As your love and ... of wine grows, it is ... that you will want to share your ... with friends and family. Hosting a wine tasting party is a great way to do ... planning a
As your love and knowledge of wine grows, it is inevitable that you will want to share your revelations with friends and family. Hosting a wine tasting party is a great way to do this.
When planning a wine tasting party, some obvious questions about parameters arise. How many people should you invite? What types and how many wines should you pour?
It is my opinion that an informal gathering should be kept to 12 people or less. This ensures that conversation and dialogue will be much more conducive than with a larger group.
Blind tasting is the most fun and informative. Wrapping bottles in bags will negate past preferences and prejudices. You may be surprised what you "like" without access to the wine label.
Focus on a relatively specific style of wine. Within this framework, some variations should be considered. I recently hosted a wine tasting party where we tasted Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.
To make it more interesting, we tasted two wines from Rutherford, (valley floor) two from Stags Leap, (east hills) and two from Mount Veeder (west hills). This was a pleasant and educational mix: a consistant varietal, but different styles from different regions. Another option is to taste the same varietal from the same region, but in different price ranges.
For the initial tasting, pour a small amount in each guest's glass. Refrain from pouring full glasses until every wine has been tasted to avoid the cloud of inebriation on the senses.
Provide some neutral flavored foods for your guests. Make sure this does not interfere or clash with the wine tasting. Don't serve blue cheese if you are tasting Pinot Blancs. Try bread or crackers and a mild, white cheddar or brie.
Paper and pencils are necessary for your guests to write notes and preferences. If you regularly taste with the same group, you may want to use a designated notebook as well as articulate some additional guidelines and procedures for the tasting notes. This will create and ongoing reference point and perspective as your tastes develop.
The Evolution of Wine Culture in the Sierra Foothills and the Delta
Discover the rich tapestry of the Sierra Foothills and the Delta's wine history, where the allure of gold and the resilience of vineyards have intertwined to shape a unique viticultural legacy. From the Gold Rush's thirsty miners to the modern-day renaissance of fine wines, this region's journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of California's wine country.
The Evolution of Mendocino County's Wine Legacy
Mendocino County's wine industry has a rich history that stretches back to the mid-19th century, evolving from humble beginnings to a renowned wine-producing region. Initially settled by Russian hunters, the area's wine production began with gold prospectors turned vintners. Despite challenges like phylloxera and Prohibition, the industry persevered, led by families like the Parduccis. Today, Mendocino boasts over 15,000 acres of vineyards and a reputation for diverse, high-quality varietals.
The Seasonal Rhythms of California Vineyards
Discover the intricate seasonal rhythms of California's vineyards, where each year's cycle commences in the fall post-harvest. As the vines shed their foliage and enter dormancy, vineyard stewards meticulously prune and shield the plants from the chill. Nature contributes by drawing sap to the roots, forming a protective barrier. Pruning, a crucial task, is timed to influence the spring's budbreak, with techniques like cordon-spur, head-spur, and cane pruning tailored to the vineyard's climate and grape variety. As spring warmth prompts growth, the risk of frost looms. By summer, the vines are in full flourish, leading to the critical veraison phase when grapes change color and begin to sweeten. Harvest timing is a delicate art, balancing sugar and acid levels with weather patterns to craft the perfect vintage. This annual dance with nature culminates in the harvest, setting the stage for the next cycle.
