Spanish Roasted Chicken

• INGREDIENTS:
• 4 lb whole broiler chicken, preferably brined, rinsed and patted dry
• 4 lemons
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2-3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size or diced
• olive oil, to taste
• salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
• Preheat oven to 425 °F.
• Boil medium pot of water. Add potatoes and two lemons. Cook for 5 minutes and drain.
• Poke lemons with a knife. Insert lemons and crushed garlic into cavity of the chicken.
• Place chicken on a foiled baking tray. Surround the chicken with the potatoes. Sprinkle chicken and potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper to coat. Cook for 80 minutes until chicken has an internal thigh temperature of 165-175 °F. Remove chicken.
• Stir potatoes and return to oven for 10 more minutes to crisp.
• Cut chicken. Serve with fresh lemon wedges, potatoes and a salad.

Encomienda de Cervera
Ananoa Syrah
Almagro, Spain

Located in the heart of the Volcanic Massif of Calatrava Estate, Encomienda de Cervera was founded in 1758. Initially, the estate had 2,375 olive trees, an oil press, 10,000 black and white poplar trees and a country house. By the end of the 19th Century, the estate had a 22-hectare vineyard and a 200,000 liter winery. The volcanic black soil and red ochre gave the city of Almagro its name. Surrounding three river basins, its micro-climate of cool nights and hot days, provide the ideal growing conditions for this Syrah. All vineyards are in trellis, oriented to the North/South with controlled trickle irrigation systems and humidity sensors at different levels. The grapes are harvested during low-temperature hours, resulting in excellent quality and well-matured wines. The volcanic soil contributes to the mineral expression and the refreshing acidity in the wine.

“Picota cherry red in color, with intense aromas of red fruits with toffees from aging oak barrels. Volcanic soil enhances minerality. It’s fresh in the mouth feel, has a delicious structure and smooth tannins. Expansive and well-rounded.” – Horten Espinosa, owner

Appellation: Campo de Calatrava, Almagro, Spain
IGP (Protected Geographic Indication): Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Soil: Clay and stony soil with smooth layer of volcanic origin
Varietal Blend:  Syrah
Analysis: 13.7% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Bronze Decanter, Gold Bruxelles