Mini TortasIt’s a new year and we’ve got fantastic new food and wine arrivals at Paris-Madrid Grocery.

Ines Rosales Mini Tortas:    In 1910, Mrs. Inés Rosales began making Olive Oil Tortas from a family recipe and selling them at the Seville Train Station to support her family.   More than a century later, the Tortas are still made following the same traditional recipe.  They now make “Mini Tortas”, a bite-size version of the original sweet cracker with Anise.   Have these with tea or coffee, or pair with a soft triple cream cheese for a delightful treat.

Cambados ScallopsConservas de Cambados Small Scallops in Galician Sauce ($7.99)  The pilgrimage of Saint James ends in the city of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia and the scallop shell is an enduring symbol of the journey. Seafood from Galicia including scallops are among the best you’ll eat anywhere in the world.  With over 1000 miles of jagged coast land pierced by rich estuaries, this land is a haven for sea life, birds and vineyards of Albariño grapes.    These sweet little scallops are in a sauce of tomato, sunflower oil and paprika.  Toss them with pasta and serve with a glass of Albariño, and it will feel like you’re in Galicia.

Espinalier Baby SardinesEspinaler Baby Sardines in Spicy Olive Oil ($5.49)   Espinaler was founded in 1896 as a rustic tavern in Barcelona, and in the 1940’s they began selling canned seafood and vermouth.   Sardines with spicy olive oil are a magical combination;  eat them on a cracker served with a cold beer    And, we carry Estrella Galicia and Estrella Damm beers from Spain.

Cole’s Stuffed Calamari ($8.49)  These delicious stuffed calamari have a filling of rice, onion, tomato and spices.  Sustainably wild caught in the North Atlantic ocean and hand stuffed.  Heat them and serve on top of fresh baby lettuce for a beautiful and high protein salad.

Fallot CornichonsEdmond Fallot Extra Fine Cornichons ($7.49/6.7 oz)   With vinegar, tarragon, mustard seed and pearl onions, these cornichons are extra crunchy and tangy. Fantastic with pâté!

Back in stock:
Maille cornichonsMaille Original cornichons:  Maille cornichons get their distinctive flavor from coriander and mustard seeds.

Ramon Pena Sardinillas with Padron PeppersRamon Peña Small Sardines with Padrón Peppers:  This 4.6 oz tin holds about two dozen delectable sardines.   Try these amazing little fishes if you haven’t yet!

Sampaka PistachioCacao Sanpaka Dark Chocolate bar with Pistachio:  The flavor of roasted pistachios really shine through in this tasty chocolate bar.

Wines:
Domaine Castera blancDomaine Castera Blanc, Jurançon 2015 ($22.99)    A semi-sweet white wine can be incredible with a serving of blue cheese, such as Roquefort Papillon, an aged sheep milk cheese, or with foie gras.  Sweet Jurançon Blanc wines can age 20 years or more, developing more complexity as they grow older.   2015 Castera is an unoaked white wine that offers up notes of honey and white flowers on the nose.  Medium sweet with bright acidity, it is vibrant and fresh.   Hints of stone fruit and orange citrus are balanced and lifted with a noticeable weight on the palate.  The finish is lengthy, clean and refreshing.

Hoppenot FleurieGregoire Hoppenot Clos de l’Amandier Fleurie 2018  ($24.99/750 ml, $52.00/1500 ml)  We discovered the Cru Beaujolais wines of Gregoire Hoppenot last week and flipped over them!  Born in Beaujolais, for several years Gregoire honed his craft as winemaker for several reputable wineries and has now struck out with his own label.  2018 is his first vintage and is nothing less than impressive.  Drawing acclaim from sommeliers everywhere, the Clos de l’Amandier “offers up a rich bouquet of cherries, blackberries and peonies, followed by a medium to full-body” with hints of earth and spice.  Made from 15 to 30 year old vines with traditional whole cluster fermentation and aged in concrete, it displays an exceptional balance between dark fruit and acidity.  Round on the palate, it shows baking spice nuances and a mineral finish.  Highly recommended.