The story of Jean Leon the man is the making of a Hollywood movie. First of all his birth name was Angel Ceferino Carrion Madrazo and he was born in Santander, Espana. He attempted to sneak into the US about 8 times and was finally successful on his last attempt. I would have loved to have had a conversation with him. He was friends with lots of Hollywood actors (including Marilyn Monroe, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Marlon Brando, Robert Wagner, ...) and several American presidents (Ronald Reagon, John F. Kenney, George Bush, ...). He worked for Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio. He was a business partner with actor James Dean. His wine was served at the inauguration of president Ronald Reagon, his friend; although he was a life long democrat. He owned and operated the finest Italian restaurant, La Scala, in Hollywood. The food at his restaurant was so good that the government of Italy declared him Italy's top food ambassador to America. He served Mayilyn Monroe her last meal before she passed away. His was the first major winery to plant French varietals in Spain and win awards with his results. The list of amazing feats in his life go on and on. I strongly encourage you to google his name for more facts about his amazing life story. I have only scratched the surface with the few facts that I have highlighted.
Moreover, why am I writing about his winery? Well, I had the privilege to have toured his beautiful award winning winery. The location is very beautiful, its located on the country side of Catalonia. The wine I was offered during my tour was simply excellent. Overall, I am not a big fan of Chardonnay, yet, the one I tasted here was simply the best I have ever tasted. It was bright and vibrant, it was not aged in a wood barrel which changes the character of the final grape product. It was a very delicious white wine that would pair up perfectly with seafood. I am now officially a fan of their young unaged unoaked Chardonnay. His cabernet sauvigon was also very good as was his mix of cabernat franc and cabernet sauvigon. Both of his red wines were heavy complex reds with excellent residual flavors that would pair up well with a beef or lamb meal. All of the wines would be excellent choices with tapas. Now, I should mention the tour guide was excellent. He never lost anyone's attention in the group. He was just an all around excellent presenter. I am sorry that I don't remember his name, but he is in my photographs. I highly recommend stopping here for a tour of the winery and a tasting of the great wines! Buen provecho!! read more