Coming back to this blog feels like rediscovering an old pleasure. I didn’t step away on purpose, just to enjoy this moment of return—it simply happened. Life, responsibilities, and a few too many battles kept me away. But no excuses: I’ve missed this, and I’m blessed to be here again, ready to share with you my passion for some of the best wines of the Peninsula.

Some weeks ago, I organized a day trip to San Sebastián and Motrico (my village) with a group of friends from Canada, Hungary, Spain, England, and Ukraine, brought together by our shared interest in European politics.

We had lunch at Piper, an excellent restaurant on the same street as our family home, Arrietacua (open for guided visits twice a week, if you’re interested: https://www.mutriku.eus/es/turismo/organiza-viaje/palacio-arrietakua-visitas-guiadas).

Santi Ríos (“Piper”), along with his wife and daughter, welcomed us with their usual warmth. He had selected two wines to accompany the long meal, both outstanding. The white was “Ultreia,” by Raúl Pérez—a Godello from Bierzo (15 euros)—which went great with the house-made anchovies and the tomato and egg yolk salad. A perfect wine to start a good conversation.

The red that followed was Matas Altas 2024, from Fuente-Álamo, Jumilla (20 euros). It’s an excellent example of what a young Monastrell can do for you these days: smooth yet powerful at the same time—just like we would like our European leaders to be.