OT: Madrid Off the Beaten Path – San Pedro el Real

The Church of San Pedro el Real (St Peter the Royal), also known as San Pedro el Viejo is a small medieval church in central Madrid, Spain. The initial structure was built in the 14th century, but extensive renovations were performed, and a new facade and portals added in the 17th and 19th centuries. It may have begun as Benedictine monastery, although the Bell-tower has Mudéjar qualities, and resembles a minaret; however, present tower seems to have been worked on in the 14th century when Madrid was firmly in Castilian hands. It was originally built by King Alfonso XI (13 August 1311 – 26/27 March 1350) to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Algeciras in 1344. The church contains the tombs of Kings Alfonso I of Asturias (c. 693 – 757) and Ramiro II of León (c. 900 – 1 January 951). San Pedro also contains the statue of Jesus known as Jesús el Pobre, or Jesus the Poor, sculpted by Juan Astorga in the late eighteenth century. The church is located at Calle Nuncio, 14, near the Plaza Mayor. (Source: Wikipedia)

See also my previous post OT: Mudejar

OT: Madrid Off the Beaten Path – San Francisco el Grande Basilica

The Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande (in Spanish : Real Basílica de san Francisco el Grande) is a Roman Catholic church in central Madrid, Spain, located in the Barrio (district) of La Latina. The main façade faces the Plaza of San Francisco, at the intersection of Bailén, the Gran Vía de san Francisco, and the Carrera de san Francisco. It forms part of the convent of Jesús y María of the Franciscan order. The convent was founded in the 13th century at the site of a chapel. The basilica was designed in a Neoclassic style in the second half of the 18th century, based on a design by Francisco Cabezas, developed by Antonio Pló, and completed by Francesco Sabatini. The church contains paintings by Zurbarán and Francisco Goya. The temple once functioned as the National pantheon, and enshrined the remains of famous artists and politicians. The dome is 33 metres (108 ft) in diameter and 58 metres (190 ft) in height; its shape is very similar to the Pantheon’s dome, having a more circular shape than the typical domes built in the 18th century. (Source: Wikipedia)

Further reading: San Francisco el Grande Basilica

OT: Castaño GSM 2013

• Winery: Bodegas Castaño Avenida de Fuenteálamo, 3 Yecla, Murcia 30510, SPAIN. Bodegas Castaño is today one of the most respected wine producers in South-Eastern Spain in recognition for their tradition and achievements in the use of the indigenous grape varieties.
• Phone: +34 968 79 11 15
• Winemaker: Mariano López Fernández
• Website: www.bodegascastano.com
• Brand: Castaño GSM  (GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre)
• DO: Yecla
• Type: Barrel Aged Red Wine. 4 months in Oak barrels (80% French & 20% American)
• Alcohol: 14 %
• Grape Variety: 20% Garnacha Tintorera, 40% Syrah, 40% Monastrell
• Vineyards: Bodegas Castaño owns nearly 450 hectares of vineyards in four different estates spread throughout D.O. Yecla.
• Soil Type: Limestone
• Bottle Size: 75.0 cl.
• Price: € 4.80 at the winery website
• My wine rating: 89/100 (A wine of very good to excellent quality) NEW!

The  is an outstanding Mediterranean fruit driven wine that is very deep in colour and intensity, fragrant on the nose of black fruit well-integrated liquorice and spicy notes. On the  palate, it is full bodied with outstanding, but well integrated, silky with sweet polished tannins. Best with typical Murcia dishes like Arroz al Caldero, Arroz con Conejo y Caracoles, and Arroz de Verduras. A true discovery!!!