Wines from around the world was the theme for our tasting in April. I decided to mix it up a bit and do the first forty-five minutes of the event in a blind format. Those who braved this part of the tasting were handed a sheet identifying the wines that were at the tasting and that was it. Their job was to try and figure out which wine was which. I had decided that if anyone got seven or more correct, they would receive a free bottle of their favorite wine from the tasting. As it turned out, two tasters got five correct which was very good. Marc got all the wines correct on the first table and I thought for sure he was going to do it. The second table did him in. It was a tough challenge but fun. I was glad to see about thirty brave souls come early to see how they could do. I will definitely plan another blind format for a future event. The wines selected were a good representation of wines from different countries. Two of the whites were incredible and the reds were very unique, especially the red in a one liter bottle with a bottle cap instead of a cork from Austria.

I had hernia surgery the week before so I was on light duty and my son Micah helped with all the heavy lifting. Thanks Son! That being said, I was not on my "A" game so my tasting notes are very limited. It was a fun event and everyone enjoyed the selections. Here is what we tasted and the crowds general reaction...

Whites:

2008 Weingut Schwarzbock Gruner Veltliner (Weinviertel, Austria)

This was a big hit with the tasters. Many had never tried a Gruner before and this was a nice surprise. Excellent acidity with notes of kiwi, lemon and lime. Very fresh and lively and only 12% alcohol.

Chateau de Saint Cosme Little James Basket Press Blanc

A blend of 60% Viognier and 40% Sauvignon blanc this was a very subtle white with notes of banana, ripe lemons and vanilla. This is one of those wines that you either like or hate. There were mixed reviews and like I said, they liked it or they didn’t. I personally like the understated nature of these wines and find that they are a great match with crab or roasted chicken.

Colterenzio Pinot Bianco (Alto Adige, Italy)

Another very interesting white that had good acidity and a nice minerality. This white reminded me of a pinot grigio with character. It was the least favorite as far as orders go but I heard a lot of positive comments. I think that the Gruner just stole the show from the other whites.

Reds:

Chateau La Roque Tradition Rouge... (Pic Saint Loup, France)

You just have to love wines from the Languedoc region of France. They are such good values and in most cases they are outstanding wines. This was one of my personal favorites. The nose was quite smokey leading me to believe that it was primarily syrah. I found out that it was mostly Grenache and then syrah. As we all know, syrah can be a very powerful influence on the nose so this wine showed a very smokey dark fruit bouquet. The palate had notes of dark fruits with a toasty edge. A very smooth wine with substantial but soft tannins. There was also a nice minerality to this red showing the terroir of the land. The tasters were with me on this one and even though it was not the least expensive of the bunch, many took advantage of the price offered.

Weingut E&M Berger Blauer Zweigelt (Kremstal, Austria)

What a mouthful! As with many wines from Austria, you have to understand a few grape varietals that are unique to this area. One of them is Zweigelt. This is a hybrid cross of Blaufrankisch (limberger) and Saint Laurent, one of the most widely planted red grapes in Austria. This wine piqued the interest of many as it was so unusual. Very light on the palate showing hints of cherry and anise. This is a wine that goes down easy and is only 12.5 % alcohol making it a nice one to have around. One person mentioned that they like to put a little ice in it during the summer month and just sit out on the deck or in the hot tub and sip it. Whatever strums your chord. I think this is an ideal wine for pizza or burgers. I was pleasantly surprised to see many come back for more, expanding their palate knowledge.

Martingborough Vineyards Russian Jack Pinot Noir (Martinborough, New Zealand)

I specifically requested this wine be added to the tasting list simply because I think it is one of the best pinot noir I have tasted for under twenty bucks. In a blind format I believe you would have a hard time telling this apart from a Burgundy from the Beaune region of the Cote-D’Or. Very intense on the palate with notes of raspberry and strawberries coated with a light dose of asian spices. The wine has muscle and finesse all at the same time. For those who have tried wines from Beaune you will know exactly what I am talking about. This wine shows almost perfect balance between fruit and acid. Having a stelvin closure may throw some off but do not let it stop you from giving it a try, you will not be disappointed. The tasters concurred.

Tres Ojos Old vines Granache (Calatayud, Spain)

If any country has mastered Grenache other then southern Rhone, it has to be Spain. I love many of the Spanish Grenache, especially ones that display that warm spice edge that can so easily be displayed in this varietal. This wine had a very earthy nose, almost a little "poopy" which I liked. The palate was the exact opposite showing generous fruit notes of plum, dark cherry and boysenberries. The tannins were plush and easy on the palate. This wine was neither heavy or thin just a nice easy to drink red, and a seven in the delicious factor. The crowd was quite impressed with this red from Spain.

Weather Report Cabernet Sauvignon (Prosser, Washington)

This cab threw many off in the blind tasting. It is not your typical style and is a little lighter then many might expect. The nose actually shows some interesting aspects. I got a little Lawry’s seasoning salt and cherries on the nose. There was a roundness to the fruit on the palate with notes of plum, boysenberry and asparagus. The finish was a little thin but not bad especially considering the price of only eight bucks ( only seven bucks at the tasting). There were a lot of folks who liked this wine, not only for the price but because it was a very pleasant and interesting wine.

Once Wines Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California)

This is one I did not get a chance to take any notes on. It is from Napa and the price was under twenty bucks. I got a lot of positive feedback from the group and I know that when I did taste it, it definitely had the Napa cab profile. Good structure with cedar and cherry notes on the palate. Any time you can get a Napa Cab for twenty bucks, it is worth trying.

Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico ( Tuscany, Italy)

I do remember this one because it stood out as a classic Chianti (No pun intended). It had the traditional "Old World" style of bright cherries, minerality and hints of leather. The acid was well integrated with the fruit giving it a nice mouth feel and good easy flow across the palate. This wine screams for food as it should. Match this baby up with lamb or a hearty pasta dish with red sauce, and you will understand what Italian wine is all about. This was the most expensive wine of the bunch rolling in at around twenty-five bucks, so many skipped ordering it. The economy is tough and springing for a wine of this caliber can be a hard decision. For those who love this style, they could not resist.

Well, that was the line-up! Sorry I didn’t score the wines but because of my situation I wasn’t able to give them the attention I normally do.

I would like to thank everyone for their support in April, it is always a tough month with Spring breaks and taxes. I am already working on next month with the theme..... "Old World vs. New World Wines." Make plans to be there for this educational and fun event. Stan The Wine Man.