Around the World with Wine in 80 Minutes

by Madelyn Miller the TravelLady

The challenge: to introduce 6 wines from all over the world  to a group of food and wine journalists in just over an hour. These are writers who taste the best wines and enjoy great food. What would you serve them? I was one of the lucky writers who got to taste these international selections and here is my report.

Denise Jones, Wine Sommelier, Vino 100 met the challenge with a sophisticated selection of wine and cheeses

There's no doubt about it, Denise Jones is passionate about wine. The history, mystique, and flavors tell a story and the intrigue is contagious. It began with her first glass of Far Niente Chardonnay, during her days working at a five-star hotel. The layers of flavor and weight of the wine were inconceivable leaving her to believe there had to be more to a good bottle of wine than she could possibly imagine. Since then, her exploration of wine has multiplied to attending numerous seminars and trade shows across the country, as well as self-study and frequent vacations to wine producing regions

In spring of 2006, Denise received her first accreditation through the Court of Master Sommeliers. With extensive travel throughout Europe, the Old World wines tug at her heart, especially reds from the Ribera del Duero and Penedes regions of Spain. Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy hold a close second. However, New World, American wines in particular, are impossible to dismiss. The excitement of Washington is overwhelming. She is patiently waiting for some of those Syrahs from the Columbia Valley to mature. “It's quite possible that Washington State will be the benchmark of true quality of New World Syrah, “ says Jones. “ We just have to wait another decade or so to find out.”  

So what did she serve us?

Whites 

Adegas D’Altamira “Brandal” Albarino-Rias Baixas , Spain

Subtle notes of almonds & stone fruits are divine with crisp acidity & a lean streak of mineral notes from all that granite soil.  Delicious & clean, must try Spanish white. 

Leth Gruner Veltliner-Austria

Crisp acidity rushes in to buffer this wine's bold spicy pear and pineapple flavors. It's hearty and substantial, for dishes like roasted fish and poultry. You'll love it once you try it. 

Pessagno Chardonnay-Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Rich & elegant, offering  concentrated layers of apple, ripe pear, & tropical fruit notes, with a hint of caramel from oak aging. The lingering butterscotch finish, coupled with firm natural acidity will invite you back for continued enjoyment.

Reds 

Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba-Piedmont, Italy

A Barbera with intense ruby color & a bouquet that is vital with fresh, ripe fruit. The palate is clear & definite, with hints of ripe pulpy fruit, cherry, & notes of chocolate, with a long & pleasant finish. 

Teusner “Joshua” Red Blend-Barossa Valley, Australia

(Grenache, Mataro, Shiraz,)

This absolute stunner from Down Under is chocked full of spice, blackberry flavors, tea leaf, & great structure for a mouth-filling wine that's unique & appealing.  It's so appealing to Robert Parker that he gave it 91pt. 

Bodegas Huarpe Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec Blend- Mendoza, Argentina

Superior quality, full-bodied wine with good structure and a long finish- Produced only in exceptional years and in limited quantities. This blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of a rigorous selection process & complexity is apparent with abundant dark fruits & layers of flavors that keep evolving on the palate. 

How do you do your own Wine Tasting?

Vino 100 can create an exceptional wine tasting event for up to 20 people. This exclusive wine experience allows guests to sample spectacular wines from around the country and will include the following:

Private selection of wines with Wine Sommelier

Wine Sommelier available to explain wines and answer inquiries

Delectable cheese platters paired with selected wines

Tasting Notes for larger parties

Various Regional themes to select as theme of tasting

A 25% discount on wines purchased immediately following the wine tasting

Option to bring in personal decorations

Option to use outside caterer

Wine tastings range from $15 - $20 per person dependent on the selection of wine.  

Madelyn Miller is a food and travel writer who loved Denise's choice of wine. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com