Thanks to program manager, Debbi Otto, I was invited, with my colleague and fellow journalist, Maria Reveley, to partake in what turned out to be a most interesting and challenging tasting.
Part of Jim's opening remarks focused on 'Terroir', which gives the varietals and wines 'a sense of place',
The factors that 'terroir' incorporate plus wine making techniques lead to often the same varietal with completely different results on the palate.
Jim noted what has to be taken into mind when judging wines.
Ask yourself these questions.
Is the wine stored in oak barrels or in stainless steel vats? Does the grape mature in a cool or warm environment? What is the age of the vines?
According to Jim, 'New World Wines' are normally from a warmer climate. Technically, they are bolder, richer, lush due to concentrated fruits.
The 'Blind Tasting' consisted of sampling two wines, each, from four flights of four different grapes. Basically, one 'terroir' vs. another.
My results were at picking the correct wine were not breathtaking . I was correct on the 'hardest' to detect grapes, but failed on others.
My colleague, Maria Reveley, with less experience, nearly nailed all of the wines.
Try this 'Blind Tasting' at home, and see what results you get.
Flight 1
Bordeaux Sancerre, 'Moulin Bales' 2012 Loire Valley, France ($19.99)
vs.
Petit Clos, Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlboro, New Zealand ($14.99)
Flight 2
Davis Family Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2010 California ($28.99)
vs.
Dom. Bichot Puligny-Montrachet 2010 Burgundy ($49.99)
Flight 3
Dom. Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny 2009 Burgundy ($49.99)
vs.
Evening Land Estate Pinot Noir, St. Rita Hills 2010 California ($34.99)
Flight 4
Black Stallion Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 California ($19.99)
vs.
Ch. Bell-Vue, Haut Medoc 2010, Bordeaux, France ($24.99)
All wines can be purchased at Spirited Wines and Spirits on Rt. 7 at the Holmes Road intersection.
Philip S. Kampe
TheBerkshireLife@gmail.com
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