Cepa Vieja Sherry Vinegar

$24.00

Vinagres de Yema’s Cepa Vieja falls somewhere between a balsamic and a red wine vinegar, with a sweet flavor and lingering hint of raisiny must that is typical of aged sherries. Aged in 100-year-old oak barrels, the final product has the complexity of every previous batch, as well as smoky notes from the oak itself. The company—founded by renowned winemaker Fernando T. De Terry y Galarza in Spain’s Andalucia—produces its vinegar via the solera method, the same process used to blend sherries of different ages. With the flavor profile of sherry vinegar that has been aged for 25 years, Cepa Vieja is the oldest vintage available from the company. Try it combined with sweet-tart grapes in our Roasted Chicken Breasts with Grapes and Sherry Vinegar.

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Cascina Oschiena Classic Carnaroli Rice

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Cascina Oschiena Classic Carnaroli Rice

$19.95

For Italian cooks, the rice of choice for risotto is always going to be carnaroli. Easier-to-find Arborio is also commonly used—but it will often render your dish gloopy and gummy. Medium-grained carnaroli, however, is prized for its ability to achieve the perfect, creamy risotto texture without the individual grains turning into mush. Like pasta, the grains should be just a touch al dente—no longer crunchy in the center, but just soft enough that each grain is tender, with a dense, chewy center. This Italian producer’s carnaroli achieves that flawlessly, with tender grains giving way to a creamy, luxurious sauce. When steamed, it’s fluffy with a lovely creamy-dense texture. And it easily absorbs the flavor of whatever liquid you use to cook it.

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Merula Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

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Merula

Merula Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

$22.00

When I visited Spain recently, I found that the restaurant kitchens I visited used a simple all-purpose Spanish olive oil. We spent a few months searching for a Spanish oil that was not unreasonably priced and would be good for everyday cooking. Produced from a blend of Spanish olives, Merula extra-virgin olive oil tastes fruity, balanced and bright—and lacks the throat-gripping bitterness of lesser brands. Merula’s bold flavor and rounded mouthfeel is suitable for dressings, vinaigrettes, sauces and most sautéing. The convenient 500-milliliter can keeps light out and preserves freshness.