Barbecued Mini Ribs

These tasty ribs are known as Costillas in Spain. They are delicious cooked on a barbecue and almost as good when cooked under a hot grill. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of the sweet sherry.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

1 sheet of pork ribs, about 1 1/2 lb
6 tablespoon sweet oloroso sherry
1 tablespoon tomato purée (paste)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon seasoned plain (all-purpose) flour
Coarse sea Salt

Preparation

Separate the ribs, then, using a meat cleaver or heavy knife, cut each rib in half widthways to make about 30 pieces.

Mix the sherry, tomato purée, soy sauce, Tabasco, and sugar in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Put the seasoned flour in a strong plastic bag, then add the ribs and toss to coat.

Dip each rib in the sauce. Cook on a hot barbecue or under a hot grill (broiler) for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked and a little charred.

Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Best with...

Viñas del Cenit - Venta Mazzaron - 2003

Region: Zamora - Rating: 90 - 'A top-notch value'

COMPOSITION: 100% Tempranillo

TASTING NOTES: 'A superb discovery by broker Jorge Ordonez, the terrific 2003 Venta Mazzaron is a top-notch value. It offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of blackberries, cherries, smoke, licorice, and earth. Medium-bodied and elegant, with wonderful sweetness, plush tannin, and a long, pure finish, it will drink well for 2-3 years.'
- Robert Parker

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)

Region: Vino de la Tierra de Zamora

This wine is made from ungrafted Tinta de Toro old vines. The vineyards are planted on soils that are a good blend of sand and chalk with a good amount of iron over the typical underlayment of clay which is common in Toro. Yields are 1.5 t/acre (3.5t/h).

Production: 4,000 cases