The other night I went to a wine tasting. This wasn't a tasting a casual tasting at a store where you try a couple of wines that they're featuring. This was a 3 hour, multi table event held in the ballroom of a local hotel. Though I've been feeling a bit run down and exhausted, it's been awhile since I've done a tasting like this and it was being hosted by The Wine Library, so I just had to go. All in all, it was a great evening and the wines that stood out:
Cataldo Nero D'Avolo - As mentioned before, I am not a big fan of Italian wines. I tend to find them dusty and a little too earthy. This Nero, however; was light with just the right balance of fruit of restraint.
Tamayo Carmenere - Carmenere is one of my favorite wines right now. Carmenere is consideredd one of the original six grapes of the Bordeaux region (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot round out the list). Though its origins are French, most Carmenere is now made in Chile. Carmenere was originally used as a blending wine (particularly with Cabernet Sauvignon), but on its own it's really lovely - fruity, but dry, with a lot of nice pepper and smoke. This particular one had notes of white pepper, which really added a nice kick.
Jules Rose - Rose is the perfect wine for spring and summer - light, crisp and dry, and pairs easily with light picnic foods and many cheeses. This rose is a quintessential Provencal rose - as light as a souffle, but hearty enough to hold up a pasta salad, with notes of strawberry and currant.
At another time I'll give you the "dos and don'ts" of a wine tasting (e.g. Do Not Drink the Spit Bucket a la "Sideways"). Until then, have a great weekend and keep sippin'.
Cheers,
Alli
Cataldo Nero D'Avolo - As mentioned before, I am not a big fan of Italian wines. I tend to find them dusty and a little too earthy. This Nero, however; was light with just the right balance of fruit of restraint.
Tamayo Carmenere - Carmenere is one of my favorite wines right now. Carmenere is consideredd one of the original six grapes of the Bordeaux region (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot round out the list). Though its origins are French, most Carmenere is now made in Chile. Carmenere was originally used as a blending wine (particularly with Cabernet Sauvignon), but on its own it's really lovely - fruity, but dry, with a lot of nice pepper and smoke. This particular one had notes of white pepper, which really added a nice kick.
Jules Rose - Rose is the perfect wine for spring and summer - light, crisp and dry, and pairs easily with light picnic foods and many cheeses. This rose is a quintessential Provencal rose - as light as a souffle, but hearty enough to hold up a pasta salad, with notes of strawberry and currant.
At another time I'll give you the "dos and don'ts" of a wine tasting (e.g. Do Not Drink the Spit Bucket a la "Sideways"). Until then, have a great weekend and keep sippin'.
Cheers,
Alli