Castilla Y Leon wines of Spain roadshow presented wines from a dozen producers from the country’s largest wine-producing region. Set in the lavish dining rooms of Mercat a la Planxa at Chicago’s historic Blackstone Hotel, Autograph Collection bordering Grant Park in the Loop, the wines presented their distinctive character in an equally stunning location.

Presented with the restaurant’s distinctive modern interpretations of classic Spanish cuisine of creative Catalan-inspired tapas in a swanky setting overlooking the park, the wines were brilliant.

A self-guided tour, which allowed participants to taste the wines and learn about them at their own pace, was the brainchild of the event’s organizer, Colangelo & Partners, an integrated Communications agency specializing in food, wine and spirits, with offices in New York City and San Francisco.

Among those present, Yesemia and Radwan Abordan, the husband-and-wife team behind Bodegas Zamorano Gallegas presented their Cidon Rose. This is a prime example of the bright, acidic, yet refreshing wines that I encountered at many of the Tapa’s restaurants I visited in Madrid. (Yes, Spaniards typically eat dinner very late at night. At 10:30pm, it’s not unusual to see couples, partying friends and even entire families arriving at a restaurant for their evening meal).

Made with 100% Tempranillo, the national grape of Spain, this is a wine that delivers plenty of fruit flavor with an interesting twist. A perfect accompaniment to the excellent Serrano hams, which were being sliced to order at the event, this is a wine that finds itself at equally at home with an assortment of cheeses, olives and any number of light dishes.

Protos Verdejo 2022 from Rueda was another exceptional wine with distinctive character. With its bright yellow straw color and hints of green, it aromas and flavors of tropical fruits and citrus made it the perfect companion to a buffet lunch of Spanish delicacies.

Sinfo Rosado from Bodegas Sinforiano is the type of Spanish blend hat has won awards at nearly every international tasting event over the past year. A blend of all-native Tempranillo, Verdejo and Albillo from the region of Cigales, this is a wine that embodies the word ‘perfection.” Beautifully balanced, with fresh fruit flavors and a touch of acidity, this is a wine that pairs well with food and is a noble companion for ‘jes’ sippin.’

All of the wines sampled at Castilla Y Leon are comfortably priced and readily available. Drink Responsibly.