Tempranillo is now the sixth most planted varietal in the world, passing Chardonnay in acres planted, and is poised to become the next ‘big thing’ for winos & foodies from Washington to Baja. And for good reason, as Spain’s Noble grape can be expressed by winemakers in styles ranging from oaky aged Pinot Noir-like bombs of complexity & tannin structure, to young light fruity Grenache-like young styled gems of wine often called Jovenes.

Either way, you may be surprised at how far your dollar will go, picking up a bottle of Tempranillo, compared to a Cabernet Sauvignon – for now. In the next few years, the “early little one” is sure to have its moments on the food & wine stage, becoming more & more popular as its versatility is recognized in pairings from paella to pork chops. But whether its seafood or swine, you’ll love to sip this Spanish wine at the table over a late tapas supper including old friends, crusty breads & Tropical Smoked Oyster

TROPICAL SMOKED OYSTER BISQUE
with Jicama Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

Tropical Smoked Oyster Bisque

1 dozen large pacific oysters
3 shallots minced
6 oz Spanish Chorizo Sausage
3 T butter
2 c. white wine
2 c. heavy cream
1 cup half & half
1 cup pineapple juice
1 ripe mango diced
0.5c ripe papaya diced
s&p to taste

Jicama Mango Salsa

1 # Jacama peeled & minced
1 jalapeno seeded & minced
1 small red bell peper seeded & minced
1 small red onion minced
2 T toasted cumin
2 T salt
0.25c cilantro minced
Juice of 1 lime

Procedure:

For Bisque: smoke washed oysters in BBQ or Webber over high heat just until open in a tray that will catch their juices. When cool, shuck oysters and set aside with reserved juices. Gently sauté shallots and chorizo with butter in large saucepan over med-low heat until soft. Add wine and reduce by 50%. Add cream & half & half and gently bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Add oysters, reserved juices, mango, papaya, and pineapple juice. Puree soup w/ hand blender and serve warm with a dollop of cold jicama mango salsa on top. Do not re-boil soup, warm-up gently.

For Salsa: simply mix all ingredients together & check for seasoning.