Brian's Spain Domain – Podcasts and Writings by Brian Murdock

Let’s Open a Bottle – D.O. Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Part 1

The most famous wine in Spain from a historical perspective has got to be sherry. It’s been around for time immemorial, and the oldest winery goes back as far as 1650. It has also been traditionally it’s most international. And yet it has to be one of the least understood of Spain’s wines and it has something to do with the complexity of this fascinating winemaking process. There’s so much to say that we’re going to have to devote several episodes to it. So, let’s learn what it’s all about! Enjoy!

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The Black Prince Ruby: The Spanish origin of the famous crown jewel

This past weekend millions witnessed for the first time in 70 years (and in their lifetime, for that matter) a coronation in the United Kingdom. Naturally, that includes using real crowns and everything! Probably the most recognizable headpiece is the Imperial State Crown, worn by Charles on his way to Buckingham Palace. In the center is a beautiful red spinel stone known as the Black Prince Ruby, and it most assuredly came from the treasure chest of Pedro I of Castile in 1367. Learn a little more about its history in today’s podcast. Enjoy!

Spanish Sayings In Danger

With the increasing effects of climate change looming, and a deep drought continuing to drain Spain of its water supply, classic Spanish sayings and idioms find themselves in danger of being rendered obsolete. Listen and learn more!

Spanish History 101, Ep. 24: Fernando and Isabel and the Great Turning Point

We’ve reached the end of the 15th Century and the reign of the Fernando and Isabel (known as the Catholic Monarchs). They exchanged wedding vows, joined forces and policies for their respective kingdoms (Aragon and Castile) and in many ways took the first major step towards unifying Spain. This is hands down one of the most important and influential periods in Spanish history; and to add to that, we have the discovery of the New World. What more can we say? Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

Let’s Open a Bottle 10: D.O. Ribera del Duero

Some wine regions feel like classics from the minute they begin to exist. Ribera del Duero is one of those regions. A land which was seen wine for over 2,000 years, many producers were thinking about giving up in the 1970s. But in 1982, the D.O. was created, and now this is one of the most popular and revered regions in Spain, dazzling the nation and abroad with full-bodied elegant red wine. Listen and learn more!

The Resurrection of Semana Santa

Semana Santa is a major holiday week in Spain, and the tradition of Semana Santa religious processions is as popular as ever, if not more. Hundreds of thousands of people, dare I say millions, will stand for long hours along the streets to watch the brotherhoods in hooded garb solemnly march by as they accompany images of the Passion around the town. But does that reflect an immense show of faith, or are these events looked at more culturally than spiritually? Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

SPANISH HISTORY 101: the 15th Century

We are closing in on the eve of a major moment in Spain’s history: its unification and the Discovery of the New World. But before that happens, the two biggest kingdoms at the time, Castile and Aragon, experience periods of intense instability. There’s no time for boredom here as they struggle to keeps things together. Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

Follow-up episode: More on stolen wine and A-bombs!

I recently read some articles about the same subjects I featured in a couple of episodes. One is about a famous wine heist that took place in Caceres in November of 2021; and the other retold the infamous story of a mid-air collision between a B-52 and a refueling plane that resulted in the avcidental dropping of 4 nuclear bombs on the coast of Spain. The consequences could have been apocalyptic but miraculously the damage was moderate at worst. Still, the area has yet to be fully cleared of the radioactive waste left behind. The authorities are inching towards this aim.

King John of Gaunt of Spain?

If I were to tell you that John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, and one of the wealthiest and most dashing individuals in England, not only once claimed the throne of Castile in late 14th century but actually tried to the take kingdom over, would believe me? Well, you should, because it really happened. Both he and his older brother, Edward, the Black Prince, were active in these lands during this volatile period in European history. Listen to this brief podcast and learn more. Enjoy!

LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE 9: D.O. Toro

If you haven’t already tried it, it’s time you gave wines from Toro, especially red wine, a go. These are classics from Spain. Some even assert they were the first to reach the New World. They are bold and full of personality. The name, which actually refers to a town, aptly describes their boldness. In the past 20 years, they have experienced a well-deserved show of resounding approval. Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

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