Saturday 12 August 2023

King of Leon

Leòn originally was the base for the seventh legion of the Roman military garrison. It is thought that Léon derived from legion. It became the capital of the Asturias/Leòn kingdom.



It was first conquered by the Visigoths, then the Moor army and finally by the Christians. All of these cultures have left their mark. Currently I am sitting in the Plaza Regla, in front of the Gothic beauty, that is Leòn cathedral. Behind me is the Jewish quarter, which was possibly first settled, by Jews fleeing the destruction of the Roman Empire. Their first presence is historically recorded in 1196, with the building of a new synagogue, in the San Martin area. 

Their community had troubled times from both Castilian and Allied troops, seeking to destroy the Jewish heritage. Clinging on, they make up a huge part of the cities culture. 


 


This pilgrim was enjoying Salmon ravioli with fresh Carbonara sauce, followed by a Gotica pizza, with porcini mushrooms, local ham and fois gras shaving. 

The wine is called Tampesta, 2022, from Leòn. It uses the Albriño grape. The colour is light golden straw, with a clear rim, that showing youth. The nose is one of pure honey, under ripe lemon peel and a gentle oak coming through. 

The taste is a meld of honeydew and ripe Galia melon. There is a gentle citrus note, with a tannic finish, from the oak barrel. A perfect evening for this king of Leòn. 




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