Sunday, March 27, 2022

Upcoming Events & About Us

Welcome to TWITs - click here to read about us.

List of Wines the TWITs have tried so far ---> TWITs Events
 
Helpful Tasting & Pairing Aides ---> Help
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NEW Wine Shop in town!
Sidetracked Wine Co. - "A wine shop in Chamblee, Georgia dedicated to wine drinkers of all walks of life. Offering daily flights, a distinguished wine club and the finest wine professionals in all the land, right at your fingertips, we’re a wine shop that has it all but still doesn’t know what it wants to be when it grows up. Come in, let’s get sidetracked together."
In the news -- RoughDraftAtlanta

Other notable wine shops in the Atlanta Area:
Brookhaven Wines - complimentary wine tastings on Fridays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 2:30pm every week
Grapes & Grains - wine and liquor store (2 locations, one with a drive through)
Vino Venue - wine shop and restaurant, wine and cooking school as well, obtain your WSET certifications here.
Perrine's Wine Westside - boutique wine shop on the westside of Atlanta 
3 Parks Wine - in Glenwood Park and Old Fourth Ward
Vinoteca - Inman Park
Dom Beijos - Kirkwood, Portuguese Wines
Elemental Spirits Co. - in the Virginia/Highland area near Manuel's Tavern, featuring Natural wines
Highland Fine Wine - Morningside/Lenox Park area
Fermented - wine boutique in Alpharetta
Deep Roots - wine market & Tasting Room - Roswell

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TWITs Events:  
Currently on hiatus, but could revive the club later on.  Ms. Abbie is attending to personal commitments at this time.

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Wine Infographics:

Red Wine:  RED wine
Sean Seidell also does Infographics on more than just Wine items, which is also pretty darn cool. Follow his Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/seanseidellartscience

Wines TWITs have tried so far:

2024 - tbd

2023 - took the year off

2022 (14 years of TWITs)
January - March - skipped due to COVID-19 variants
April - Ukrainian Wines & Food - hosted by Abbie

---------------------------------------------------------   PREVIOUS YEARS  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008
January - March - I missed these first few
April - Malbec - hosted by Ms. Shannon
May - Grenache - hosted by Ms. Abbie
June - Pinot Grigio - hosted by Ms. Amanda
July - Chianti - hosted by Ms. Jane
August - Reisling - hosted by Ms. Mina
September - Monastrell - hosted by Ms. Sarah
October - Rioja - hosted by Ms. Abbie
November - Petite Sirah - hosted by Ms. Jennifer
December - no wine club this month


2009
January - Champagne - hosted by Ms. Jane
February - Organic Red Wines with No Sulfites Added - hosted by Ms. Abbie
March - ISAW Wines - hosted by Ms. Mina
April - Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley Oregon - hosted by Ms. Elizabeth K.
May - Sauvignon Blanc - hosted by Ms. Elizabeth
June - Nero D'Avola - hosted by Ms. Shannon
July - no wine club this month
August - Viognier - hosted by Ms. Deb & Ms. Jennifer
September - Tempranillo - hosted by Ms. Elizabeth K.
 CANCELLED
October - Barbera - hosted by Ms. Mina
November - Gamay/Beaujolais - hosted by Ms. Abbie
December - Holiday Sparkling Wines - hosted by Ms. Sarah

2010
January - Wine & Cheese Pairings - hosted by Ms. Jane
February - ISAW Foundation Tasting at Emily Amy Gallery - hosted by ISAW, EAG, and the TWITS
March - no wine club this month
April - Chilean Wines - hosted by Ms. Abbie
May - Pinot Noir - hosted by Ms. Deborah & Ms. Jennifer
June - Pinot Grigio - hosted by Ms Marilyn
July - no wine club this month
August - Rose - hosted by Ms Abbie
September - cancelled

October - Prosecco - hosted by Ms Kat
November - no wine club this month
December - Sparkling Wines - hosted by Ms Abbie


2011
January - no wine club this month
February - South African Wines - hosted by Ms Abbie
March - North Georgia Winery Tour
April - no wine club this month
May - no wine club this month
June - Le Caveau tasting 6/4/11
July - Le Caveau tasting 7/3/11
August - Spanish Wines - hosted by Ms. Abbie
September - no wine club this month
October - no wine club this month
November - French Red Wines - hosted by Ms. Abbie
December - Australian or South African Shiraz/Syrah - hosted by Ms. Marilyn

2012
January - Tempranillo - hosted by Ms. Ardela
February - Tuscan Wines - hosted at Le Caveau
March - Garnacha - hosted by Ms. Leslie
April - Georgia Mountain Wineries Bus Tour - TWITs Event
May - Bottleshock Movie Night - hosted by Mr. Janssen
June - Arizona Wines & Blood Into Wine Documentary Viewing - hosted by Le Caveau & Prime Wine & Spirits
July -Rose - hosted by Mr. Janssen
August - Wine to Water Charity Event - hosted by Ms. Deb
September - Chianti - hosted by Ms. Susan
October - ISAW Foundation Wines - hosted by Ms Ardela
November - Gamay & Beaujolais Nouveau - hosted by Ms. Marilyn
December -Christmas Cabernet - hosted by Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt

2013
January - Le Caveau and Joe Herrig - New Wines for 2013
February - Vino Venue - Try the Enomatic Wine Tasting System
March - Bordeaux Wines - hosted by Ms. Val and Mr. Rheinallt
April - Pinot Noir - hosted by Ms. Kathy and Mr. Jamie
May - Italian Wines - hosted by Ms. Deb and Mr. Jaffett
June - I Don't Always Drink White Wine, but When I Do, I Drink This - hosted by Ms Abbie and Mr Matt
July - Le Caveau Blind Tasting of Natural Wines - hosted by Ms Melissa and Mr Les
August - Argentine Wines - hosted by Ms Abbie and Mr Matt
September - Holiday Dinner Wine Pairings - hosted by Ms. Kim and Mr. Alan
October - TWITs GA Winery Tour - TWITs event
November - Cabernet Franc - hosted by Ms Marilyn
December - Languedoc Wines - hosted by Mr Matt and Ms Abbie

2014
January - Syrah - hosted by Ms Jacki & Mr Santi
February - A Red Wine You Love - hosted by Ms Abbie & Mr Matt
March - we ended up postponing February's tasting into March, so we covered both months already.
April - Tomfoolery Tasting - hosted by Ms Jackie & Mr Santiago
May - Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa or Sonoma & Pool Party - hosted by Ms Lynn & Mr Brian
June - La Dolce Vita!  Favorite Italian Wines hosted by Ms Kathy & Mr Jamie
July - German & Austrian Wines - hosted at Le Caveau 
August - Chardonnay - hosted by Ms. Ardella
September - TWITs Takeover Southbound - hosted by Southbound Restaurant
October - Spanish Red Wines - hosted by Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt
November - Rhone Wines - hosted by Ms. Valerie and Mr. Rheinallt
December - Sparkling Wines- hosted by Ms. Marilyn

2015
January -Winter White Wines - hosted by Ms Abbie & Mr Matt
February - we skipped February
March - Volcanic Wines - hosted by Ms. Karin and Mr. Joshua
April - Eastern European Wines - hosted by Mr Matt and Ms Abbie
May - Loire Valley Wines - hosted by Mr. Rheinallt and Ms. Val
June - Rose - hosted by Mr. Janssen
July - Australian Wines - hosted by Ms Kat and Ms Angela
August - Basque Wines and a Game - hosted by Ms Deb and Mr Jaffet at Le Caveau
September -Red Wines of the Piedmont - hosted by Abbie & Matt
October - we skipped but Abbie had a Serendipitous Encounter with Jancis Robinson!
November - Au Rendezvous Bistro - hosted by Abbie & Matt
December - Oregon "Pick Your Pinot" - hosted by Ms. Marilyn

2016
January - Farewell to Marnie @ Kaleidoscope
February - Greek Wines - hosted by Abbie & Matt
March - White Burgundy Wines - hosted at Le Caveau Fine Wines
April - Uruguay and Brasil: the Overlooked South American Wine Country - co-hosted by Joshua & Karin and Deb & Jaffet
May - Pet-Nat Wines - hosted by Ms. Lauren
June - skipped June
July - Shining Stars Charity Wine Tasting - hosted by Marilyn with Randall & Karen of Marietta Wine Market
August - Albarino - hosted by Abbie & Matt
September - Georgia Mountain Winery Bus Tours - hosted by Marietta Wine Market
October - Spooky-good-to-be-true Bargain Bin Wines - hosted by Deb & Jaffet @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
November - Zinfandel on the Porch Tasting - hosted by Ms. Kathy & Mr. Jamie
December - Naughty or Nice Nebbiolo - hosted by Ms Abbie & Mr Matt

2017
January - Bodega Renacer Wine Tasting & Barrel Painting - hosted at Vino Venue
February - Burgundy - hosted by Val and Rheinallt
March - City Wine & Spirits Tasting with Deb & Jaffet
April - Earth Day Wine Tasting hosted by Ms. Vicki & Ms. Lane
May - Wines from Women Wine Producers hosted by Abbie & Matt
June - TWITs takeover Southbound - hosted by Big Mike
July - Skipped
August - Arizona Wines & Blood Into Wine Documentary Viewing - hosted by Abbie & Matt Lane
September - Lesser Known Italian Wines - Brookhaven Wines
October - Skipped
November - Tempranillo & Tapas - hosted by Rachel & Chris
December - Benefit for Vineyards Damaged in California Wildfires - hosted by Abbie & Matt Lane

2018 (celebrating a decade of TWITs!)
January - skipped
February - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve & Crissy
March - TWITs 10 year Anniversary - hosted by Abbie & Matt
April - Chianti - hosted by Vicki & Lane
May - The Judgement of Paris - hosted by Chad & Christy
June - Pool Party and Cookout - hosted by Ms. Crystal
July - skipped
August - Chardonnay Showdown - hosted by Matt & Abbie
September - skipped
October - Autumn Reds - hosted by Rachel & Chris
November - Bring Your Favorite Holiday Wine - hosted by Kathy & Jamie
December - Wines of Portugal & Blanc Elephant Exchange - hosted by Matt & Abbie

2019 (11 years of TWITs)
January - no host
February - rescheduled
March - The World of Alternative White Wines - hosted by Crissy & Steve
April - no host
May - no host
June - no host
July - Closed TWITs
August - TWITs (Almost) Farewell Party - hosted by Abbie & Matt
September - paused - going to a quarterly format
October - We Aren't Done Yet - hosted by Vicki
November - paused - going to a quarterly format
December - Holiday TWITs & Blanc Elephant Gift Exchange - hosted by Abbie & Matt

2020 (12 years of TWITs)
January - skipped
February - Date Night Wines - hosted by Crissy & Steve
March - Battle of the Bottles - hosted by Chad & Christy - POSTPONED due to COVID-19
April - Virtual Wine Happy Hour - hosted by Abbie & Matt
May through December - skipped due to COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 (13 years of TWITs)
January - May - skipped due to COVID-19 Pandemic
June - Battle of the Bottles - hosted by Chad & Christy
August - December - skipped due to COVID-19 variants etc.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Ukrainian Wines & Food - April 30th, 2022

Ukrainian Wines & Food - April 30th, 2022 - hosted by Abbie

Theme:  Ukrainian Wines & Food

Russia launched a full-scale military invasion into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, fighting has caused over nine hundred civilian deaths and pushed millions of Ukrainians to flee to neighboring countries. More information on the conflict here.  We stand with Ukraine and join the United Nations, G7, EU, and other countries continuing to condemn Russian actions and support Ukrainian forces.  I am appalled to also learn that Russia is forcing deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.  Stealing children?  It is sickening. 

I felt a need to assist in some way.  Yes, donating money is one way, which many of us have done.  However, what else can we do?  War brings about many other casualties, sometimes even cultural extinction.  We have seen this in history many times.  I sincerely hope this will not happen.  In any case, I wanted to bring awareness and understanding of Ukrainian culture, learn about it myself, and perhaps find new ways to help.  So, the TWITs will do what we do best:  experience their wines, their food, and music.  

Trying to find Ukrainian wines in the Atlanta area was nearly impossible.  I contacted nearly every boutique wine shop in town, and also checked with my contacts among local distributers and importers.  Nobody was able to procure much of anything for us (2 bottles of sweet wine were the only options).  Not willing to give up on this challenge, I turned to the internet and began searching.  I finally found two sites which had Ukrainian wines in stock and would ship to Georgia.  Special thanks to https://tipxy.com/ and BestBuyLiquors.com.  Both sent me wines via FedEx.  I was able to procure wines from Chateau Chizay and Shabo.  

The next step was to find Ukrainian food to pair with the wines.  Unfortunately, I could not find any local Ukraine restaurants, although I did find a few Russian ones.  I have read their cuisine is very similar.  I am not boycotting any local Russian restaurants.  However, I opted to order a cookbook  so we could create the food ourselves.  I felt it was a better way to experience the culture. Chateau Chizay in particular, has an onsite restaurant which prepares foods to pair with their wines (of course).  While the website is translated in English, the menu was not.  I did a rough google translate to figure out some of the dishes.  They also had a few menu items on their site translated with photos, so that was helpful also.  

Ukraine has a origins of winemaking dating back to the 4th century BC (in Crimea), going back 2500 years back in the present-day Odesa region.  

"Chateau Chizay is one of the most important wineries of Ukraine. The historical region of Transcarpathia is located in the Western Ukraine, in the area of Carpathian Mountains where Ukraine borders Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Here the mild sun light is wonderfully combined with optimal rainfall amount, and Carpathian Mountain landscape covers the vineyards from northern winds. Soil, full of minerals and micronutrient elements adds a unique taste to the grapes, and wine gains a very special nature." - from their website

"Shabo Wine Culture Center is located in a resort area in the Odesa Region, southern Ukraine – one of Europe’s oldest regions where winemaking traditions are dated as far back as the ancient times. Shabo Wine Culture Center is the only tourist complex in Ukraine located right on the premises of an active winemaking enterprise – combining state-of-the art, high-tech production process with unique historical and cultural landmarks."

Bring:  TWITs should bring $35/person to cover the cost of the wines

Food Pairings:  TBD I ordered a cookbook, pending delivery

Tasting Notes: (prepped in advance)

Shabo Royal Story Korolevskoe Royal Shabo White 750ML 3/$26.67 REGION: Odes'ka (Odessa) VARIETALs: Blend, Aligote, Rkatsiteli - Made from rkatsiteli and aligote grown in Ukraine. The wine has a light straw color, enjoyable taste, and harmonious aroma with floral tones.  Shabo – one of the oldest terroirs in Europe. Progenitors of winemaking in this region are considered the ancient Greeks. It is they who in VI-II centuries BC founded on the Black Sea the village of Tyre (later – city Ackerman) and had the first vineyards planted here. And it was more than 2.5 thousand years ago.  Rkatsiteli is a highly-valuable Georgian grape variety, inducted to the ‘golden stock’ of Georgian winemaking. This variety originates from Kakhetia. Translated from Georgian, its name means ‘red vine’. Rkatsiteli is considered a universal grape variety, a ‘Jack of all trades’. It is used to produce European- and Kakhetian-type wines, which cannot be confused with anything else. Rkatsiteli shows excellent result in the production of grape alcohol used in brandies and grape vodkas. Finally, it is simply a tasty table grape from which one can make an enjoyable and healthy grape juice.   ***Rkatsitelli pairs excellently with Lebanese, Turkish, Iranian and even Indian cuisines including spiced meats, aromatic rice, lentils, bean dip, and smoked eggplant.

Shabo Chardonnay Grand Reserve 2016 750ML 3/$56.67 REGION: Odes'ka (Odessa) VARIETALs: Chardonnay, dry white wine, 13.5% alcohol, straw core with shiny golden highlights, transparent halo, limpid. tropical fruits, floral, great minerality, melted butter, dry herbs, vanilla, high acidity, high alcohol, medium body.  ***pairs with Chicken Kiev

Chizay Red Blend Kosher × 1 750ml $13.99 - Semi-sweet, Kosher red wine is made from selected Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes of the 2018 harvest.  Blend is a mixture of varieties. The name Red Blend means that we have combined the best bunches of the world's two most famous grape varieties to create a true harmony of taste and aroma - an elegant and balanced wine, with a pleasant tartness in taste and a special floral and fruity range of aromas. Red Blend wine was created specifically for export to the United States. Volume - 0.75 liters, Alc. - 12%, Sugar - 45 g / l, Color - Red, Grape variety - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Aroma - full of floral and fruity nuances, Taste - harmonious, shades of flowers, pleasant tartness, ***In an excellent example of contrast, sweet wines are a natural match for very spicy or salty foods. However, the sweet flavor of semi-sweet or off-dry wines also pairs well with naturally sweet dishes, such as honey-glazed ham, or pork with a port wine reduction sauce.

Chizay Pinot Noir × 3 750ml $56.97 - A special red dry wine made from Pinot Noir grapes of the same name and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.  The aroma of the wine is complex, with bright tones of ripe black berries, spices and hints of vanilla. In the rich taste of Pinot Noir, dark berries of blackberry, black currant, cherry and plum are harmoniously combined with elegant tannins. The wine is well structured and leaves a long aftertaste. Volume - 0.75 liters, Alc. - 13.9%, Color - Red, Grape variety - Pinot Noir, Aroma - ripe black berries, spices, notes of vanilla, Taste - ripe cherries, blackberries, black currants, plums, elegant tannins, ***Fits to:  wildfowl Game, meat, mature-cheese, Hard cheeses, red-fish

Shabo Merlot Reserve 2018 750ML 3/$29.67 - REGION: Odes'ka (Odessa) VARIETALs: Merlot - Made from selected Merlot grapes, harvested by hand at dawn from special areas of Shabo «terroir», where the highest quality viticulture practices are applied to obtain great quality grape. After double-sorting of grapes, fermentation takes place in oak tanks «Taransaud» (France) with temperature control.  Aging for at least 6 months in oak barrels adds nobleness and complexity to wine.  ***grilled/roasted beef, blue cheese, chicken, berries, garlic, mushrooms, lamb, pork loin

Chizay Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher × 3 750ml $32.97 - Intense pomegranate-colored dry wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Aging in French oak barriques for 9 months. The bouquet of wine is rich in aromas of ripe cherries and currants combined with notes of paprika, tobacco and cocoa. The taste is balanced, with a pleasant tannin structure, which feels the spicy tones of pepper, chocolate and blackberries. The aftertaste is rich and long. Volume - 0.75 liters, Alc. - 14%, Color - Red,  Grape variety - Cabernet Sauvignon, Aroma - ripe cherries and currants, notes of paprika, tobacco and cocoa, Taste - pleasant tannin structure, spicy tones of pepper, chocolate, blackberry, rich and long aftertaste, ***Fits to: wildfowl Game, meat, mature-cheese, Hard cheeses, ribeye steak,

Shabo Royal Story Kagor (Cabernet Sauvignon) Ukrainian 750ML 3/$29.67 - Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Produced from the cabernet sauvignon grape variety grown in Ukraine, The deep, dark garnet color highlights a complex, round, harsh taste with prune, chocolate, and blackcurrant tones  ***beef, mushrooms, lamb, cheddar cheese,

Chizay Moscato Kosher × 1 750ml $10.99 - Semi-sweet, Chateau Chizay MOSCATO semi-sweet white kosher wine is made from Muscat Ottonel grapes grown in Chateau Chizay vineyards. It has a special and extremely pleasant fruity-floral aroma with light notes of spices. The amazing taste of Moscato is characterized by a delicate tingling of tiny bubbles and has a wonderful balance between refreshing acidity and sweet fruity notes. Volume - 0.75 liters, Alc. - 12% Sugar - 45 g / l, Color - White, Grape variety - Muscat Ottonel, Aroma - pleasant, fruity-floral, light notes of spices, Taste - moderately sweet, balanced, harmonious, long aftertaste of nutmeg, ***Fits to: chicken, vegetables, mature-cheese, Hard cheeses, fruit, 

Chizay Ice Wine Riesling × 1 375ml $29.99 - An unusual, rare and world-famous dessert wine made from grapes that froze on the vine during the first frosts. The juice in the berries at this time is concentrated, extremely sweet and fragrant. The high value of this wine is due to the large number of frozen and preserved berries, which are needed to squeeze enough juice. Volume - 0,375 l, Alc. - 12%, Sugar - 110 g / l, Color - White, Grape variety - Rhine Riesling, Aroma - bright, tones of white flowers, exotic fruits, quinces, peaches and citrus, The taste is harmonious with floral and fruity notes, ***Fits to: cupcake or Desserts, fruit

Chizay Butterfly Chocolate × 1 500ml $6.99  Brand: Chizay, Size:500ml, ABV 11.50%, This wine possesses a subtly sweet, natural chocolate flavor with a hint of roughness that is truly delightful. Enjoy chilled, on the rocks, in various cocktails or ***with desserts.

Odessa - V.S.O.P. Brandy × 4 100ml $23.96 - Belonging to world-famous ShustoFF’s Cognac Family, brandy Odessa is currently #4 best-selling brandy in the world according to Drinks International’s Millionaires’ Club 2021. This V.S.O.P premium quality brandy is produced in the ideal climate conditions, because the distillery that was founded by Nikolay Shustov in 1863 is located by the cost of Black Sea. The brandy was named after the city that is renowned for centuries of winemaking and brandy production – Odessa. Tasting notes: Balanced, Bold, Butter, Caramel, Chocolate, Dried Fruit, Fig, Honey, Intense, Oak, Sweet, Toasty, Vanilla, Velvety, Brand: Odessa Brandy Size: 100ml, ABV: 40.00%  - ok ok I know Brandy isn't really wine but... I wanted to try this.

Saturday, June 5, 2021

TWITs Battle of the Bottles - June 5th, 2021

TWITs Battle of the Bottles - originally set for March 14th, 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.  Rescheduled to Saturday, June 5th, 2021.
hosted by Chad & Christy

Theme:  Battle of the Bottles - blind tastings between various pairs of bottles, you have to guess which one of the two is the expensive wine ($50+), and which is the budget bottle (~$20 or less). 
     1st Place:  The most accurate guesses goes to Drew!  He guessed 5 out of 6 bottle battles correctly!
     2nd Place: Val with 4 correct guesses
     3rd Place: Tie between Abbie and DuPree with 3 correct guesses 
We did not guess on the Welcome Wines (in case you were counting).
I'd like to give honorable mention to Rheinallt for the most hilarious tasting notes I've read in a while.  Great job sassy pants!

TWITs brought $40/pp to cover the cost of the wines.

Food Pairings:
Chad & Christy prepared some wonderful food pairings for us.


Tasting Notes:
All bottles purchased via Wine.com

Welcome Wine
Food Pairing - Charcuterie Board
Bottle 1: J Vineyards California Cuvee - $24.99
12.5% alcohol
vs
Bottle 2:  Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet L'Origine Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV - $45
12% alcohol

Riesling 
Food pairing - Shrimp w cocktail sauce
Bottle 1: 2017 Dr Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling - $49.99 
12.5 % alcohol
Petrol, stone fruits, minerality, dry, honeysuckle, tropical, unripe papaya, pear, semi-dry, honeydew citrus, no petroleum, very light, shite, sickly, too sweet, nice acidity, but no petrol, cloying after palate, floral, pear, very dry for Riesling, good pear floral, gardenia, I liked this one just guessed wrong, pear floral dry
vs
Bottle 2: 2018 Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Dry Riesling - $16.99
12% alcohol
kerosene, soapy, musky, stinky, viscous, dry briny, gasoline, clean, dry, lots of gasoline, ribana, layers of minerals, it's a deal it's a steal, very dry, briny, petrol, soapy, mineral, not so good, petroleum, flower, pear, plastic, new toy, dry, flower

Sauvignon Blanc
Food Pairing - Bacon/Goat Cheese/Olive Quick Bread
Bottle 1:  2018 Beyond Sauvignon Blanc Buitenverwachting South Africa - $10.99
13.5% alcohol
citrus, lemony, depth, olive, brine at back palate, peaches, pithy, peach cobbler, mineral, lemon, very nice clean nose, spitting out citrus like a deranged satsuma, RH's fave wine of the evening! lemon, dry, acid, very balanced, lemon, sugar, citrus, sweet but rich smooth, fresh, crisp, not very grassy, citrus, would like to drive this to me, brine, citrus, lemon
vs
Bottle 2: 2015 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand - $69.99
14% alcohol
petrol, peaches and cantaloupe, stone fruits in yo face, tangerine candy, rich, no no no no no No Zealand, stone fruit over the top, too much acid, too much mineral, less sweet, crisp, grapefruit, sophisticated, peaches, like 1, crisp, peach cobbler, peach, jackfruit, sweet

Rose
Food Pairing - Strawberry salad (Baby lettuces with feta, strawberries, and almonds)
Bottle 1:  2018 Chateau Romassan Ott Bandol France - $58.99
13% alcohol
almost no nose, drinking air, flavored water, if you put bubbles in it it's a White Claw, light in color, no me gusto, devoid of character, vapid but roughness, why you give me roughness? no want. very delicate strawberry, cream, White Claw flavored water, dry, light, doesn't taste like much, color off, very bland
vs
Bottle 2: 2018 Famille Combard Figuiere Magali Signature Cotes de Provence - $19.99
13% alcohol
better color, better flavors, bitter finish, bland but smells like a rose, bit more biting, some banana but still okay, but not good. more acid, cloying after palate, nice, a little sweeter, pepper, not so good, guest soap in grandma's bathroom

Pinot Noir
Food Pairing - Asian meatballs with sauce
Bottle 1:  2017 J Vineyards Pinot Noir Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma Counties - $18.99
14.3% alcohol
berries, chocolate, spice, light, dark fruits, very good California Pinot, classic Pinot attributes like cola and dandelions and burdock, fruit forward, cola, balanced, very nice, sweet berry, blueberry, rich, peppery, dark berries, devious, best so far, blackberry, light on nose, fruit forward
vs
Bottle 2:  2016 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast/Sonoma County - $59.99
14.1% alcohol
higher alcohol, headache tomorrow wine, sour, young, very similar to the other Pinot but lighter, brighter, and better, richer mouthfeel, cola, more spice, more alcohol, cherry nose, but less (illegible sorry), 

Malbec
Food Pairing - Roquefort blue cheese Slider/Burger
Bottle 1: 2014 Tapiz Black Tears Malbec Mendoza Argentina - $54.99
14.5% alcohol
lovely, dark chocolate, leather, berries, woody, dark fruit, baking spices, solid little Malbec, so solid with the burger slider, yes so nice, anise spice and cloves and some other stuff, anise, nose all dark fruit
vs
Bottle 2: 2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico Mendoza Argentina - $12.99
13.5% alcohol
f*ck me nose, smooth, sexy, berries, jam yet dry not sweet, smiley face, hotness up the nose, high ethanol, roughness in the extreme, just rough, pickles, brine, pine, didn't like either of these, pine, smooth

Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Pairing - Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
Bottle 1:  2017 Michael Mondavi Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon Napa County - $20.99
13.7% alcohol
bell pepper, chocolate bliss, bell pepper cacao on the nose, solid cab, prob new wood, maybe pedestrian Cab, spice, fruit, nice balance, like, fruity, smooth, good
vs
Bottle 2:  2015 Hall Eighteen Seventy-Three Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - $74.99
15.6% alcohol
spice and chocolate, smiley face, this has mint, just mint, why does it have mint? spearmint at that! butter, pastry fruit nose, tannin, classic cab, more tannin





WSET Level 1 - Abbie's Adventure

WSET Level 1 - Abbie's Adventure

With the COVID-19 Pandemic wreaking havoc across the world, yet online courses being available, I decided to finally get a wine certification through Vino Venue (the APP - Approved Program Provider).

WSET - stands for Wine & Spirits Education Trust.  The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the largest and most recognised organisation providing formal education in wines (sake and spirits) for professionals and enthusiasts. WSET programmes focus on developing systematic tasting skills and product knowledge of the significant wines and wine producing regions of the world. The skills learnt through WSET programmes can be applied to understand and evaluate all wines, regardless of region. For this reason, many sommeliers choose to study for WSET qualifications to gain their product knowledge, opting to develop their service skills on the job.

I opted to start at the beginning with WSET Level 1.  This course was approximately $250 USD.  This did not include the tasting wines and food samples however.  The course doesn't mandate that you purchase the wines and food samples, but it definitely helps with the learning experience. 

These are the wines I purchased for my WSET Level 1 Course:


The food items needed were:  black seedless grapes, tartaric acid (I found this on Amazon.com), sugar, black tea (I used PG Tips), a sweet biscuit, salt, a slice of lemon, and cooked mushrooms or msg powder. 

The 4-week course is offered online, at your own pace.  There were no set scheduled "classes", only the requirement that you participate in the assignment chats (again at your own pace and timing), and complete all of the assignment modules before taking the exam.  There is an online instructor available for a live chat once a week (scheduled at a specific time - often an odd hour for some, so as to accommodate the time zones of the multiple attendees).  The live chat is optional, but it is useful if you have questions.  The course I registered for started on Monday April 26th and went until Sunday May 23rd, 2021.  These are the dates the online instructor is available to answer questions or reply to your chats.  After the end date, the instructor is no longer available.  I believe I still have access to my course materials for a set amount of time (I forget how long) so I can study. 

I was surprised at how many different people from different countries were in my class.  We had attendees from Italy, Ireland, China, USA, Germany, etc.  so many different places.  This was truly a diverse class.  

I was disappointed that we could not take the exam right after class finished.  Why not the same day or next day?  However, the earliest available exam date was 2 weeks out.  I took that time to make notes and trivia questions for my friends to quiz me on, so I could study for the exam.

The exam was taken online.  I had to have 2 devices (my laptop and either a smartphone or iPad/tablet).  The laptop had to have a camera and microphone, so my exam could be recorded.  The iPad was so I could be recorded from the side using the ProctorExam app.  This helps to ensure you are not cheating on your exam.  No poster or writing can be on the walls.  If you have a glass of water it has to be clear, no bottles with labels or any writing on the glass.  No pieces of paper, even if blank.  No other person can be in the room with you either.  No wine bottles or any alcohol items in the room.  The rules are pretty thorough.

I took my invigilated exam online on Sunday June 13th, 2021.  I must say, it took me longer to setup all my devices, and ensure proper recording, etc. than it did to actually take the exam.  They also have you film 360 degree view of the room, your desktop, under your desk, the ceiling, and all four corners of the room, to ensure there is nothing there to invalidate your test results.  The exam was 30 multiple choice questions, and I had 45 mins to take the exam.  I believe I finished my exam in about 10 minutes (after setup).  

I am still awaiting my results.  I believe the results should be sent out roughly 2 weeks after taking the exam.  I hope I passed.  I feel pretty good about the exam, but unlike the ITIL exams I have taken via the invigilated/online method, the WSET didn't immediately tell me my score.  I understand they have to certify the results, but at least with the ITIL exams they tell you your score immediately, and then you only have to wait a few weeks for them to certify it, and send your certificate to you.  Yes I did put this in my feedback survey.

Overall it was a pleasant experience and I highly recommend this certification, should you be interested.

I'll update you with my score once I get it. :)

UPDATE:  I did not receive my score until October 2021.  I passed. yay!  However, I do not understand why it took nearly 5 MONTHS to get my exam results.  I've taken ITIL proctored exams where they at least give you a preliminary score immediately after your exam - with the understanding they have to certify it officially at a later time.  I would have loved to know if missed any questions right away for the WSET, but no.  I had to wait.  Sigh.  We have the technology, not sure why AXELOS has theirs working great but WSET can't use similar tech?  Now I am wondering if we get a certificate or anything to print out?  Probably will take a year for that though. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

No Foolin' - Virtual Wine Happy Hour - April 1st 7pm

No Foolin' - Virtual Wine Happy Hour - April 1st 7pm

Join us on Zoom for a Virtual Wine Happy Hour.

You'll need a computer or tablet with video capability to see and hear the participants.  you can also join on your smart phone, but it will be harder to see/hear.

Open a bottle of something delicious, and we will share what we're drinking, how it tastes, etc.

Abbie & Matt were drinking:  2018 Coudert Fleurie Cuvee Christie ~ $20/bottle
"This textbook Beaujolais displays raspberry, cherry and floral pastille character while dusty mineral and baking spice nuances lend complexity and lift. Juicy, balanced and finely detailed, the 2018 provides immense pleasure now but will only get more interesting over the next few years. "

Rachel & Chris were drinking:  2017 Requiem Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $20
"This very distinguished, super stylish Cabernet Sauvignon was grown biodynamically in Washington's Columbia Valley. Densely layered and quite substantial in the mouth, this bottling delivers generous blackberry and black currant fruit, wrapped around a vibrant core of acidity which keeps the wine pert and lively on the palate. The fruit for this bottling was sourced from 4 vineyard sites in Walla Walla and Horse Heaven Hills."

Kathy & Jamie were drinking:  La Croix out of a wine glass (Kathy was on a diet?) and Jamie was drinking Terrapin Beer

Chad & Christy were drinking:  Happy Canyon Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blanc
to pair with their vindaloo.  I could not find the exact bottle pictured online, sorry.

Crissy & Steve were drinking:  Zichichi Old Vine Zinfandel
something they had barrel tasted when they had visited wine country.

Josh & Dave were drinking: Alexander Valley Chardonnay from Naked Wines

Brandy & Louis were drinking:  Cousino Macul "Isadora" Sauvignon Gris
purchased from Iberian Pig - they were selling 6 wines for $100. (2 sparkling, 2 white, 2red)
tart, floral, like a not quite ripe pear, but pairs with the pizza (white sauce pizza)

Rheinallt & Val were drinking:  2018 Frederic Esmonin Bourgogne Les Genevrieres Rouge  Gevrey-Chambertin.  it's "jolly tasty" from Brookhaven Wines, approximately $25, pairing with pizza and brussel sprouts.  it's a frozen gluten/dairy free pizza


Saturday, February 15, 2020

February 15th - Date Night Wines - hosted by Crissy & Steve

February 15th - Date Night Wines - hosted by Crissy & Steve

When?   Saturday, February 15th @ 7pm ET

Theme:  Date Night Wines - TWITs should bring a bottle of their favorite date wine!  What date night wine would you bring to WOW a date or your significant other?  I'm hoping for some funny anecdotes to go with your bottle, if you have a story to share.


Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  Mauro Sebaste Moscato d'Asti ~$18 @ Total Wine
sparkling wine, slightly sweet

1) 2015 River Road "Stephanie's Cuvee" Pinot Noir, Green Valley of Russian River Valley ~ $25-28 @ Total Wine
14.3 % alcohol
"Any pinot is a good date wine for me." this one was curated, Stephanie (may be) the wine producer's daughter.
bromantic, berries, rufanol forward on the nose (ok guys), spicy w a hint of roofie, eucalyptus, fermented grapes, chocolate notes, light, viscosity, solid pinot noir.

2) 2014 Michel-Schlumberger Merlot Dry Creek Valley ~$45 from winery (albeit they do really great sales on a mixed case twice a year, and you can get them for almost $12/bottle then)
14.7% alcohol
Abbie & Matt visited this winery/vineyard in Dry Creek, and had a fantastic time sipping wine, snacking on appetizers, sitting on their patio in the sunshine overlooking the property.  Lovely place!
spicy, has heat on it, tart on back of tongue, cherry, cedar, academia adjacent, hint of brandy, makes my tongue taste like the Sahara Desert, needs some greasy food w it, lamb bolognese would be a good pairing.

3) 2018 "The Dreaming Tree" Pinot Noir ~ $12 @ Kroger or Publix
13.5% alcohol
"I was dreaming of a date"
soft pinot, tart cherry, easy drinking, cocoa powder, milk chocolate

4) 2017 Shroud Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $18 retail (but she got it on a subscription trial offer via National Geographic so it probably evens out to $5/bottle)
13.2% alcohol
(fictional story), met a guy at the National Geographic Museum (does this even exist? ha ha), they had epic sex, and then drank this amazing wine.  (cue "Bad Touch" music by the Bloodhound Gang).  many jokes of "Night at the Museum" come to mind now.
eau de sewage, sweet broccoli, tart, dry, thin flabby finish, it already died, why did they dig it up? tastes like a museum next to a sewer, "subscriptiony"

5) 2016 SLO Down Wines "Sexual Chocolate" ~ $25 @ CostCo or $40 @ Whole Foods
14.5% alcohol
Syrah, Zinfandel Blend
"When you see a bottle with this name, you buy it.
And drink it on date night.
and then again and again
and give it to your friends."
smells like pizza, tastes like pizza, its almost sweet and chocolatey, chocolate berries, a berry blend, decent, too sweet for me

6) 2016 Orin Swift "Machete" Saint Helena ~ $55 @ Caps & Corks
15.7% alcohol
Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache,
First Date, look at the label, he died happy, whoever he was.
sharp, dangerous nose, very short bit of sweet on the finish, full bodied, inky purple, pepper notes, white pepper, a lil tart, machete mama, cassis, no bra, subtle minerality,

7) 2017 Francis Ford Coppola "Directors Cut" Cinema ~ $45 retail, but was on sale $25 @ Kroger
14.5% alcohol
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah
"All the wine at Brandy & Louis' wedding was Coppola wine, but they have not tried this bottle yet.  Their date nights usually involve red wine and chocolate, and so tonight they brought some Lindt 70% extra dark Lindor Truffles for us to pair with this one"
rich, smooth, velvety, pairs with chocolate very well, red hots, delicious!

8) 2017 Kenwood Zinfandel Jack London Vineyard Sonoma Mountain  ~ $35 retail but was on sale for $15 @ CostCo.
15.6% alcohol
It has a Wolf on the label, reminds her of Shakira's She Wolf song
chewy, berries, clean nose

9) King Vineyards "7" Virginia ~ $30 from winery
dessert wine 17% alcohol
Merlot port
delicious, not too sweet. Pairs delightfully with the hazelnut chocolate ganache pie.

Bonus wine:
2017 Fortunati Fortivo Proprietary Red Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley ~ $46 from Winery
14.8% alcohol
fortivo means strong