Food and Wine and Things

Yeah, that’s a big bowl of cheese (queso fundido) and a litre of sangria.

Last week I had the opportunity to try out La Taqueria’s new venture, La Mezcaleria. That big bowl of melted cheese, or queso fundido, is kind of like the Mexican equivalent of fondue. This particular rendition is served in a bowl made of volcanic rock, which holds up to the high heat that the cheese is melted under and to the aggressive chipping away of the much coveted crispy cheese by gluttonous patrons. With a hearty serving of chorizo on top, this is not a light meal. But don’t worry, I can totally handle it.

My fellow diner and I were informed that we were the first to try the Sangria, which was delightfully dry and fruity. The drink menu consisted mostly of tequila, mezcal, and cocktails, with a few beer and wine options. But, alas, there was not a Mexican wine option. Most Canadian consumers aren’t even aware that Mexican wine exists, but Mexico’s wine industry is actually the oldest wine industry of the new world. That lovely (ha ha, yeah right) colonizing Spaniard, Governor Cortés, demanded that all farmers plant 10 grapevines a year for ever slave on their estate, so there was actually quite a large area of land dedicated to viticulture. The growth of Mexican vineyards was halted, however, when in 1699 the King of Spain banned new vineyards in fear of competition. Today, approximately 10% of Mexican vineyards are used for the production of wine. I had the opportunity to try a Nebbiolo from LA Cetto very recently and guess what guys. It was pretty good. Apparently it even won some awards and beat out a few Italian Barolos (which are high end wines made using the Nebbiolo grape). So here’s hoping that more Mexican wine becomes available in the Canadian market.