Holiday Sparkling Wines - December 16th, 2009 - Ms. Sarah
Ms. Sarah, arranged for us to do a tasting at The Grape-Phipps Plaza. Thank you Sarah for setting this up!
Wikipedia: Sparkling Wine. White wine. Also Cava, Cremant, Champagne, Espumante (Spanish), Rose, Prosecco (Italian), Sekt (German), Pezsgo (Hungarian), Iskra (Bulgarian), Sovetskoye Shampanskoye (Russian), etc.
Pairings: smoked salmon, buttered popcorn, brie and gouda, shrimp and shellfish, stuffed mushrooms, sweetbread and marscapone cheese, shortbread cookies, fruit-based desserts. more pairings
About: Sparkling wine is fizzy wine
Tasting Notes:
1) Gruet, Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico
Said to have "creamy texture with great finesse." Blanc de Noirs means "White of Black" as it is a white sparkling wine produced by dark colored grapes. Gruet Blanc D Noirs is made from Pinot Noir.
Abbie thought it was perfectly dry with a delicate bit of sweet juiciness.
2)J, Rose Brut, Sonoma County
Said to have "delicate, pale pink sparkling wine with fresh fruit flavors of strawberry and rhubarb." This sparkling wine is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
Abbie thought it was a bit sour tasting (in a nice way), tart, and very bright & lively. Too cheeky for my preference in a sparkling wine though. Lovely pale rose color. Most of the TWITS seemed to love this one!
3) Jed Steele, Black Bubbles, Sparkling Syrah, Lake County
Said to be "100% Syrah, Fruity, playful, perfect for holiday parties"
Jed Steele's son practiced wine making in Australia and discovered this sparkling Shiraz. He brought his idea back home, to formulate this unique Syrah Blend.
Abbie thought it was a lovely dark maroon color, festive, and slightly sweeter than the others.
Other highlights of the evening:
Someone needs to make a "Caperberry Pizza" and we feel it would be a hit!
The Truffle Tremor Cheese, is TO DIE FOR!
My table ordered up some other red wines to taste (not sparkling though)
1) Mollydooker, The Scooter, Merlot (can get at Total Wine for ~ $25/bottle)
aromas of plum, chocolate, etc, velvety texture, amazing spice and smooth taste, and legs that go on and on like a Rockette!
Abbie recently fell in love with Mollydooker wines, on a trip to New York City over Thanksgiving. She tried The Boxer first, and then Two Left Feet. The Grape only had The Scooter and The Violinist on-hand, but being a true Red Wine Wino, Abbie insisted on The Scooter. It was absolutely worth it. The Total Wine at Perimeter carries "The Boxer" and "Two Left Feet" in stock.
Learn about the "Mollydooker Shake" also.
2) Martin Codax Ergo Rioja (Tempranillo)
dark, robust flavor, some fruit, and smooth yet dry.
3) MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Delicious! The 2007 vintage is absolutely sold out! Yummy!
A Wine Club in Atlanta, GA, founded in 2008. We meet to taste wine, gab, snack, and learn. TWITs is all about having fun, trying wines, and growing your palate.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
UnCorked at PARISH - Saturday Dec 12th and then every 1st Saturday of the month!
"PARISH "Uncorked" This Saturday, December 12th, 2009
This Saturday, start your night out right. PARISH will be hosting their ever-popular "Uncorked" Saturday night party at 7:30pm in the Market. Bring a bottle of wine, to share, along with $10 for cover charge that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and wine service, of course! All wine that is brought is placed on the communal table for attendees to enjoy. It is the perfect way to sample a wide variety. Remember, the more people that come, the more wine there will be for tasting, so grab a bottle from your cellar or the store, and come party at PARISH to enjoy samplings from the many bottles guests will be bringing for your enjoyment. Moving forward, “Uncorked” will be the first Saturday of every month! "
PARISH is located at 240 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-681-4434
This Saturday, start your night out right. PARISH will be hosting their ever-popular "Uncorked" Saturday night party at 7:30pm in the Market. Bring a bottle of wine, to share, along with $10 for cover charge that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and wine service, of course! All wine that is brought is placed on the communal table for attendees to enjoy. It is the perfect way to sample a wide variety. Remember, the more people that come, the more wine there will be for tasting, so grab a bottle from your cellar or the store, and come party at PARISH to enjoy samplings from the many bottles guests will be bringing for your enjoyment. Moving forward, “Uncorked” will be the first Saturday of every month! "
PARISH is located at 240 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-681-4434
Monday, November 30, 2009
ISAW Blackout Today
Letter from Stephen:
"Dear Friends,
This Tuesday December 1, ISAW will launch our 2010 initiative, the Drink Well Do Good Tour. On Tuesday December 1, people from all over the world will take part in a simple campaign called BlackOut. We're asking that on this day, you all can help us cause a stir with this celebration. Here's how:
1) We'd like to send you a file of our ISAW logo. Can you make this your Facebook image for one day? If youre a blogger of tweeter, can you post this image?
2) Can you print this logo, take a picture of you holding it, and send it back? We are going to put the images on a gallery on our website (which launches on Dec 1). The goal is to have people from cities all over the world send us images of them holding the ISAW graphic. The gallery will read ISAW ATL, ISAW CAPE TOWN, ISAW DC, etc...Its that simple. In the weeks ahead we will build on this campaign and have a very cool catalog of art and viral campaigns. Help us bring in the BlackOut by forwarding this to others. Thanks for your support and we look forward to sharing more about the exciting developments around the 2010 Drink Well Do Good Tour. Please email isawstephen@gmail.com for more details and your BlackOut graphic.
Drink Well, Do Good,
Stephen"
Friday, November 13, 2009
Krog Bar - post from Abbie
Wednesday night, my husband and I went to Krog Bar downtown. We were headed to a business meeting, but we were early, and it just so happened that Krog Bar was nearby. It's not a large place, but it is cozy.
The first thing I saw, was a leg of pork on a stand. Proscuitto? PERFECT.
The wine list made my mouth water.
The olives were outstanding.
The cheese was to die for.
Krog Bar ... Menu
you gotta check it out.
-
I had the Notre Malbec, and my husband had the El Gatano Malbec. Spanish Olives, and Manchego for munchies. mmm
-
Even though it is on "Krog" street, there's more to the name:
"About the word "KROG" from Sweden: Krog is a little "better" than a pub or bar - krog is an old word for a restaurant that serves food as well as drinks, and would even sometimes have a band and a small dance floor."
The first thing I saw, was a leg of pork on a stand. Proscuitto? PERFECT.
The wine list made my mouth water.
The olives were outstanding.
The cheese was to die for.
Krog Bar ... Menu
you gotta check it out.
-
I had the Notre Malbec, and my husband had the El Gatano Malbec. Spanish Olives, and Manchego for munchies. mmm
-
Even though it is on "Krog" street, there's more to the name:
"About the word "KROG" from Sweden: Krog is a little "better" than a pub or bar - krog is an old word for a restaurant that serves food as well as drinks, and would even sometimes have a band and a small dance floor."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Gamay - November 10th 2009 - Ms. Abbie
Gamay - November 10th 2009 - Ms. Abbie
Wikipedia: Gamay, a red wine. also Beaujolais
Pairings: Cornish Hen, raspberries, onions, dates, oily, fatty, or salty foods pair well with Gamay
About: Gamay, purple grape, grown in the Beaujolais or Loire valleys of France. Popular wine made from it, called "Beaujolais Nouveau" - released just before Thanksgiving Day (festive). Even if we can't get Beaujolais Nouveau in time, we can get Gamay wines now (at Total Wine or other stores). 3 levels or tiers of Beaujolais, the every day kind, then Beaujolais Villages, then the highest tier is called a Cru. There are 10 recognized Cru's of Beaujolais. We tasted 2 Cru's this time around: Brouilly and Moulin-A-Vent.
We dined on a customized flank steak flat bread from Seasons 52 (had flank steak, chipotle sauce, poblano peppers, mushrooms, onions, goat cheese, spinach, not sure what else, but it was good) , oil-cured black olives, peanut M&Ms, artisan cheese rice crackers, as our pairings for this wine club meeting.
Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages (12.5% alcohol) - $9.99 at BJ's Wholesale
Ruby/brick color, medium depth, clear-ish, low scent, low tannins, long finish
Bouquet: No scent, clean
Notes: tart, almost carbonated feel on the tongue, light, yet subtly lingers, dry-ish
Mina tastes blackberry, Jennifer tastes Boysenberry, Mina says there is a bitter note at the end
2) 2007 Moulin-A-Vent Georges DuBoef Domaine des Rosiers (13% alcohol) - $15.99 Old Milton Pkg
bouquet-soft, mustiness,
notes: tart, lingers, mulled fruit sauce taste, fuller body, dry, more mature wine
darker color, Matt tastes honey caramel, dry crisp.
3) 2008 Brouilly, Jean Claude Dubeaune, Domaine des Nazins (12.5%)- $14.99 Total Wine
no scent,
tart, fuller body than #1, sweeter/dry finish, but it fades much too fast, I feel let down.
Matt says smoked cherry, Mina says dry, less tannins,
WINNER: We had a tie. The winner was #2 (for Abbie & Jennifer), or #3 (for Matt & Mina)
Wikipedia: Gamay, a red wine. also Beaujolais
Pairings: Cornish Hen, raspberries, onions, dates, oily, fatty, or salty foods pair well with Gamay
About: Gamay, purple grape, grown in the Beaujolais or Loire valleys of France. Popular wine made from it, called "Beaujolais Nouveau" - released just before Thanksgiving Day (festive). Even if we can't get Beaujolais Nouveau in time, we can get Gamay wines now (at Total Wine or other stores). 3 levels or tiers of Beaujolais, the every day kind, then Beaujolais Villages, then the highest tier is called a Cru. There are 10 recognized Cru's of Beaujolais. We tasted 2 Cru's this time around: Brouilly and Moulin-A-Vent.
We dined on a customized flank steak flat bread from Seasons 52 (had flank steak, chipotle sauce, poblano peppers, mushrooms, onions, goat cheese, spinach, not sure what else, but it was good) , oil-cured black olives, peanut M&Ms, artisan cheese rice crackers, as our pairings for this wine club meeting.
Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages (12.5% alcohol) - $9.99 at BJ's Wholesale
Ruby/brick color, medium depth, clear-ish, low scent, low tannins, long finish
Bouquet: No scent, clean
Notes: tart, almost carbonated feel on the tongue, light, yet subtly lingers, dry-ish
Mina tastes blackberry, Jennifer tastes Boysenberry, Mina says there is a bitter note at the end
2) 2007 Moulin-A-Vent Georges DuBoef Domaine des Rosiers (13% alcohol) - $15.99 Old Milton Pkg
bouquet-soft, mustiness,
notes: tart, lingers, mulled fruit sauce taste, fuller body, dry, more mature wine
darker color, Matt tastes honey caramel, dry crisp.
3) 2008 Brouilly, Jean Claude Dubeaune, Domaine des Nazins (12.5%)- $14.99 Total Wine
no scent,
tart, fuller body than #1, sweeter/dry finish, but it fades much too fast, I feel let down.
Matt says smoked cherry, Mina says dry, less tannins,
WINNER: We had a tie. The winner was #2 (for Abbie & Jennifer), or #3 (for Matt & Mina)
Twitter's Fledgling Wine
Fledging Wine: Twitter Launches Wine Label To Benefit "Room To Read" Nonprofit
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Barbera - October 14th, 2009 - Ms. Mina
Barbera - October 14th, 2009 - Ms. Mina
Wikipedia: Barbera - A red wine.
Pairings: tomato or mushroom sauces, barbeque, cheeseburger, roast beef, etc.
About: Italian wine from Piedmont region. d'Alba, d'Asti etc. Varietal is resistant to disease, has higher acidity, grows well even in warmer climates, purplish-black grape, early browning. Vanilla,smoke, toasty oak. Great as a blend, notes of red and blackberry,cherry, and sometimes oak. best if it breathes for 1-1.5 hrs.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2008 Barbera d'Alba La Loggia - Trader Joes $7.99
acidic smell, tart yet light at the end, cherry, lighter purple/red color, a bit see-through, summery flavor
2) 2008 Barbera d'Alba Oltrepo Pavese Pozzi - Total Wine $12.99
mustier spice smell, with hint of yogurt scent. dry, more mature red grape taste, lingering dryness, cranberry flavor,
perfumey tasty (Sarah's comment)
3) 2006 Barbera d'Alba Ruvei Marchesi Di Barolo - Total Wine $16.99
alcohol, cedar, clove nose. almost tart but smoother cherry/raspberry flavor, dry, sticks to tongue, smoothness is almost like dark chocolate, Deb said bubblegum.
4) 2006 Barbera d'Alba Rocca Felice - Total Wine $14.99
"light cabernet" feel, quick nose, oaky, dried apricot. musty vanilla, leather scent. heavy vanilla taste, more complex than the others
5) same as #2, 2008 Barbera d'Alba Oltrepo Pavese Pozzi - Total Wine $12.99
clean smell (almost no nose). bright tart cherry taste, blueberry, cranberry hints. puckery, dry, pleasant FAVE.
Wikipedia: Barbera - A red wine.
Pairings: tomato or mushroom sauces, barbeque, cheeseburger, roast beef, etc.
About: Italian wine from Piedmont region. d'Alba, d'Asti etc. Varietal is resistant to disease, has higher acidity, grows well even in warmer climates, purplish-black grape, early browning. Vanilla,smoke, toasty oak. Great as a blend, notes of red and blackberry,cherry, and sometimes oak. best if it breathes for 1-1.5 hrs.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2008 Barbera d'Alba La Loggia - Trader Joes $7.99
acidic smell, tart yet light at the end, cherry, lighter purple/red color, a bit see-through, summery flavor
2) 2008 Barbera d'Alba Oltrepo Pavese Pozzi - Total Wine $12.99
mustier spice smell, with hint of yogurt scent. dry, more mature red grape taste, lingering dryness, cranberry flavor,
perfumey tasty (Sarah's comment)
3) 2006 Barbera d'Alba Ruvei Marchesi Di Barolo - Total Wine $16.99
alcohol, cedar, clove nose. almost tart but smoother cherry/raspberry flavor, dry, sticks to tongue, smoothness is almost like dark chocolate, Deb said bubblegum.
4) 2006 Barbera d'Alba Rocca Felice - Total Wine $14.99
"light cabernet" feel, quick nose, oaky, dried apricot. musty vanilla, leather scent. heavy vanilla taste, more complex than the others
5) same as #2, 2008 Barbera d'Alba Oltrepo Pavese Pozzi - Total Wine $12.99
clean smell (almost no nose). bright tart cherry taste, blueberry, cranberry hints. puckery, dry, pleasant FAVE.
Tempranillo - Sept. 16. 2009 - Ms. Elizabeth K.
Wine Club was postponed for September 2009 due to scheduling conflicts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tempranillo - Sept. 16, 2009 - Ms. Elizabeth K.
Wikipedia: About Tempranillo, a red wine.
Pairings: Tapas, Olives, Marinated Mushrooms, dry cured ham, sheep milk cheeses, cheeses with higher salt content, Note: avoid blue cheeses. prawns, chorizo, Spanish foods, etc.
About:
cancelled
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
cancelled
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tempranillo - Sept. 16, 2009 - Ms. Elizabeth K.
Wikipedia: About Tempranillo, a red wine.
Pairings: Tapas, Olives, Marinated Mushrooms, dry cured ham, sheep milk cheeses, cheeses with higher salt content, Note: avoid blue cheeses. prawns, chorizo, Spanish foods, etc.
About:
cancelled
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
cancelled
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
ISAW is having a Pinot Party!
ISAW Foundation (which was just granted non-profit status or is now a US-based 501(c)(3) company) - is hosting a PINOT Party!
Per Stephen's email:
Per Stephen's email:
" Pinot Party
Finally, a related, personal, programming note. Many of you know that my affinity for wine began in the Willamette Valley, in Portland, OR. What you didn't know is one of the first wine functions I ever hosted was with a small winery called Apolloni. Almost 5 years later, Apolloni has expanded into the GA market, and my old friend and National Sales Director Laura Gordon is in Atlanta introducing these wines. On Thursday September 24th, she'll be at Buckhead Wine Storage pouring estate grown Pinot Noir for only $5!! If you know how expensive and delicious Oregon Pinot is you're all over this.
What: Apolloni Pinot Noir Tasting
When: Thursday September 24, 2009 7:00PM-9:00PM
Where: Buckhead Wine Storage, 3185 Maple Drive (just one block West of the corner of Peachtree X Piedmont)
Cost: $5 (BYOG- Bring your own glass) $10 All others"
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The glass says it all
Photograph of a piece done by Sarah Hobbs, seen in Atlanta Style and Design Summer 07 issue. This photo cracks me up with all the funny writings on the wine glasses.
"Why are you crying?" , "How much do you weigh?" , "I am deep in debt" , "Here alone? Did you get dumped?" , Can you loan me some money?" , "How much did you pay for that?" , "I'm asking for a divorce." , "Why aren't you married yet?" , "Do you see a therapist?" , "I have a really weird rash." , "What grades does your kid make?" , "We fought before you got here." , "What's that pill for?" , "Just soda? Are you pregnant?" , "How much do you make?" , "D you know what your problem is?" , "Guess how much I make?" , "I started seeing a shrink" , "I don't know why I invited them" , " I may lose my job." , " Are you two sleeping together?" , "Have you gained weight?" , "When are you going to have a baby?" , "We can't afford this house." , "Were you just talking about me?" , "Are those real?" , "Our sex life is non-existent."
It's the things you may hear people saying at a party, or things they may be thinking quietly to themselves. All most inappropriate, but funny none-the-less.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Gold Medal Wine Club
I love the Gold Medal Wine Club! https://shopnow.goldmedalwine.com/storefront/SpecialWines.aspx?type=Top5&utm_source=email_gifts&utm_medium=Top5&utm_campaign=gift_giving%2B
I am thinking about getting a friend the Gold Series Wine Country Gift - Five Gifts in One! Only $69 - Includes two bottles of Gold Series California award-winning wines, (one red, one white) neatly gift wrapped in tissue and bows, with a trendy BNY black neoprene wine bottle tote, a sleek wooden handle corkscrew, and a polished wooden bottle stopper. All packaged in artist commissioned Wine Country Gift Box. I have used them for about 15 years for gifts. During the holidays they have great specials!
I am thinking about getting a friend the Gold Series Wine Country Gift - Five Gifts in One! Only $69 - Includes two bottles of Gold Series California award-winning wines, (one red, one white) neatly gift wrapped in tissue and bows, with a trendy BNY black neoprene wine bottle tote, a sleek wooden handle corkscrew, and a polished wooden bottle stopper. All packaged in artist commissioned Wine Country Gift Box. I have used them for about 15 years for gifts. During the holidays they have great specials!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Viognier - August 12th, 2009 - Ms. Deb & Ms. Jennifer
Viognier - August 12th, 2009 - Ms. Deb & Ms. Jennifer
Wikipedia: About Viognier a white wine.
Pairings: Viognier pairs well with spicy food, vegatarian cuisine, and cheeses. Per a recent article from Snooth.com, Viognier pairs well with creamy Camembert, Ricotta Salata, or Goat Gouda. For our tasting, we had various seedcrackers with chili sauces, basil rolls with thai and peanut sauces, and crackers with hummus.
About: (jokingly, Deb & Jennifer call it Vee-on-yippee-yi-yay). Was previously an endangered grape as there were only 35 acres left in France in the 60s. Now there are more than 2001 acres in California, and vineyards in Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, TX, VA, and Washington. The grape is shy, difficult to grow, drought tolerant, but can get mildewy very easily. Grape has high sugar/low acidity, and is attractive to Chardonnay drinkers.
Words: Citrus, pear, peach, iris, ylang ylang, musk, honey, lychee, marmalade
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) Viognier Bears Lair 2007 - Trader Joe's $5.99
Color - clear/pale yellow, some hint of green. Nose - lightly peachy. Taste - pear, apple, light citrus. Sarah says "rounded"
2) Viognier Toasted Head 2007 - Dunnegan Hills $7-8 on sale (usually runs about $12.99)
Color - Goldy, too golden, reminds me of Chardonnay. Nose - stronger scent, honeydew melon, toasted oak. Taste - buttery, vanilla-ish, citrus, sweeter. Deb says "Long legs for a white"
3) Viognier Les Piliers 2008 - Total Wine $14.ish
French, earth friendly wine. Color - Light, yellowy, greenish straw. Nose - subtle apple, lite oak, gardenia maybe? honey citrus. Taste - tart, yet lingering, a little apricot, dry. Label on bottle says it pairs well with lobster and cream sauce. mmm FAVE!
4) Viognier Honey Moon 2007 - Trader Joe's $5.99
Color - Light, clear gold, yellow/green. Nose - Light, summery, ocean air. Taste - light, crispy yet lingering, coaxes you to try more, makes me salivate like I do with pineapple, tropical flavor. Label on bottle says pairs well with Thai food, coconut, curry. 2nd favorite of the bunch.
5) Viognier White Knight 2006 - Harry's Market $13.99
Color - golden, clear-ish. Nose: Ripe, stanky, lime, smells like chardonnay (can you tell I am not a chardonnay fan?). Taste - bland, air, quick, muddled, blah, nothing. No follow-thru, it's a teaser and there's no satisfaction at the end. Definitely not the Viagra of Viognier.
6) Viognier Bears Lair 2007 - Trader Joe's $5.99
Color - yellowgreen. Nose - no smell at all. Taste - nice, subtle, light, summery, herbacious, greeny. Perfect beginning course wine.
The winner of this evening's tasting was wine #3! The Les Piliers Viognier 2008. Delicious!
Wikipedia: About Viognier a white wine.
Pairings: Viognier pairs well with spicy food, vegatarian cuisine, and cheeses. Per a recent article from Snooth.com, Viognier pairs well with creamy Camembert, Ricotta Salata, or Goat Gouda. For our tasting, we had various seedcrackers with chili sauces, basil rolls with thai and peanut sauces, and crackers with hummus.
About: (jokingly, Deb & Jennifer call it Vee-on-yippee-yi-yay). Was previously an endangered grape as there were only 35 acres left in France in the 60s. Now there are more than 2001 acres in California, and vineyards in Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, TX, VA, and Washington. The grape is shy, difficult to grow, drought tolerant, but can get mildewy very easily. Grape has high sugar/low acidity, and is attractive to Chardonnay drinkers.
Words: Citrus, pear, peach, iris, ylang ylang, musk, honey, lychee, marmalade
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) Viognier Bears Lair 2007 - Trader Joe's $5.99
Color - clear/pale yellow, some hint of green. Nose - lightly peachy. Taste - pear, apple, light citrus. Sarah says "rounded"
2) Viognier Toasted Head 2007 - Dunnegan Hills $7-8 on sale (usually runs about $12.99)
Color - Goldy, too golden, reminds me of Chardonnay. Nose - stronger scent, honeydew melon, toasted oak. Taste - buttery, vanilla-ish, citrus, sweeter. Deb says "Long legs for a white"
3) Viognier Les Piliers 2008 - Total Wine $14.ish
French, earth friendly wine. Color - Light, yellowy, greenish straw. Nose - subtle apple, lite oak, gardenia maybe? honey citrus. Taste - tart, yet lingering, a little apricot, dry. Label on bottle says it pairs well with lobster and cream sauce. mmm FAVE!
4) Viognier Honey Moon 2007 - Trader Joe's $5.99
Color - Light, clear gold, yellow/green. Nose - Light, summery, ocean air. Taste - light, crispy yet lingering, coaxes you to try more, makes me salivate like I do with pineapple, tropical flavor. Label on bottle says pairs well with Thai food, coconut, curry. 2nd favorite of the bunch.
5) Viognier White Knight 2006 - Harry's Market $13.99
Color - golden, clear-ish. Nose: Ripe, stanky, lime, smells like chardonnay (can you tell I am not a chardonnay fan?). Taste - bland, air, quick, muddled, blah, nothing. No follow-thru, it's a teaser and there's no satisfaction at the end. Definitely not the Viagra of Viognier.
6) Viognier Bears Lair 2007 - Trader Joe's $5.99
Color - yellowgreen. Nose - no smell at all. Taste - nice, subtle, light, summery, herbacious, greeny. Perfect beginning course wine.
The winner of this evening's tasting was wine #3! The Les Piliers Viognier 2008. Delicious!
Il Bar at the Pennsview Hotel
Recent trip to Philly for work:
Check out the last 4 photos in the album link below, they are of the PennsView Hotel, which has an AMAZING Wine Bar.
The bartender guy was super nice, and he designed a custom "Flight" tasting of wines for me. I told him about the wine club, and he let me take their wine menu home. I'll bring it to the next wine club, in case anybody wants a peek.
Abbie's Photo Album
Over 120 wines at your fingertips! WOW! We need one in ATL!
Originally I was thinking of ordering Flight # 810 - Latin Loves, but the bartendar was recommending Flight #806 - Franc-O-File. So, in the end he picked the best of both and made a custom flight of red wine tastes for me.
1) Tap 94 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Mendoza-Libertad Vynd Luna Benegas 2006 (Argentina)
2) Tap 124 - Garnacha D.P Carinena Castillo De Monseran 2006 (Spain)
3) Tap 111 - Fronsac Merlot 80%/Cabernet Franc 15%/Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Chateau Barrail Chevrol 2005
4) Tap 95 - Coteaux Du Languedoc La Melia Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Carignane Montpeyroux 2004
5) Tap 107 - Cotes Du Roussillon Grenache/Syrah/Carignane Chateau Montesquieu 2004
They went from lighter to more full bodied. My favorite was the 4th glass, it was earthy/peaty smelling, and very firm. The most unique of them all was the 5th glass. The nose was an earthy barnyard smell, almost poopy, but not quite. The Bartendar described it as a saddle sway scent - sure what he said! It tasted very dry and full. All-in-all it was a great wine, but not my favorite.
Check out the last 4 photos in the album link below, they are of the PennsView Hotel, which has an AMAZING Wine Bar.
The bartender guy was super nice, and he designed a custom "Flight" tasting of wines for me. I told him about the wine club, and he let me take their wine menu home. I'll bring it to the next wine club, in case anybody wants a peek.
Abbie's Photo Album
Over 120 wines at your fingertips! WOW! We need one in ATL!
Originally I was thinking of ordering Flight # 810 - Latin Loves, but the bartendar was recommending Flight #806 - Franc-O-File. So, in the end he picked the best of both and made a custom flight of red wine tastes for me.
1) Tap 94 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Mendoza-Libertad Vynd Luna Benegas 2006 (Argentina)
2) Tap 124 - Garnacha D.P Carinena Castillo De Monseran 2006 (Spain)
3) Tap 111 - Fronsac Merlot 80%/Cabernet Franc 15%/Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Chateau Barrail Chevrol 2005
4) Tap 95 - Coteaux Du Languedoc La Melia Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Carignane Montpeyroux 2004
5) Tap 107 - Cotes Du Roussillon Grenache/Syrah/Carignane Chateau Montesquieu 2004
They went from lighter to more full bodied. My favorite was the 4th glass, it was earthy/peaty smelling, and very firm. The most unique of them all was the 5th glass. The nose was an earthy barnyard smell, almost poopy, but not quite. The Bartendar described it as a saddle sway scent - sure what he said! It tasted very dry and full. All-in-all it was a great wine, but not my favorite.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bottle Shock
Wine Movie: Bottle Shock
Famous Wine: Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
We will be tasting the 2007 (it's all I could find or afford at this time).
Total Wine usually has it for $39.99/bottle but they were sold out.
Hinton's Wine Store has ONE bottle for $42.99. I'll take it.
Links of Note:
Chateau Montelena Visitor Reviews
Purchased by a Frenchman?
History of the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting.
Famous Wine: Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
We will be tasting the 2007 (it's all I could find or afford at this time).
Total Wine usually has it for $39.99/bottle but they were sold out.
Hinton's Wine Store has ONE bottle for $42.99. I'll take it.
Links of Note:
Chateau Montelena Visitor Reviews
Purchased by a Frenchman?
History of the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting.
Nero d'Avola - June 10, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Shannon
Nero d'Avola - June 10, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Shannon
Wikipedia: About Nero d'Avola. Red Wine.
Food Pairings: Lamb, pizza, pasta, red meat, swordfish, spicy, eggplant, dark chocolate
Wine Info: means "black of Avola" , Sicily, Avola is far south Sicily, compared to shiraz, contributes to Marsala wine. plummy/cherry/raspberry, spice, and smoke, able to age, but good young also, treated like Syrah, clean finish, vine likes hot arid climates, most popular in Sicily.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 Cusumano Nero d'Avola $14.99 @ Total Wine
bright maroon color, ruby, tart grapy, cherry flavor, clean finish, subtle smoky scent
2) 2006 Regaleali Nero d'Avola $14.99 @ Whole Foods
spicy, dark garnet, smells cheesy, nice long legs
3) same as #1 but different lot number - $14.99 @ Jay's Beverage (on Holcomb Bridge Rd)
ruby, garnet, tart cherry, almost too tart, dry cloves, others smell bacon?
4) same as #1 (different lot than #3, but same lot as #1) - $14.99 Whole Foods
no smell, dark ruby garnet
5) 2007 Ruggero di Tasso Nero d'Avola $5.99 @ Trader Joes - FAVE
buttery yet tart, candy, cherry licorice smell, good plum, dry, sensual flavor, lingers, smooth, yet fruity, goes VERY well with dark chocolate, Jammy!
6) 2007 Premio Nero d'Avola $8.99 @ Old Milton Package
flowery, clovers, star lily smell, dark red color, good!
7) 2007 Colosi Nero d'Avola $16.99 @ Total Wine
stanky, poo-ish smelling, spicy, dry, weird wine!
8) same as #5 (same lot number also)
smells like bing cherry, acidity, nice flavor at first, then dies off
Wikipedia: About Nero d'Avola. Red Wine.
Food Pairings: Lamb, pizza, pasta, red meat, swordfish, spicy, eggplant, dark chocolate
Wine Info: means "black of Avola" , Sicily, Avola is far south Sicily, compared to shiraz, contributes to Marsala wine. plummy/cherry/raspberry, spice, and smoke, able to age, but good young also, treated like Syrah, clean finish, vine likes hot arid climates, most popular in Sicily.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 Cusumano Nero d'Avola $14.99 @ Total Wine
bright maroon color, ruby, tart grapy, cherry flavor, clean finish, subtle smoky scent
2) 2006 Regaleali Nero d'Avola $14.99 @ Whole Foods
spicy, dark garnet, smells cheesy, nice long legs
3) same as #1 but different lot number - $14.99 @ Jay's Beverage (on Holcomb Bridge Rd)
ruby, garnet, tart cherry, almost too tart, dry cloves, others smell bacon?
4) same as #1 (different lot than #3, but same lot as #1) - $14.99 Whole Foods
no smell, dark ruby garnet
5) 2007 Ruggero di Tasso Nero d'Avola $5.99 @ Trader Joes - FAVE
buttery yet tart, candy, cherry licorice smell, good plum, dry, sensual flavor, lingers, smooth, yet fruity, goes VERY well with dark chocolate, Jammy!
6) 2007 Premio Nero d'Avola $8.99 @ Old Milton Package
flowery, clovers, star lily smell, dark red color, good!
7) 2007 Colosi Nero d'Avola $16.99 @ Total Wine
stanky, poo-ish smelling, spicy, dry, weird wine!
8) same as #5 (same lot number also)
smells like bing cherry, acidity, nice flavor at first, then dies off
Sauvignon Blanc - May 13, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Elizabeth J
Sauvignon Blanc (from Australia or New Zealand) - May 13, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Elizabeth J
Wikipedia: About Sauvignon Blanc. White Wine.
Food Pairings: artichoke dip, veggie dishes or dips, garlic or Italian seasonings in creamy sauces, fragrant salads like Greek, Caesar, Garden, Thai Food also
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
I missed this month's wine club due to another commitment. If anybody wants to share their tasting notes, please email me. Thank you.
Ms Elizabeth J informs me that they decided (due to this tasting) that the more clear the Sauvignon Blanc, the better it tastes. The more yellow, not so good. She recommended the Sterling Sauvignon Blanc.
Wikipedia: About Sauvignon Blanc. White Wine.
Food Pairings: artichoke dip, veggie dishes or dips, garlic or Italian seasonings in creamy sauces, fragrant salads like Greek, Caesar, Garden, Thai Food also
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
I missed this month's wine club due to another commitment. If anybody wants to share their tasting notes, please email me. Thank you.
Ms Elizabeth J informs me that they decided (due to this tasting) that the more clear the Sauvignon Blanc, the better it tastes. The more yellow, not so good. She recommended the Sterling Sauvignon Blanc.
Pinot Noir - April 15, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Elizabeth K
Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley Oregon - April 15, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Elizabeth K
Wikipedia: About Pinot Noir.Red Wine. About Willamette Valley.
Food Pairings: poultry, beef, lamb, ham, pork, fish, mushroom, creamy sauces, spicy seasonings. This is a versatile wine
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 Soiree Pinot Noir - $17 @ Greens (on Buford Hwy)
clear, magenta red color, cranberry cocktail flavor, almost a dark rose color, tart fruity, cherry flavors, spicy, dry finish, light, slightly tannic
2) Kings Ridge Pinot Noir $17 @ Ansley Kroger
clear plummy color, candy-ish, very light, sweeter, apple flavor, more full bodied than the first one
3) 2007 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir $17 @ Sherlock Wine Merchant
grape juicy, mushroom and earth, cordial, funky, whole cluster fermentation
4) 2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir - Whole Cluster Fermentation $16.99 @ Tower on Piedmont
yogurty smell, spice, fruity, mango, heavier, strawberries, lingers on the tongue
5) 2006 Firesteed Pinot Noir $14.99 @ World Market
LIKE this one, fuller flavor, darker color, best flavor, current, juicy
6) 2007 Grateful Red Pinot Noir $16.99 @ The Winery (off Savoy Drive)
shampoo smell, vanilla hint, oaky, light buttery, oily finish, lingery
7) 2006 A to Z Pinot Noir - $18 @ Kroger in Toco Hills
garnet, purple color, bland flavor, anti-climatic, blah
8) same as number 4
earthy, cranberry, jammin', nip/zippy, flavorful, tart, acidic, good
9) 2007 Cloudline Pinot Noir - $21.99
someone said smells of peanut butter? earthy, nutty, tastes light and fruity but long finish.
10) 2007 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir $20.99 @ Ansley Kroger (aka "Kro-gay")
plummy, rhubarb pie, peppery, like this one
Wikipedia: About Pinot Noir.Red Wine. About Willamette Valley.
Food Pairings: poultry, beef, lamb, ham, pork, fish, mushroom, creamy sauces, spicy seasonings. This is a versatile wine
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 Soiree Pinot Noir - $17 @ Greens (on Buford Hwy)
clear, magenta red color, cranberry cocktail flavor, almost a dark rose color, tart fruity, cherry flavors, spicy, dry finish, light, slightly tannic
2) Kings Ridge Pinot Noir $17 @ Ansley Kroger
clear plummy color, candy-ish, very light, sweeter, apple flavor, more full bodied than the first one
3) 2007 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir $17 @ Sherlock Wine Merchant
grape juicy, mushroom and earth, cordial, funky, whole cluster fermentation
4) 2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir - Whole Cluster Fermentation $16.99 @ Tower on Piedmont
yogurty smell, spice, fruity, mango, heavier, strawberries, lingers on the tongue
5) 2006 Firesteed Pinot Noir $14.99 @ World Market
LIKE this one, fuller flavor, darker color, best flavor, current, juicy
6) 2007 Grateful Red Pinot Noir $16.99 @ The Winery (off Savoy Drive)
shampoo smell, vanilla hint, oaky, light buttery, oily finish, lingery
7) 2006 A to Z Pinot Noir - $18 @ Kroger in Toco Hills
garnet, purple color, bland flavor, anti-climatic, blah
8) same as number 4
earthy, cranberry, jammin', nip/zippy, flavorful, tart, acidic, good
9) 2007 Cloudline Pinot Noir - $21.99
someone said smells of peanut butter? earthy, nutty, tastes light and fruity but long finish.
10) 2007 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir $20.99 @ Ansley Kroger (aka "Kro-gay")
plummy, rhubarb pie, peppery, like this one
ISAW Wines - March 18, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Mina
ISAW Wines - March 18, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Mina
ISAW Website.ISAW - International Society of Africans in Wine - is a non-profit organization founded in January 2008 by sommelier Stephen Satterfield. Their focus is training and development of skills for South Africans. In addition to the training, a plus is that the wines are exported world-wide. The money raised through the sale of the wine, is reinvested in the facilities, farmers, and community.
Note: ISAW is also on Facebook (become a fan), and some of the wines were also auctioned off at the High Museum event later that month (March 2009).
You might find some of the ISAW wines at Whole Foods or Ansley Kroger. Ask your local Wine Merchant for more details or to carry these wines.
Distributer - Bacco Fine Wine
Wines: About Seven Sisters . About M'Hudi
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
We had the pleasure of Mr. Stephen Satterfield's presence as our own Wine Club Sommelier that evening. His eloquence and sharpened palate were a great honor to witness.
1) Seven Sisters - Yolanda (Chenin Blanc) - retails for approximately $14-15/bottle
pale yellow, smells like peachy/pear, light, moderate finish, dry, tart, good with cheese or fruit, late harvest, can grow in hot climate but also in cool climate to let acidity come thru.
2) M'Hudi Sauvignon Blanc (M'Hudi means "The Harvester") - retails for $16-17/bottle
sole black viticultural land owners in South Africa.
pale yellow/green, smells like green, light, sweeter, green/bitter, finish is dry,
Stephen says "herbacious"
pair with fruity/salty/fat content foods
3) 2006 M'Hudi Pinotage - retails for $17/bottle
scientist from South Africa, hybrid from Pinot Noir, first planted in South Africa.
dark burgundy color, tastes berry-like, blue and red berries, smoky, dried dill smell ? dry wine
pair with roasted or bbq chicken, something with sweet/tangy sauce
4) Seven Sisters - Dawn (Pinotage/Shiraz) - retails for $15/bottle
dry but nicely done, smells like strawberries, rhubarb, cooked/baked strawberries, floral notes maybe?
pair with roasted meats or bbq
5) 2008 Seven Sisters - Odelia (Bukettraube) - retails for $13-14/bottle
(pronounced 'boo-kuh-trobe') German grape but varietal usually found in South Africa, he has never had a German one.
clear, summery flavor, crazy aromatic, not too sweet, ripe fruit/peaches/honeysuckle smell, rose
pair with Blue Cheese or Thai.
ISAW Website.ISAW - International Society of Africans in Wine - is a non-profit organization founded in January 2008 by sommelier Stephen Satterfield. Their focus is training and development of skills for South Africans. In addition to the training, a plus is that the wines are exported world-wide. The money raised through the sale of the wine, is reinvested in the facilities, farmers, and community.
Note: ISAW is also on Facebook (become a fan), and some of the wines were also auctioned off at the High Museum event later that month (March 2009).
You might find some of the ISAW wines at Whole Foods or Ansley Kroger. Ask your local Wine Merchant for more details or to carry these wines.
Distributer - Bacco Fine Wine
Wines: About Seven Sisters . About M'Hudi
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
We had the pleasure of Mr. Stephen Satterfield's presence as our own Wine Club Sommelier that evening. His eloquence and sharpened palate were a great honor to witness.
1) Seven Sisters - Yolanda (Chenin Blanc) - retails for approximately $14-15/bottle
pale yellow, smells like peachy/pear, light, moderate finish, dry, tart, good with cheese or fruit, late harvest, can grow in hot climate but also in cool climate to let acidity come thru.
2) M'Hudi Sauvignon Blanc (M'Hudi means "The Harvester") - retails for $16-17/bottle
sole black viticultural land owners in South Africa.
pale yellow/green, smells like green, light, sweeter, green/bitter, finish is dry,
Stephen says "herbacious"
pair with fruity/salty/fat content foods
3) 2006 M'Hudi Pinotage - retails for $17/bottle
scientist from South Africa, hybrid from Pinot Noir, first planted in South Africa.
dark burgundy color, tastes berry-like, blue and red berries, smoky, dried dill smell ? dry wine
pair with roasted or bbq chicken, something with sweet/tangy sauce
4) Seven Sisters - Dawn (Pinotage/Shiraz) - retails for $15/bottle
dry but nicely done, smells like strawberries, rhubarb, cooked/baked strawberries, floral notes maybe?
pair with roasted meats or bbq
5) 2008 Seven Sisters - Odelia (Bukettraube) - retails for $13-14/bottle
(pronounced 'boo-kuh-trobe') German grape but varietal usually found in South Africa, he has never had a German one.
clear, summery flavor, crazy aromatic, not too sweet, ripe fruit/peaches/honeysuckle smell, rose
pair with Blue Cheese or Thai.
Organic Red Wines NSA - February 11, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Abbie
Organic Red Wines NSA - February 11, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Abbie
Information: Red Wines. NSA means No Sulfites Added.
OCA Info. Sulfites Info.Sulfites do not cause Wine Headaches unless you are allergic to Sulfites. To test this theory, eat some freeze-dried apricots. Apricots contain more sulfites than an entire bottle of red wine, if you have a reaction after eating the Apricots, you may have a Sulfite Allergy. However, in most cases, it is not the Sulfites in the wine that cause the headache.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
Ultimately, we decided that, while we wouldn't toss it out with the garbage, Organic NSA wines were not our favorite. They taste like they are "missing" something...
1) Frey Red Table Wine $12 @ Minks
Dark Ruby/Purple Red, Tart & Tangy, astringent tannins, afterwards cottony, bitter after-taste. Mina says it's savory tasting, smells light, almost no scent, metallic
2) Frey Red Table Wine $11.99 @ Whole Foods
Dark Ruby, Purple Red, Astringent, tart also, grape juice-like, sweeter, like this one much better.
3) Frey Syrah $12.99 @ DeKalb Farmers Market
Lightly Smoky smell, slightly tangy, subtle flavor, light
4) Orleans Hill Lodi Syrah $11.99 @ DeKalb Farmers Market
earthy, peat moss, full bodied flavor, light finish, berry flavors, MY FAVE!
Information: Red Wines. NSA means No Sulfites Added.
OCA Info. Sulfites Info.Sulfites do not cause Wine Headaches unless you are allergic to Sulfites. To test this theory, eat some freeze-dried apricots. Apricots contain more sulfites than an entire bottle of red wine, if you have a reaction after eating the Apricots, you may have a Sulfite Allergy. However, in most cases, it is not the Sulfites in the wine that cause the headache.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
Ultimately, we decided that, while we wouldn't toss it out with the garbage, Organic NSA wines were not our favorite. They taste like they are "missing" something...
1) Frey Red Table Wine $12 @ Minks
Dark Ruby/Purple Red, Tart & Tangy, astringent tannins, afterwards cottony, bitter after-taste. Mina says it's savory tasting, smells light, almost no scent, metallic
2) Frey Red Table Wine $11.99 @ Whole Foods
Dark Ruby, Purple Red, Astringent, tart also, grape juice-like, sweeter, like this one much better.
3) Frey Syrah $12.99 @ DeKalb Farmers Market
Lightly Smoky smell, slightly tangy, subtle flavor, light
4) Orleans Hill Lodi Syrah $11.99 @ DeKalb Farmers Market
earthy, peat moss, full bodied flavor, light finish, berry flavors, MY FAVE!
Champagne - January 21, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Jane
Champagne - January 21, 2009 - Hostess: Ms Jane
Wikipedia: About Champagne. Sparkling Wine.
Info: To anoint Kings!
Food Pairings: strawberries, mild cheese, poultry, desserts/fruit
Food Pairing specific to type of Champagne.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
This was a special tasting in celebration of the New Year! Ms Jane purchased all the wine, and all the attendees split the cost.
1) Domaine Luquet Roger - Gremant Bourgnone $19.99 @ Total Wine
no smell, lightly alcoholic, off dry, crisp, light, not too tart, light golden yellow, some age, medium finish, clear
2) Louis Perdrier - Brut Excellence $10.00
This was a REAL Champagne - pale straw color, no scent, very light, crisp, hardly any flavor, bubbly air
3) Mumm Napa - Brut Prestige $20.00
smells astringent, tart, more flavor, some sour, straw yellow, crisp
4) Heidseick & Co. Champagne Monopole $29.99 on sale (usually $39.99)
smells like "getting a perm" to me, heavenly air, evaporates on your tongue.
5) Prosecco - Italian - Di Conegliano $20.00
dry, no scent, lightly sweet, just right.
Wikipedia: About Champagne. Sparkling Wine.
Info: To anoint Kings!
Food Pairings: strawberries, mild cheese, poultry, desserts/fruit
Food Pairing specific to type of Champagne.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
This was a special tasting in celebration of the New Year! Ms Jane purchased all the wine, and all the attendees split the cost.
1) Domaine Luquet Roger - Gremant Bourgnone $19.99 @ Total Wine
no smell, lightly alcoholic, off dry, crisp, light, not too tart, light golden yellow, some age, medium finish, clear
2) Louis Perdrier - Brut Excellence $10.00
This was a REAL Champagne - pale straw color, no scent, very light, crisp, hardly any flavor, bubbly air
3) Mumm Napa - Brut Prestige $20.00
smells astringent, tart, more flavor, some sour, straw yellow, crisp
4) Heidseick & Co. Champagne Monopole $29.99 on sale (usually $39.99)
smells like "getting a perm" to me, heavenly air, evaporates on your tongue.
5) Prosecco - Italian - Di Conegliano $20.00
dry, no scent, lightly sweet, just right.
Petite Sirah - November 19, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Jennifer
Petite Sirah - November 19th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Jennifer
Wikipedia: About Petite Sirah. Red Wine.
Yes, they really DO have a "PSIloveyou" organization for Petite Sirah.
Food Pairings: Mesquite Grilled Steak, roast duck, lamb, pot roast, rabbit, mustard, sweetbreads with mushrooms
Why Petite Sirah is different than Syrah.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Mendecino Courteny Benham Petite Sirah $14.99 @ Total Wine
ruby color, oak/leather aroma, apple and raspberry flavor, medium body, short/tart finish, Delicious!
2) 2005 Mendecino County Parducci Petite Sirah $11.99 @ Kroger
more tannic, violet ruby color, oak/leather smell, full body,finish is longer/tart, flavors of tart raspberry and plummy. not my favorite.
3) 2006 Bogle Graton County Petite Sirah $8.50 @ CostCo
ruby/purple color, leather and current/woody scent, smooth/tart flavor, medium body, short/tart/dry/ fuzzy-ish, puckery finish. not sure if I like it.
4) 2005 Guenoc Petit Sirah (Middleton, California area) $10.99 @ Whole Foods
ruby color, almost no smell, perhaps very mild scent of alcohol/clean/astringent smell, oaky violet flavors, medium body, med/tart finish, like it!
Wikipedia: About Petite Sirah. Red Wine.
Yes, they really DO have a "PSIloveyou" organization for Petite Sirah.
Food Pairings: Mesquite Grilled Steak, roast duck, lamb, pot roast, rabbit, mustard, sweetbreads with mushrooms
Why Petite Sirah is different than Syrah.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Mendecino Courteny Benham Petite Sirah $14.99 @ Total Wine
ruby color, oak/leather aroma, apple and raspberry flavor, medium body, short/tart finish, Delicious!
2) 2005 Mendecino County Parducci Petite Sirah $11.99 @ Kroger
more tannic, violet ruby color, oak/leather smell, full body,finish is longer/tart, flavors of tart raspberry and plummy. not my favorite.
3) 2006 Bogle Graton County Petite Sirah $8.50 @ CostCo
ruby/purple color, leather and current/woody scent, smooth/tart flavor, medium body, short/tart/dry/ fuzzy-ish, puckery finish. not sure if I like it.
4) 2005 Guenoc Petit Sirah (Middleton, California area) $10.99 @ Whole Foods
ruby color, almost no smell, perhaps very mild scent of alcohol/clean/astringent smell, oaky violet flavors, medium body, med/tart finish, like it!
Rioja Wine - October 15, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Abbie
Rioja Wine - October 15, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Abbie
Wikipedia: About Rioja Wine. Red Wine.
Food Pairings: Chicken, Semi-hard cheeses, Tortilla Soup, Chorizo
Other link.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
I was hosting, so not many notes entered in my Wine Notebook this time around. Also we had low attendance (only 2 other ladies came, so my husband sat in with us on this one). Everything was fabulous. We later found that Rioja is not a varietal, but a region of Spain. The wine is usually made up of Tempranillo, Grenache, Graciano, and/or Mazuelo grapes.
1) 2004 Crianza Marques De Anenzo $11.99
(95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 5% Manzuelo)
dark, red, earthy old smell, like dirt, grapefruit, medium, short finish, tart, good!
2) 2006 Faustino VII $11.49
Garnet, smells of leather, tastes leathery and smoky, medium body, moderate finish. funny tasting.
3) 2005 Ergo Martina Codax $11.99
(10% Tempranillo, Oak Barrel 2 years = age Crianza)
Purple color, Oak, Olives, Spices aroma/flavors, medium body, short finish, good!
Wikipedia: About Rioja Wine. Red Wine.
Food Pairings: Chicken, Semi-hard cheeses, Tortilla Soup, Chorizo
Other link.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
I was hosting, so not many notes entered in my Wine Notebook this time around. Also we had low attendance (only 2 other ladies came, so my husband sat in with us on this one). Everything was fabulous. We later found that Rioja is not a varietal, but a region of Spain. The wine is usually made up of Tempranillo, Grenache, Graciano, and/or Mazuelo grapes.
1) 2004 Crianza Marques De Anenzo $11.99
(95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 5% Manzuelo)
dark, red, earthy old smell, like dirt, grapefruit, medium, short finish, tart, good!
2) 2006 Faustino VII $11.49
Garnet, smells of leather, tastes leathery and smoky, medium body, moderate finish. funny tasting.
3) 2005 Ergo Martina Codax $11.99
(10% Tempranillo, Oak Barrel 2 years = age Crianza)
Purple color, Oak, Olives, Spices aroma/flavors, medium body, short finish, good!
Monastrell - September 10th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Sarah
Monastrell - September 10th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Sarah
Wikipedia: About Monastrell. Red Wine.
Food Pairings: roast or grilled meats, barbeque, North African dishes
Other info.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Vinedos de El Seque Monastrell $12 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
Dark, not see-thru, smells astringent, rich and smooth, youthful, medium dry, heavier tasting, powerful, medium finish.
2) 2005 Hecula Monastrell $12 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
dark, but a bit lighter than the last one, smells lighter too, spicier, strong, medium finish, tart-ish, ginger
3) 2006 Luzon Verde Jumilla Monastrell $8.99 @ Old Milton Pkg Store
deep color, sort of see-thru, smells like iodine, smooth, fruity, silky, long finish
4) 2006 Castano Yecla Monastrell $10.99 @ Publix
tastes of clove, smells of onion, dry with medium finish, sour astringent taste
5) M3 by Diego Fernandez La Manch $9.47 @ World Market - FAVE
dry, smells clean, lighter color, smooth, fruity, buttery
6)2005 Juan Gil Jumilia Monastrell $14.00 on sale @ Ansley Kroger
dark color, slightly stinky smell, meaty, dry, tart, astringent
7) 2005 Valencia Casa Mon Frere Monastrell $11.99
meaty bacon smell, dark thick color, strong acidic, sour, yucky at first, but after it opened up very good.
BONUS - Sarah's Guacamole Recipe:
2 Haas Avocados
1-2 plum tomatoes seeded and diced
1/4-1/2 of an onion (usually she uses red onion, but this time she used white) diced
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
Directions: mash avocados in a bowl. dice and seed tomatoes. dice onion. Add tomatoes and onion to the avocados. mix well. add lemon juice, stir again. add salt (recommends doing a little at at time, then tasting with a chip so as not to over-salt).
Variations: sometimes add a seeded or finely diced jalapeno or serrano pepper and/or chopped cilantro. you may substitute lime juice, but Sarah prefers lemon.
*Kosher salt is the key, if you used regular table salt the result is not the same (per Martha Stewart's advice, and Sarah says it is true).
Wikipedia: About Monastrell. Red Wine.
Food Pairings: roast or grilled meats, barbeque, North African dishes
Other info.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Vinedos de El Seque Monastrell $12 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
Dark, not see-thru, smells astringent, rich and smooth, youthful, medium dry, heavier tasting, powerful, medium finish.
2) 2005 Hecula Monastrell $12 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
dark, but a bit lighter than the last one, smells lighter too, spicier, strong, medium finish, tart-ish, ginger
3) 2006 Luzon Verde Jumilla Monastrell $8.99 @ Old Milton Pkg Store
deep color, sort of see-thru, smells like iodine, smooth, fruity, silky, long finish
4) 2006 Castano Yecla Monastrell $10.99 @ Publix
tastes of clove, smells of onion, dry with medium finish, sour astringent taste
5) M3 by Diego Fernandez La Manch $9.47 @ World Market - FAVE
dry, smells clean, lighter color, smooth, fruity, buttery
6)2005 Juan Gil Jumilia Monastrell $14.00 on sale @ Ansley Kroger
dark color, slightly stinky smell, meaty, dry, tart, astringent
7) 2005 Valencia Casa Mon Frere Monastrell $11.99
meaty bacon smell, dark thick color, strong acidic, sour, yucky at first, but after it opened up very good.
BONUS - Sarah's Guacamole Recipe:
2 Haas Avocados
1-2 plum tomatoes seeded and diced
1/4-1/2 of an onion (usually she uses red onion, but this time she used white) diced
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
Directions: mash avocados in a bowl. dice and seed tomatoes. dice onion. Add tomatoes and onion to the avocados. mix well. add lemon juice, stir again. add salt (recommends doing a little at at time, then tasting with a chip so as not to over-salt).
Variations: sometimes add a seeded or finely diced jalapeno or serrano pepper and/or chopped cilantro. you may substitute lime juice, but Sarah prefers lemon.
*Kosher salt is the key, if you used regular table salt the result is not the same (per Martha Stewart's advice, and Sarah says it is true).
Monday, June 29, 2009
Reisling - August 6th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Mina
Reisling - August 6th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Mina
Wikipedia: About Reisling. White Wine.
Food Pairings: crabcake, baked ham, blue cheese, gouda, jarlsberg, smoked salmon, proscuitto, melon, clam chowder, others
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Ulrich Languith German Reisling - $6.99 Trader Joes
pale, straw yellow, clear, weak aroma, youthful, no smell, sweet/dry taste, light body, fresh acidity, weak flavor, finish short, light - I like it.
2) 2006 A to Z Reisling $11.99 -88 pts
pale, gold yellow, clear, bell pepper aroma, weak, youthful, no aroma, medium dry, lively body, moderate tannins, weak/astrigent, moderate flavor, medium finish, crispy/sparkly
3) 2006 Saint M Reisling - $11.99 at Pearson's
pale, yellow, slight haze, weak aroma, youthful, no smell, dry, light body, tart acidity, moderate tannins and flavor, medium finish, sparkly and zingy
4) 2005 Way Kuhl Dry Reisling Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Region Reisling - $13.99 - Costco
pale, yellow/green, clear, moderate, youthful, nothing for aroma, off-dry, light, tart, no tannins, moderate flavor, medium finish, nice, MY FAVE, flowers/citrus wine
5) Staats Weinguter Kolster Eberbach Reisling - $15.99
Medium color depth, amber, clear, weak aroma, youthful, no smell, tastes of green apple, sweet, medium body, fresh acidity, med/soft tannins, moderate flavor, medium finish, apple.
Wikipedia: About Reisling. White Wine.
Food Pairings: crabcake, baked ham, blue cheese, gouda, jarlsberg, smoked salmon, proscuitto, melon, clam chowder, others
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Ulrich Languith German Reisling - $6.99 Trader Joes
pale, straw yellow, clear, weak aroma, youthful, no smell, sweet/dry taste, light body, fresh acidity, weak flavor, finish short, light - I like it.
2) 2006 A to Z Reisling $11.99 -88 pts
pale, gold yellow, clear, bell pepper aroma, weak, youthful, no aroma, medium dry, lively body, moderate tannins, weak/astrigent, moderate flavor, medium finish, crispy/sparkly
3) 2006 Saint M Reisling - $11.99 at Pearson's
pale, yellow, slight haze, weak aroma, youthful, no smell, dry, light body, tart acidity, moderate tannins and flavor, medium finish, sparkly and zingy
4) 2005 Way Kuhl Dry Reisling Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Region Reisling - $13.99 - Costco
pale, yellow/green, clear, moderate, youthful, nothing for aroma, off-dry, light, tart, no tannins, moderate flavor, medium finish, nice, MY FAVE, flowers/citrus wine
5) Staats Weinguter Kolster Eberbach Reisling - $15.99
Medium color depth, amber, clear, weak aroma, youthful, no smell, tastes of green apple, sweet, medium body, fresh acidity, med/soft tannins, moderate flavor, medium finish, apple.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Pinot Grigio - June 2008 - Hostess - Ms Amanda
Pinot Grigio - June 2008 - Hostess: Ms Amanda
Wikipedia: About Pinot Grigio. White Wine.
Food Pairings: seafood, light pasta, cheese cracker pairings, AVOID Citrus or Tomato flavors since this varietal is acidic already
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
Sorry folks I missed this month's wine club. Please email me any updates you wish to be posted.
Wikipedia: About Pinot Grigio. White Wine.
Food Pairings: seafood, light pasta, cheese cracker pairings, AVOID Citrus or Tomato flavors since this varietal is acidic already
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
Sorry folks I missed this month's wine club. Please email me any updates you wish to be posted.
Chianti - July 9th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Jane
Chianti - July 9th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Jane
Wikipedia: About Chianti. Red wine.
Food Pairings: Provolone cheese, Cotswold Cheese, pepperoni, beef/chicken with cream sauce, Romano, Parmesean, burger with onions and mushrooms, etc.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
(This was a large turnout, we had 10 people and 10 bottles to taste. Somehow we tasted 8 bottles within the first 35 minutes, so these are not the best notes either. Feel free to email me if you have other comments to add on the tasting notes)
1) 2003 Chianti Reserva D'aquino $6.99
light, medium colors, red, almost blush, light taste, dry tart
2) 2005 DaVinci Chianti $13.99
medium color, red/burgundy, medium taste, dry sour/grapefruit
3) 2004 Duccetto Chianti $12-13
smells like acetone, don't like this one, nasty
4) same as #2 - 2005 Da Vinci Chianti $13.99
subtle smell, good, delicate flavor
5) 2003 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Chianti $14
smells same, sweet and spicy, good
6) 2005 Castignioni Chianti $11
no smell, light, dry, light spicy, warm, PERFECT
7) 2006 Gabbiano Chianti $11
smells good, tastes poopy?
8) 2004 Chianti Classico Reserva Banfi $17 @ Sherlock Wine Merchant
smells like nothing, dry tart, almost bitter
9) 2006 Gaetano D'Aquino $6.99 @ Trader Joes
sweet smell, nice
10) 2003 Il V alore Marchese De Petri @Trader Joes
no smell, dances on the tongue, dry, flavorful, smooth
Wikipedia: About Chianti. Red wine.
Food Pairings: Provolone cheese, Cotswold Cheese, pepperoni, beef/chicken with cream sauce, Romano, Parmesean, burger with onions and mushrooms, etc.
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
(This was a large turnout, we had 10 people and 10 bottles to taste. Somehow we tasted 8 bottles within the first 35 minutes, so these are not the best notes either. Feel free to email me if you have other comments to add on the tasting notes)
1) 2003 Chianti Reserva D'aquino $6.99
light, medium colors, red, almost blush, light taste, dry tart
2) 2005 DaVinci Chianti $13.99
medium color, red/burgundy, medium taste, dry sour/grapefruit
3) 2004 Duccetto Chianti $12-13
smells like acetone, don't like this one, nasty
4) same as #2 - 2005 Da Vinci Chianti $13.99
subtle smell, good, delicate flavor
5) 2003 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Chianti $14
smells same, sweet and spicy, good
6) 2005 Castignioni Chianti $11
no smell, light, dry, light spicy, warm, PERFECT
7) 2006 Gabbiano Chianti $11
smells good, tastes poopy?
8) 2004 Chianti Classico Reserva Banfi $17 @ Sherlock Wine Merchant
smells like nothing, dry tart, almost bitter
9) 2006 Gaetano D'Aquino $6.99 @ Trader Joes
sweet smell, nice
10) 2003 Il V alore Marchese De Petri @Trader Joes
no smell, dances on the tongue, dry, flavorful, smooth
Grenache - May 7th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Abbie
Grenache - May 7th, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Abbie
Wikipedia: About Grenache. Red Wine
Other Names for Grenache: Alicante, Cannonau, Garnacha, Grenache Noir, Garnatxa, Navarra, etc.
Food Pairings: Strong Cheeses, Swiss Cheeses, Spicy Foods, pizza, tomato sauces, others
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
(Pardon my lack of note taking this time around, I was busy serving food, and hostessing. But here are the notes I took anyway. If someone has the names of the wines I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me.)
1) ? Grenache
Depth - Medium color
Hue - Purple Red
Clarity - slight haze
Aroma - aromatic
Development - some age
Dry/sweet - Medium Dry
Body - lively
Tannins - Medium Soft
Flavor - flavorful
Flavors - Black raspberry
Finish - Short
2) ? Grenache
Depth - Deep
Hue - Purple Red (darker)
Clarity - Cloudy
Aroma - weak
Development - some age
Dry/Sweet - smells like alcohol to me
Body - tart, lively
Tannins - medium astringent
Flavor - moderate
Flavors - sweet blackberries
Finish - Medium
3) 2007 Bitch Grenache Barossa Valley
Color depth - Medium
Hue - Purple Red
Clarity - Slightly hazy
Aroma - moderate
Development - young
Dry/sweet - berries
Body - Medium dry
Tannins - light/fresh, hard tannins
Flavor - moderate
Flavors - Blackberry
Finish - short
4) ? Grenache
Color - deep
Hue: purple/red
Clarity - cloudy
Aroma - moderate - alcholic smelling
Development - some age
Dry/Sweet - med dry
Body - medium
Acidity - Tart
Flavor - moderate
Flavors - spicy, pepper, nice vinegar
Finish - short
Wikipedia: About Grenache. Red Wine
Other Names for Grenache: Alicante, Cannonau, Garnacha, Grenache Noir, Garnatxa, Navarra, etc.
Food Pairings: Strong Cheeses, Swiss Cheeses, Spicy Foods, pizza, tomato sauces, others
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
(Pardon my lack of note taking this time around, I was busy serving food, and hostessing. But here are the notes I took anyway. If someone has the names of the wines I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me.)
1) ? Grenache
Depth - Medium color
Hue - Purple Red
Clarity - slight haze
Aroma - aromatic
Development - some age
Dry/sweet - Medium Dry
Body - lively
Tannins - Medium Soft
Flavor - flavorful
Flavors - Black raspberry
Finish - Short
2) ? Grenache
Depth - Deep
Hue - Purple Red (darker)
Clarity - Cloudy
Aroma - weak
Development - some age
Dry/Sweet - smells like alcohol to me
Body - tart, lively
Tannins - medium astringent
Flavor - moderate
Flavors - sweet blackberries
Finish - Medium
3) 2007 Bitch Grenache Barossa Valley
Color depth - Medium
Hue - Purple Red
Clarity - Slightly hazy
Aroma - moderate
Development - young
Dry/sweet - berries
Body - Medium dry
Tannins - light/fresh, hard tannins
Flavor - moderate
Flavors - Blackberry
Finish - short
4) ? Grenache
Color - deep
Hue: purple/red
Clarity - cloudy
Aroma - moderate - alcholic smelling
Development - some age
Dry/Sweet - med dry
Body - medium
Acidity - Tart
Flavor - moderate
Flavors - spicy, pepper, nice vinegar
Finish - short
Malbec Tasting - April 2, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Shannon
Malbec - April 2, 2008 - Hostess: Ms Shannon
Wikipedia: About Malbec . Red Wine.
Food Pairings: red meat, Mexican food, Cajun food, Indian food, Italian
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 La Boca Malbec, Trader Joes
Color/Depth - Medium, Deep purple red
Clarity - Slight Haze
Aroma Intensity - Weak
Development - Youthful
Aromas - Varnish
Dry/Sweet - Medium Dry
Body - Medium
Acidity - Tart, a little red fruit?
Tannins - Medium
Flavor Intensity - Moderate
Flavors - Cranberry
Finish - short
2) 2005 Budini Mendoza Malbec $12
Color - Deep
Hue - Ruby/Garnet
Clarity - Cloudy
Aroma - Moderate
Development - Young
Aromas - Leather, suede
Dry/sweet - Medium dry
Body - medium
Acidity - fresh
Tannins - weak
Flavor Intensity - Moderate
Flavors - Black current, black cherry
Finish - Medium
3) Same wine as #1 - 2007 La Boca Malbec, Trader Joes
Color/Depth - Purpley Deep
Color Hue - Ruby purple red
Clarity - slight haze
Aroma Intensity - weak
Development - Young
Aromas - no odor
Dry/Sweet - medium dry
Body - Medium
Acidity - Lively
Tannins - Medium Soft
Flavor Intensity - Medium
Flavor - black raspberry
Finish - Medium
4) 2007 Cavia Malbec
Color/Depth - medium
Hue - Ruby/Garnet
Clarity - cloudy
Aroma/Intensity - moderate
Development - young
Aromas - Sandlewood
Dry/Sweet - Medium Dry
Body - Medium
Acidity - lively
Tannins - Weak/soft
Flavor Intensity - Moderate
Flavors -boysenberry/mulberry
Finish - Medium
5) 2005 Trapiche Broquel $11-12
Color depth - Deep
Hue - Ruby
Clarity - Cloudy
Aroma/Intensity - moderate
Development - young
Aromas - Elderberry
Dry/Sweet - Medium Dry
Body -Medium
Acidity - Fresh
Tannins - weak/soft
Flavor Intensity - flavorful!
Flavors - Black Cherry
Finish - Medium
Wikipedia: About Malbec . Red Wine.
Food Pairings: red meat, Mexican food, Cajun food, Indian food, Italian
Abbie's Tasting Notes:
1) 2007 La Boca Malbec, Trader Joes
Color/Depth - Medium, Deep purple red
Clarity - Slight Haze
Aroma Intensity - Weak
Development - Youthful
Aromas - Varnish
Dry/Sweet - Medium Dry
Body - Medium
Acidity - Tart, a little red fruit?
Tannins - Medium
Flavor Intensity - Moderate
Flavors - Cranberry
Finish - short
2) 2005 Budini Mendoza Malbec $12
Color - Deep
Hue - Ruby/Garnet
Clarity - Cloudy
Aroma - Moderate
Development - Young
Aromas - Leather, suede
Dry/sweet - Medium dry
Body - medium
Acidity - fresh
Tannins - weak
Flavor Intensity - Moderate
Flavors - Black current, black cherry
Finish - Medium
3) Same wine as #1 - 2007 La Boca Malbec, Trader Joes
Color/Depth - Purpley Deep
Color Hue - Ruby purple red
Clarity - slight haze
Aroma Intensity - weak
Development - Young
Aromas - no odor
Dry/Sweet - medium dry
Body - Medium
Acidity - Lively
Tannins - Medium Soft
Flavor Intensity - Medium
Flavor - black raspberry
Finish - Medium
4) 2007 Cavia Malbec
Color/Depth - medium
Hue - Ruby/Garnet
Clarity - cloudy
Aroma/Intensity - moderate
Development - young
Aromas - Sandlewood
Dry/Sweet - Medium Dry
Body - Medium
Acidity - lively
Tannins - Weak/soft
Flavor Intensity - Moderate
Flavors -boysenberry/mulberry
Finish - Medium
5) 2005 Trapiche Broquel $11-12
Color depth - Deep
Hue - Ruby
Clarity - Cloudy
Aroma/Intensity - moderate
Development - young
Aromas - Elderberry
Dry/Sweet - Medium Dry
Body -Medium
Acidity - Fresh
Tannins - weak/soft
Flavor Intensity - flavorful!
Flavors - Black Cherry
Finish - Medium
Welcome to TWITs Wine Club Blog
TWITs stands for "The Wino's In Training."
We are a wine club in Atlanta, GA, founded by Ms. Sarah.
Then Ms. Sarah moved away, and Ms. Abbie inherited the wine club.
We meet once a month to taste different wines, to gossip, to snack, and to learn.
-
The role of Host/Hostess is rotated amongst the members each month. The Host will usually pick the varietal, region, or theme of that month's wine club.
Members attending will then each bring 1 bottle of wine to the event, (or couples can pair up to bring a more expensive bottle), and a blind tasting is conducted as we talk and take notes. At the end of the night, the wines are unveiled, names, prices, and where-to-buy are also disclosed.
We do the blind tasting method, not to guess the wines necessarily (although some of our members are quite good at it), but to enhance our senses as we taste wine. What do we smell? taste? etc.
-
We try to stay within a wine budget of ~ $20 per bottle. This way it is affordable to attend TWITs Wine Club. Couples attending TWITs can bring one bottle ~ $40, this helps to keep the tasting quantity manageable as our membership numbers have grown in size.
-
There is no "fee" to join TWITs, and there is no membership requirements, so long as you are 21 yrs or older, and conduct yourself appropriately when at the TWITs events.
-
Once in a while, we will do a special event night. For example, Ms. Mina hosted a tasting with a sommelier Stephen Satterfield from ISAW (a non-profit). Steven introduced us to several wines from South Africa. The members attending split the cost of Steven's wine purchases for the event.
-
Sometimes a wine store or restaurant will host TWITs, they curate the wine selection provided, and again we each bring $ to cover the tasting, again trying to stay ~ $20/person.
-
We have also done events, where we hire a van or bus driver to take us around the Georgia Mountain Wineries nearby. These special event costs are split amongst the attendees accordingly.
-
TWITs is all about having fun, trying wines, and growing your palate.
-
Enjoy!
We are a wine club in Atlanta, GA, founded by Ms. Sarah.
Then Ms. Sarah moved away, and Ms. Abbie inherited the wine club.
We meet once a month to taste different wines, to gossip, to snack, and to learn.
-
The role of Host/Hostess is rotated amongst the members each month. The Host will usually pick the varietal, region, or theme of that month's wine club.
Members attending will then each bring 1 bottle of wine to the event, (or couples can pair up to bring a more expensive bottle), and a blind tasting is conducted as we talk and take notes. At the end of the night, the wines are unveiled, names, prices, and where-to-buy are also disclosed.
We do the blind tasting method, not to guess the wines necessarily (although some of our members are quite good at it), but to enhance our senses as we taste wine. What do we smell? taste? etc.
-
We try to stay within a wine budget of ~ $20 per bottle. This way it is affordable to attend TWITs Wine Club. Couples attending TWITs can bring one bottle ~ $40, this helps to keep the tasting quantity manageable as our membership numbers have grown in size.
-
There is no "fee" to join TWITs, and there is no membership requirements, so long as you are 21 yrs or older, and conduct yourself appropriately when at the TWITs events.
-
Once in a while, we will do a special event night. For example, Ms. Mina hosted a tasting with a sommelier Stephen Satterfield from ISAW (a non-profit). Steven introduced us to several wines from South Africa. The members attending split the cost of Steven's wine purchases for the event.
-
Sometimes a wine store or restaurant will host TWITs, they curate the wine selection provided, and again we each bring $ to cover the tasting, again trying to stay ~ $20/person.
-
We have also done events, where we hire a van or bus driver to take us around the Georgia Mountain Wineries nearby. These special event costs are split amongst the attendees accordingly.
-
TWITs is all about having fun, trying wines, and growing your palate.
-
Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)