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.

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. 

Holiday TWITs and Annual Blanc Elephant Gift Exchange - 2019

Holiday TWITs and Annual Blanc Elephant Gift Exchange - 2019
hosted by Mr Matt & Ms Abbie
Thursday, December 5th, 2019

TWITs should bring $20/pp to cover the cost of the wines.
AND 
1 wrapped gift per person for the Blanc Elephant Gift Exchange.  Recommend gift is $15 or less, doesn't even have to be wine-related.

Theme:  Wines from Wineries affected or near the California Wildfires.  These wines were not easy to get.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/10/29/kincade-fires-destructive-toll-on-sonoma-wineries-vintners/ 

Menu:
Pot Roast w carrots, onions, and mushrooms
Foie Gras

Foie Gras Mousse

Pork & Duck Pate
GF crackers
Sourdough bread bites
Goat Cheese

Cranberry Chutney
Dubliner Aged Cheddar
Crudites
Olives
Nuts

Berry Tart

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine: NV Gruet Blanc de Blancs Bubbly - $12.99/bottle at Tower Liquor Store

1) 2018 Alexander Valley Vineyards Gewurztraminer ~$15/bottle @ Brookhaven Wines
Organically grown 13.2% alcohol
Gewurtz =  Spice, Traminer is the varietal, notes of tobacco, fruit, apricots, dry, orange rind

2) 2018 Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay ~ $20/bottle @ Brookhaven Wines
99% Chardonnay 1% Viognier
14% alcohol
tastes French, stone fruits, long finish, stronger than French, not butter more margarine, "I can't believe it's not butter", not getting the apples described on the label

3) 2018 Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rose of Sangiovese ~ $16/bottle @ Brookhaven Wines
100% Sangiovese
13% alcohol
smells of candy, honeydew melon, watermelon jolly rancher, viscous, pithy, fresh orange slice w bitter rind, this is actually what you want in a rose! the best rose I've had in a while

4) 2017 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $25/bottle @ Brookhaven Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon 83%, Merlot 12%, Malbec 1%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Petit Verdot 1%
14% alcohol
spicy, yummy, heavier, cherries, tannins, bitterness on finish, wormwood, malort like (Jepson's Malort from Cook County Illinois, wood notes, off a sea ship

5) 2016 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Wine Estate ~ $40/bottle from the winery
87% Cab Sauv, 12% Merlot, 1% Malbec
14.2% alcohol
red berries, dark fruit, leather, velvety on the tongue, damsons

6) 2016 Chateau d’Oupia Minervois Languedoc-Roussillon ~$12/bottle

13.5% alcohol

ok ok it's not from California, but someone brought it to share, so we tasted it.  Yum!

TWITs - We Aren't Done Yet - Red Wines from Washington State - October 12th, 2019

TWITs - "We Aren't Done Yet" - Red Wines from Washington State - October 12th, 2019

Hosted by Ms. Vicki
Menu:

• Turkey Chili
• Spicy Cornbread & Regular Cornbread
• Baked Brie
• Pate & Crackers
• Manchego & Crackers
• Foie Gras with Cranberry bread
• Roasted Carrots with Balsamic glaze
• Braised Oxtail Lasagna
• Apple Pie Bites
• Salted Chocolate Bites

Tasting Notes: 
Welcome Wine:  NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut - Columbia Valley ~ $13
Varietals:  Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier,
12.3% alcohol

1) 2016 Andrew Will Merlot - Vashon, Washington, Columbia Valley - $38 @ Ansley Wine Merchant,  100% Merlot,
14.5% alcohol
powdered chocolate, herbacious, baking chocolate, smooth, rustic rough edges, touch of tannins, good starter wine, goes w lasagna perfectly, sage

2) 2014 J. Bookwalter "Readers" Merlot ~ $20 @ Hinton Wine Store
80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah,
14.8% alcohol,
spicy, peppery, slides across the tongue, dark chocolate, good viscosity, pairs with cheese

3) 2015 Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon - $25 @ Toco Giant
14% alcohol
light, fruity, sweetness, fruits, bitter finish, cherries, chocolate, soft, needs food pairing

4) 2015 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon - Columbia Valley ~$34 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
14.2% alcohol
green chile nose, licorice, toasted coconut, like sun tanning oil, sea oats, volcanic ash on after-taste, burnt, charred wood, graphite, minerality,

5) 2017 Stormchaser - Wild Ride Red Blend - $7 @ Aldi's
13.2% alcohol
no nose, cherry pie, manure, bitter, luscious, soft

6) 2014 Hedges Family Estate - Descendants Leigeois Dupont - Red Mountain Syrah - $28.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
14.5% alcohol
fruit forward, opens up with caramel chocolate, some spice, not too much, delicious, pairs with the turkey chili and cornbread

The World of Alternative White Wines - Saturday March 16th, 2019

The World of Alternative White Wines - Saturday March 16th, 2019
Hosted by Crissy & Steve

We learned about white wines other than Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, and Pinot Grigio.
The wines were curated for the occasion.  TWITs brough $20/pp to cover the cost of the wines.

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  NV Borrasca Cava Brut ~ $9
12% alcohol, faint nose, dry, light, delicious.
appetizers: strawberries chips, cheese bites, salamis, crackers.

1) 2017 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko, Greek ~ $20 @ Total Wine Brookhaven

13.5% alcohol, 100% Assyrtiko

very faint nose, not acidic, melon, thick viscosity, full bodied, very clean, great summer wine.

Food pairing:  Salmon and mango with cream cheese on a cracker.  DELICIOUS!

2) 2016 Sandgrube 13 Chremisa, Gruner Veltliner, Austria ~ $20 @ Total Wine

13.5% alcohol, Gruner Veltliner is the varietal

dry, high acid, very green, medium viscosity, 

Food Pairing:  Homemade Mac n Cheese, garnish with tomatoes or onions and bacon. YUM!

3) 2015 Le Salse Belisario, Verdicchio di Matelia, Italy ~ $20 @ Whole Foods

12.5% alcohol, Verdicchio is the varietal

viscous, green, fresh, almost like a French Chardonnay, moldy cheese like bleu, briny, some bitterness, minerality, woody notes, a nice harshness, a little more grippyness (?) more jagged on your tongue.

Food Pairing:  Pho with a dumpling - FanTASTIC!  I would never have thought to pair an Italian wine with Pho but it works, the basil in the pho really compliments the wine!

4) 2016 Marcel Servin Chablis, France ~$25 @ CostCo

12.5% alcohol, Chardonnay is the varietal (yeah yeah we know we said no Chardonnay but just taste it!)

white burgundy, dried fruit, honey, low acidity, creamy mouth feel.

Food Pairing:  Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

5) 2016 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes, Argentina ~$15 @ Total Wine

13/5% alcohol, Torrontes is the varietal

smells like almost bad wet laundry but not bad yet, funky, muscadine, spicy, pithy, Hing spice ?

Food Pairing:  Jerk Shrimp. WOW!

6) 2016 Conundrum, California ~ $20

13.2% alcohol, white blend (winery secret)

citrus notes, dry then sweet finish,

Food Pairing:  Chick pea, Coconut, Basil salad.  delicious!!!

7) NV Skyriver Sweet Mead, Washington State ~ $18.99

10.5% alcohol

sweet honey wine, the sacred drink of the gods, descended from heaven then by bees, etc.

bubblegum nose, strawberry flavored lip gloss from Claire's.

Food Pairing:  Tortilla Espanol (potato tortilla with berbere spice - an Ethiopian spice)

Salmon and mango with cream cheese on a cracker

The Mac n Cheese with garnishes of Tomatoes or onions & bacon.  YUM!

Chick pea, Coconut, Basil salad 

and

Tortilla Espanol (potato tortilla with Berbere (an Ethiopian spice)

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

Jerk Shrimp

All the yummy foods!

Bring Your Favorite Holiday Wine - November 17th - Hosted by Kathy & Jamie

Bring Your Favorite Holiday Wine - November 17th - Hosted by Kathy & Jamie

WHEN:  Saturday, November 17th - 7 pm

THEME:  Bring your favorite Holiday Wine - aka TWITsGiving!

Our hosts provided a smorgasboard of food including crudites, fromages, charcuterie, crackers, that amazing BLT dip, a turkey, cranberry sauce, baked brie, chex mix, brussel sprouts, roasted veggies, quiches, chocolates, tarts, and fruits.

This was a great way to discover some new wines that we could serve/drink during the holidays.  

BRING:  TWITs should bring 1 bottle of their favorite holiday wine (could be for any winter holiday, as we are approaching that time of year), within the suggested price range - $20/bottle for singles, up to $40/bottle for couples.

TASTING NOTES:  
1)  Welcome Cocktail:  Prosecco, cranberry juice, raspberries, w/a mint garnish.

2) NV Deutz Champagne Brut Classic  - $40 @ Greenes on Ponce
12% alcohol
sparkling, yummy, reminds me of Schramsberg, I love it!  Exactly what you want with a Champagne.  This was selected by Alexis, he says his family drinks it every year in France for the holidays.

3) 2009 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee Brut - $37 @ wine club direct
12.5% alcohol
67% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay 
slightly funkier nose, delightful, crisp, green apple, honey, stone fruit, citrus, black cherry, bright acid, long finish with meyer lemon zest.

4) NV Franciacorta Ronco Calino 'Radijan' Brut Rose - $34 @ Savi Provisions
13% alcohol
This is my JAM!

5) 2017 Clos de la Roilette Beaujolais - $25 @ Brookhaven Wines
13% alcohol
100% Gamay
French! "Nothing screams Fall like a Beaujolais!"  it's a turkey wine!

6) 2016 Stoller Oregon Pinot Noir - $27 @ Wahoo Wines
13.5% alcohol, Dundee Oregon
100% Pinot Noir
Guessing Pinot Noir, red fruits, strawberry, lingering finish, delicious

7) 2015 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Estates Pinot Noir - $50 @ winery direct
13.9% alcohol 100% Pinot Noir
jammy, peppery, olive brine, white pepper, cinnamon, a little bit o'cherry on the nose, very slight fireball on the end, Gravel Knob vineyard (RH had a funny joke about the meaning of Knob where he's from).

8) 2010 David Coffaro Zinfandel - $20 bought from a friend's cellar
15.9% alcohol, Russian River Valley
75% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah
plum and spice (baking spices not pepper), cinnamon, winter spice, almost raisiny, "Imma chew on this one!" cola on the end.

9) 2014 Yoakim Bridge Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley - $20 bought from a friend's cellar.  14.8% alcohol
more alcohol, heat on it, earthy, chewy, pepper bomb, more fruit, love it!

10) 2016 Fortunati Napa Zinfandel - $38ish @ wine club direct
15.5% alcohol
light red, berries, that berries, gravel, dust, gravelly knobs (ha ha), brambly

Autumn Reds - October 20th, 2018 - hosted by Rachel & Chris

Autumn Reds - hosted by Rachel & Chris

When: Saturday, October 20th, 7pm

Bring: TWITs should bring 1 bottle of red wine that reminds them of Autumn. within the suggested price range - $20/bottle for singles, up to $40/bottle for couples.

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2014 La Crema Chardonnay ~ $17 @ Total Wine
13.5% alcohol

1) 2016 Domaine Loubejic Pinot Noir (Selection Barriques, Dundee, Oregon) - $23.99 @ Total Wine
13.8% alcohol
peppery nose, cherries, pepper bomb, sweet finish, white pepper, red fruits, lighter, I guessed pinot noir, lighter wine, medium body, "Chaddy" guesses New World.
We were both right.

2) 2012 Chalk Hill Pinot Noir - $40 @ Citi Wine and Spirits
14.5% alcohol
grapey, fruity, raspberry nose, richer, darker red fruits, currants, pepper finish,
I guessed it was a Trader Joes wine since it was so jammy, I was incorrect.

3) 2015 Freak Show Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi, CA)  - $14.99 @ Trader Joes
14.5% alcohol
cassis, sweeter nose, jammy, jam jar, raspberry, dry finish, got grip, I like it better than the last one, inky, almost a port-like finish, my fave so far,

4) 2014 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley) ~ $17 (due to close out purchase from winery if we purchased a case).
jammy, leather, olive brine, all the right things going on, caramel, bitter/briny finish, a hint of taint, not much on the nose, weird odor, not quite wet cardboard, tastes better than it smells, bell pepper, probably needs food, "No Chaddity"

https://shop.michelschlumberger.com/xe/xe.asp?page=viewitem&p=CSSA142&cat=reds 

5) 2016 Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Ripasso (Verona, Italy) - $19.99 @ Total Wine
14% alcohol
rich, pepper, earthy, suede, top grain, buttery, nice finish, "that's what she said", well balanced, yummy, rich

6) 2015 Tinazzi Tenuta Valleselle Aureum Amarone Acinum - $30 @ CostCo
15% alcohol

We decanted this one. alcohol nose, licorice, surprisingly faint, very rich, I want a steak right now, cherry on cherry, dense, shiraz-like, thicc, good.

  

TWITs Chardonnay Showdown - August 23rd, 2018 - hosted by Mr. Matt & Ms. Abbie

TWITs Chardonnay Showdown - August 23rd, 2018 - hosted by Mr. Matt & Ms. Abbie

Finally we have a TWITs plan for August.  Hope you can make it.  We will be doing our usual blind tasting method, and tasting Chardonnays from various regions in the world.
NOTE: we will be capping attendance at 16 total people, so that we have enough wine for everyone.  
RSVP via email to reserve your spot.

WHEN:  Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 - 7:30pm ET

THEME:  Chardonnay Showdown - we will do our usual blind tasting method

BRING:  TWITs should bring 1 bottle of Chardonnay wine - a white wine varietal - (from any region in the world) within the suggested price range - $20/bottle for singles, up to $40/bottle for couples

Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used in the production of white wine. The variety originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France, but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand. For new and developing wine regions, growing Chardonnay is seen as a "rite of passage" and an easy entry into the international wine market.

The Chardonnay grape itself is neutral, with many of the flavors commonly associated with the wine being derived from such influences as terroir and oak. It is vinified in many different styles, from the lean, crisply mineral wines of Chablis, France, to New World wines with oak and tropical fruit flavors. In cool climates (such as Chablis and the Carneros AVA of California), Chardonnay wine tends to be medium to light body with noticeable acidity and flavors of green plum, apple, and pear. In warmer locations (such as the Adelaide Hills and Mornington Peninsula in Australia and Gisborne and Marlborough region of New Zealand), the flavors become more citrus, peach, and melon, while in very warm locations (such as the Central Coast AVA of California), more fig and tropical fruit notes such as banana and mango come out. Wines that have gone through malolactic fermentation tend to have softer acidity and fruit flavors with buttery mouthfeel and hazelnut notes.

Chardonnay is an important component of many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne and Franciacorta in Italy.

Chardonnay's popularity peaked in the late 1980s, then gave way to a backlash among those wine connoisseurs who saw the grape as a leading negative component of the globalization of wine. Nonetheless, it is one of the most widely planted grape varieties, with 210,000 hectares (520,000 acres) worldwide, second only to Airén among white wine grapes and fifth among all wine grapes.
Source: Wikipedia

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2016 Binyamina Yogev Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc - $19.99 @ Total Wine
13.5% alcohol.  Blend of 60% Chardonnay & 40% Sauvignon Blanc
"In Hebrew, Yogev means farmer, toiler of the soil. This label reflects the winegrower’s contribution to the production of quality wines. Yogev wines are aged in used barrels in order to preserve the natural qualities of the winegrowers’ fruit. The chardonnay forms a foundation of luxurious pear and tropical fruit, and the Sauvignon Blanc contributes herb and lemongrass notes plus a crackling acidity. In cooler months, Binyamina Yogev Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc is equally delicious served with cheese fondue or roast chicken."
TWITs Notes:  has viscosity, pungent earthy aroma, dark, rich, color is pale lemonade, a little green, punch bubble gum nose, acidic, good starter wine, but meh.

1) 2016 Domaine Chene Macon-Milly-Lamartine - $16.99 @ WTSO
13% alcohol
tropical fruit, passion fruit, citrus, tasty, like it, acidic, sauv blanc not chardonnay flavors, honeysuckle, sticky fruit, apricot, rich, oaked, creamy, pineapple, the "NOT" Chardonnay, peachy, stone fruit, sticky, not very acidic to some, Guesses:  Hawaii, Australia

2) 2013 Domaine Gerard Tremblay Chablis Grand Cru "Vaudesir" ~ $50 @ Brookhaven Wines
13% alcohol
flowers, hay taste, pepper, mild, lemons, tart wine, sweet tarts, it has grip, lemon bar, sawdust nose, fuzzy tongue, needs something salty or chunky to pair with, oysters w/salinity would be nice, chalky, limestone, guesses: coastal

3) NV Simply Naked Unoaked Chardonnay - $11.99 Buford Hwy Farmers Market
13.5% alcohol
pale color, light perfume, burst of flavor, butterscotch, banana creme, viscous, lemon meringue, salinity, finish drops off, apple

4) 2015 Yonah Mountain (Georgia) Estate Chardonnay ~ $40 from winery
13.2% alcohol
roast beef nose, mushrooms, meaty, funky, roasted nuts, syrupy like a Tokaji, wet dog, wet cardboard, pairs with blue cheese, Riesling-like, petrol nose, pair with roast chicken w mushrooms, young vintage, all kinds of edges.  Guesses: South America

5) 2015 Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Les Graviers Chardonnay, Jura, France ~ $50 @ Perrines
14% alcohol
smoky, honey, thicc (with 2 c's), agave, burnt edge, tar finish, oxidated, so burnt, hazelnuts, burnt nuts, rosemary, caramel palate, earthy, briny, more minerality & acidity, more freshness than the last one, warm, a gringo with cajones, winter white
Guesses;  Lodi? Italy?

6) 2014 Middleton Family Wines - Inconceivable Chardonnay "Queen of Tides" Santa Barbara County ~ $20 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
14.1% alcohol
toasty bread, well-balanced, classic chardonnay,
Guesses: California? Pouilly Fuisse?

7) 2016 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis - $31.99 @ Toco Giant
12.5% alcohol
classic chardonnay, tangy, dried fruit salad, stone fruit, urine, chalky, lemon and lime
Guesses:  standard California Chardonnay?

8) 2016 Banshee Rickshaw Chardonnay ~ $16.99 @ Hop City
13.5% alcohol
pork, meat, savory, ramen, dry, Tahitian vanilla, oysters
Guesses:  Pic-Poul?

9) 2016 Leese & Fitch Chardonnay ~ $12 @ Buford Hwy Farmers Market
13.5% alcohol
pale nose, apricot, citrus, crisp, beach friendly, starter wine, too light, not too oaky, SOLID.

10) 2016 Game of Thrones Chardonnay - $18.99 @ DeKalb Famers Market
13.5% alcohol
herbaceous, green, kissed by angels, very pleasant, creamy & buttery, dragons, Winter is Coming, warm

11) 2015 Keefer Ranch Failla Chardonnay - $44.95 @ Brookhaven Wines
13.8% alcohol
kissed by ALL the angels, pork belly, celery root nose, good viscosity, citrus, eagles freedom, red white and blue, mature, stone fruits, smells like crepes, tastes like French

TWITs Pool Party & Cookout - June 22nd - hosted by Ms. Crystal

TWITs Pool Party & Cookout - June 22nd - hosted by Ms. Crystal

WHEN:  Friday, June 22nd, 2018 - 7:00 PM
THEME:  Pool Party & Cookout  NOTE: we will be capping attendance again
BRING:  
1) A bottle of wine to pair with the food on the menu - within our usual suggested pricing.
2) Your swimsuit and a towel - if you are swimming

Menu:
Beef burgers with Gruyere Cheese & Arugula
3 Bean Salad
Shrimp & Tilapia Ceviche
Fruit Tart
Ice Cream Cones

Well we got rained out, but it was still a fun night.  Tasting notes and photos below.

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wines:  We had White Sangria & Red Sangria (homemade)

1) NV Union Wine Co. Underwood Rose Bubbles - $6.99/can @ Brookhaven Wines
Varietal Unknown.  11% alcohol
Tasting Notes:  Wild strawberry, fruit cocktail, and tart cherry

2) 2016 Domaine Franck Besson Rose Granit - $11.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
100% Gamay, 12.5% alcohol
Tasting Notes:  lively, delicious, dry, bubbly,

3) 2017 Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Brut Rose ~ $18 @ Total Wine
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay, 12% alcohol
Tasting Notes:

4)  NV Union Wine Co. Underwood Rose - $6.99/can @ Brookhaven Wines
Varietal Unknown.  12% alcohol
Tasting Notes:  Strawberry, Peach, Watermelon

5) 2017 Chateau Paradis Coteaux d'ain en Provence Rose ~ $13.99
90% Cabernet, 10% Shiraz/Syrah, 12% alcohol
Tasting Notes: crisp, dry, refreshing

6) 2014 Napa Cellars Zinfandel - $19.99 Toco Giant
100% Zinfandel, 14% alcohol
Tasting Notes: bright aromas of fresh blackberries, tart cherry and hints of black tea. The aromas lead to lush flavors of ripe jam with notes of mocha, spice and sweet notes of oak on the finish. This wine is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a smooth, juicy and lasting mouthfeel. Winemaker Joe Shirley recommends pairing this wine with barbequed ribs or a well-seasoned steak topped with fresh basil

7) 2014 Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma ~ $23.99
100% Pinot Noir, 13.6% alchol
a beautiful balance between both red and blue fruits, notably Bing cherry and Asian plums. Interwoven with the fruit characteristics are coastal moss, fresh wild mushrooms, and spice. The wine has good carry-through from front to finish, with lively acidity to keep it light on its feet.

TWITs May 2018 Event - hosted by Mr. Chad and Ms. Christy

TWITs May 12, 2018 - hosted by Mr. Chad and Ms. Christy

Theme:  Judgement of Paris
Bring:  Money to pay for the wine

Our hosts did their best to match a sampling of the wines from the same winemaker or winery;
or if this was not otherwise possible, the same terroir for our tasting tonight.

Food:  The food was catered by Chef Raymond Griffin of Art of Cuisine Catering.  We dined on tuna tartare with ginger and guacamole, assorted cheeses and fruits, oysters Rockefeller, brie & berry mini puff pastry, peach & goat cheese tarts, black olive tapanade with sun dried tomatoes on French bread, dark and white chocolate, smoked salmon mousse bruschetta, charcuterie, melon wrapped proscuitto, marcona almonds, caramels, yummmmmmy!

Tasting Notes:
In the order we tasted them in with tasting notes:

WELCOME WINE (not part of the Judgement of Paris):
Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs ~ $35 @ Total Wine
12.8% alcohol

WHITE WINES
1) 2011 Domaine Jean Monnier & Fils Mersault-Charmes - $74
Aromatic, oak, golden apple, peaches, CA, viscosity, viscous, apricots, green apricot, Bojangles Biscuit, new world, pith, stone fruit, nuts, toasted almonds, poignant, I like it a lot, good with the oysters.

2) 2015 Premier Cru Domaine Gerard Thomas & Filles Puligny-Montrachet - $65
stone fruit, light, herbacious, viscous, yellow green, straw, minerality, guessing French, old world, white flowers, tastes different than it smells, lemon, lime, sprite, burgundy style, Chateau Montrechet guess.  good guess!

3) 2014 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay - $31
biscuits, pastry, flirt with no plans, minerality, golden luscious, weak on the palate, sweet then evaporates, buttery, cream, sugar, marshmallow, viscous, apple, high acidity, not dry, light sugar, fun wine, a carnival, new world, lemon meringue pie, Chateau Montelena guess?

4) 2015 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay - $50
MY FAVE (Abbie)
peach, peach compote, stone fruits, pith, cherries, chocolate, honey, coffee, weird for a white wine, sweet flowery garden, loverly, dessert wine, high alcohol, pith-love, melon, I like the way it feels going down.

RED WINES - note these were decanted in advance of the tasting.
5) 2014 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien-Medoc - $160
butter, cherries, plum, leather, eyes roll back in my head it's smells so good!  oh that mouth is disappointing, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, mind-f*ck, mushrooms, love the nose but the palate is weird, something is off, tart palate, unripe palate, undeveloped, not quite right, has grip, velvet, cranberries, its like 11am misty morning in Napa Valley, a cheating husband, when you're going down on a guy and it's a little small, unsatisfying palate,

6) 2015 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon - $49
musty, mushrooms, age, green, not so French, scrub brush, artichokes, CA AF, smooth, The Prisoner-like? port-like, green grapes on the nose, olive brine bitter finish, moss, mushrooms, algae, wet leaves, unrefined, thicc, soft palate, dry, guessing Artemis, German dungeon, damp basement, Rammstein?

7) 2011 Chateau Montrose Saint-Estephe - $110
French funk, dry as a bone, tobacco, guessing Las Cases, nice, good, beautiful bouquet, perfume, bell pepper, fennel nose, very dry, Rachel guesses CA, nice cigar, beautiful soft, delicate, mineral, pair with steak

8) 2009 Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan - $55
smells of charcuterie, minerals, gentile, sexy, savory, lovely, best wine all night, fleshy, lacks tannin structure, fan-F*CKing-tastic, best wine of the night, cheese, French AF, river rafting, olive brine, best of night, cassis, cigar box, beautiful, soft stroking kittens made of wine, my only regret is it's gone.

9) 2010 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon - $97
licorice, fennel, twizzlers, aMAHzing nose, musty, dark fruit, The Prisoner-like, more robust, bitterness, raisin, syrup, black currant, dark fruit, syrup, petrol, dirty martini, polyurethane nose, furniture varnish, old wood, arugula & burrata, Oh-face.

10) 2011 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon - $110
pepper gorgeous, sweet, small, light, musty, elegant, acidity but love it, it's got grip, ah-maz-ing nose, syrupy fruit, makes me happy

FAREWELL WINE (not part of the Judgement of Paris):
2014 Amici Cabernet Sauvignon - $49.99 @ Total Wine

WINNERS ranked per TWITs scoring:
WHITE WINES:
1st Place: 2015 Premier Cru Domaine Gerard Thomas & Filles Puligny-Montrachet - $65
2nd Place: 2015 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay - $50
3rd Place: 2011 Domaine Jean Monnier & Fils Mersault-Charmes - $74
4th Place: 2014 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay - $31

RED WINES:
1st Place: 2009 Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan - $55
2nd Place: 2010 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon - $97
3rd Place: 2011 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon - $110
4th Place: 2011 Chateau Montrose Saint-Estephe - $110
5th Place: 2015 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis cabernet Sauvignon - $49
6th Place: 2014 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien-Medoc - $160