The Four Episode Docu-Series is Hosted By Award-Winning Food and Wine Expert Marti Buckley.

Rioja Paired

octobre 3, 2024 G spatafora

A Documentary Series Celebrating the Region’s Wine, Culinary Experiences, and Cultural Heritage. The Four Episode Docu-Series is Hosted By Award-Winning Food and Wine Expert Marti Buckley.

Runtime : 4 X 17 to 24 mins
Released : 2024

Episode 1: Chef Marti Buckley 
Join Chef Marti Buckley on her way to Rioja as she explores San Sebastian and Bilbao, highlighting vibrant markets, Basque cuisine, and exceptional Rioja wines at Rekondo wine cellars.
How does a chef from Birmingham, Alabama, find herself immersed in the rich traditions of Spain’s Rioja region? The answer is simple: food and wine. Join award-winning chef Marti Buckley on a culinary journey with Chef Antonio Belotti through San Sebastian’s vibrant fish market. Discover the unique flavors of Bilbao’s diverse neighborhoods and savor the blend of tradition and innovation in Chef Julen Baz’s farmhouse cuisine at Garena in Dima. Experience exceptional organic produce, see a lively paella contest, and see what insider tips Marti gets at the world-renowned Rekondo wine cellar before venturing into the Rioja wine region. Salud!
In this episode: Restaurante Garena in Bizkaia, Casa 887 and Rekondo in San Sebastián

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Episode 2: Alta
Discover the alluring Alta region of Rioja with host Marti Buckley. Enjoy vibrant Calle Laurel pintxos paired with young, fruity reds and explore Haro’s celebrated wine bars and vineyards. Relish a gourmet experience at Michelin-starred Nublo with Rioja Reserva and barrel-fermented whites.
Marti tastes traditional bacalao Riojana soup with tempranillo, soaks in the region’s festive charm, explores the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso with José Luis Lapuente, and ends with a magical sunrise wine tasting in a hot air balloon. Marti also visits Vivanco, the best wine museum in the world!
In this episode 2: Calle Laurel in Logroño, Bodegas Muga, Bodegas CVNE, Bodegas&Museum Vivanco, Restaurante Nublo, Restaurante Íkaro and José Luis Lapuente, Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja Director

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Episode 3: Rioja Oriental (Eastern Rioja) region 
Join host Marti Buckley in the Rioja Oriental (Eastern Rioja) region, where the stunning Sierra de Yerga mountains and tranquil Ebro River valley set the scene for exploring winemaking traditions that date back to Roman times.  Enjoy breathtaking views at the Monasterio de Santa María de Yerga, savor local dishes in a cave at Restaurante Sopitas. In this episode you will also contemplate the oldest written numbers in a codix and taste surprising chocolate pairings.
Come with us to catch a glimpse of the ancient Basque sport of pelota as Marti celebrates the food, wine, and culture that make Rioja Eastern a must-visit for any food, wine, and travel enthusiast.
In this episode 3: Calahorra Cathedral, Restaurant Sopitas, Finca Vistahermosa, Marqués de Reinosa, Vinicola Real 200 Monges, Bodega Ortega Ezquerro, Town of San Asensio (Rioja Alta)

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Episode 4: Rioja Alavesa 
Host Marti Buckley takes us on an unforgettable journey through Rioja Alavesa, a region where history and innovation intertwine. Starting in the medieval town of Laguardia, she explores its fortified walls, underground cellars, and the striking Gothic portico of the Church of Santa María de los Reyes.  From there, she contrasts the ancient with the contemporary, visiting architectural marvels like Bodegas Ysios and the iconic Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry, before ending the day at the family-run Eguren Ugarte winery, enjoying a stunning sunset with wine made from 140 years of tradition.
In this episode 4: Laguardia and Elciego, Wineries: Marqués de Riscal, Ysios, Mayor de Migueloa, Solar de Samaniego

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Film director: Sean Blixseth