Imagine Your Home Transformed Into A Winery Tasting Room

The night began with everyone introducing themselves. "Raise your hand if you've ever toured a winery," I asked? All but two people's hands went up in the affirmative.

Then, I went around the room asking whether the attendees prefered reds or whites or dry wines versus sweeter wines. The consensus was white and "not-so-dry." Keep in mind, this was a room of 5 men and 5 women. So far, in my wine consulting travels, I see that men usually prefer reds and dry wines over whites, so I braced myself for an interesting tasting experience and, indeed it was!

We began by tasting a Sauvignon Blanc from the pay d'Oc region of France. In the glass, it looked so light and airy that it was going to evaporate into the heavens. Vinted by the winery Domaine Galetis, this wine, which offers hints of silvery colors and apple scents, was well-received by all Cheers, everyone! Pair this wine with scallops and you are in food-wine paradise.

Our second white was a literal trip Down Under as we tried a Chardonnay from the Veronica Creek winery in South Eastern Australia. With its color pale yellow, this wine offers a peachy perky aroma that pleased attendees palates. Sweeter in taste than the Sauvignon Blanc, this white has a tingly finish like no other. It delighted our guests with ease! Next, on to my favorites, the reds!

This time, we ventured back to France to the spiritual home of Pinot Noir by tasting Frog's Foot Cuvee Pinot Noir, which hails from the Burgundy region of France. Offering aromas of dried strawberries, this ruby-colored Pinot Noir offers an earthiness like no other and has a 90-point rating! Pair this one with a steak or other red meat dish and you are sitting pretty. Magnificent!

Our fourth wine of the night came to us from the vineyards of Italy. La Borgata, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo delivers a Merlot suppleness with notes of raspberry and currant. Described as a "well-rounded" wine that will go with most any type of Italian food dish! It was a tasting hit as well.

Our fifth and final wine of the night took us to Argentina, a country known for producing hearty beef cattle. How appropriate as the Uva Negra Cabernet Sauvignon was made ready to go with steak! Yum! But, if you ever get to try this beauty, save some for dessert! Pair this wine with dark chocolates and you have suddenly expanded your palate to the next level.

A good time was had by all. Food pairings, wine education and demystifying the wine experience all come together to make for a great night. Who's next?

Cheers,

The Wine Connoisseur