of Sanchez Romate Sherry. Into the late night, the enthusiasm had reached a fever pitch – unbothered and joyful. My palate has been lost in the Baltics for way too long! The dream team is now back together. 😊 Let’s just say the Baltic beer scene and I needed some time apart 🤣… Bon appetit … Cheers … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. taken in Barcelona, Spain by @eilc314
11
2 months ago
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A richly indulgent culinary scene [below, my slice of the local food culture] ... While it’s heavy enough to earn a ‘pound or two,’ 🤪 experiencing it is essential when visiting the city. Every bite is simply mouth-watering. Saltibarsciai [beet soup] – At first glance, this cold, pink-hued soup gave me pause. But that first spoonful was a delightful surprise. It balances a velvety creaminess with a gentle tang, leading into a crisp, herbaceous undertone. It’s a beautifully harmonious blend where every flavor complements the next. Cepelinai [potato-dumplings, assorted ] a taste of heritage [locals], a seasoned blend of pork, cheese, or pork belly wrapped in a tender potato casing, enriched with a topping of sour cream and crispy bacon bits. This is just the beginning. The humble root vegetable is a true culinary chameleon, serving as the foundation for endless traditional favorites [i.e. Kugelis [potato casserole, fried potato cutlet, fried potato w/caramel sauce … …]. Kepta duona [fried rye bread] – Fried food is not usually my preference, but I made exceptions for this exploration tasting. The cheese sauce added a rich, creamy finish that nicely offset the intense, crispy profile of the bread. An undeniably heavy dish for me. Kvass [gira] – at first, the flavor profile was elusive and hard to pin down. Kept drinking, distinct notes of beer and toasted bread began to emerge. This is a zero-proof fermented drink [the draft version is much better than the bottled]. Who knew, Escargot, a personal favorite of mine happens to be an incredibly sought-after here. It is an absolute must-have for me - classic French flavors of garlic and olive oil. 😀 Surprisingly, wrapping up my time in Vilnius left me with an insatiable craving for pesto pizza … Bon appetit … Stay curious. Everyday and everywhere. 🫶 taken in Vilnius, Lithuania by @eilc314
10
2 months ago
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