Map out a strategy when attending wine-tasting events
So, you have arrived at a large wine tasting, how do you navigate your way around? Despite the increased popularity of wine in our market, there is still uncertainty when facing a wine tasting.
Given the vast number of wines offered at these events, a survival strategy is key to maximizing the experience.
My plan is to map out what I will taste before I get started.
Step one is to locate a glass of dry bubbles and sit down with the list to mark the wines that look interesting.
The most common tactic is to taste dry bubbly first, then the dry whites, moving to lighter-bodied red wines, followed by a couple of full-bodied reds. I end the tasting with either a sweet wine or a spirit, but never taste spirits until after you are finished with the wines because the high alcohol percentage will dull the palate.
Whether you are new to the world of wine or if you are looking to feed your sommelier spirit, my advice is to broaden your wine horizons and avoid what you are already familiar with. Choose up to 20 wines, based on half-ounce pours, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at the table and let them know if you don’t like certain styles so they can offer advice.
Keep in mind that those dump buckets are for dumping wine and spitting into — and yes, spitting wine is a terrific way to allow you to taste more and not to overindulge.
Avoid large “drink fests” masquerading as wine tastings but keep your eyes open for events offering curated selections that are fundraisers for charities and causes that you can support.
There’s a fabulous event, For the Love of Wine, which raises money for Kid’s Kottage on Feb. 9 with hundreds of wines for tasting — and live jazz — all in support of keeping Edmontonarea kids safe from abuse and neglect. It’s an amazing event and we are happy to be part of it. Tickets available at www.kidskottage.org.
So, get out and sample some wines in support of a cause, armed with a strategy to navigate the tasting.
Here are some of my favourite Italian finds from the trade-tasting I attended this week for one of our suppliers, Vendemmia, called The Great Italian Wine Encounter.
CONCERTO REGGIANO LAMBRUSCO 2016 $24
A dark, dry, grapey, round, fresh, fruity and a little fizzy that is the ultimate pairing with Mortadella. Head down to the Italian Centre and get some sliced or just head to Bar Bricco and order both!
VELLODORO TERRE DI CHIETI PECORINO 2016 $23
This is 100 per cent Pecorino grape a crowd-pleasing white wine and a customer favourite. There is a tale that when shepherds moved their herds from the hilltops to the valley in the summer, the sheep would eat a particular grape that ripened early. The grape became known as the “grape of the sheep” which are called “pecora” in Abruzzo, Italy. A fresh and crisp wine with a medium body, bright and elegant. A charmer with an easily recognizable label, showing a sheep staring at you. Available at Corso32 and Cibo.
PLANETA LA SEGRETA IL ROSSO SICILIA 2015 $20
Fruity, youthful, red wine grown on the volcanic soils of Sicily composed primarily of Nero d’Avola, with Syrah and Merlot. This is a terrific everyday blend that is dry, with sweet ripe wild strawberry, raspberry, savoury notes on a medium bodied palate. Your new house wine perhaps?
ADALIA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE 2015 $24
Marinella (she says you pronounce it like “Cinderella”) is a beautiful name for an equally beautiful winemaker. I am a huge fan of her traditional and organic wines and this is one of the most popular styles from her younger vineyards with a modern flair and easy-drinking style. Fresh and fruity with concentrated floral notes mingling with dried cherries and berries. Rich, round and a winner for the full-bodied wine lover. On the list at Corso32.
BRAIDA BRACHETTO D’ACQUI 2016 $34
The sweet grand finale for a day of strategized wine tasting. A beautifully elegant, berry-scented, sweet fizzy red from Braida that Norbert, the winemaker, recommends as an aperitif or after-dinner wine accompanied by dark chocolate and ripe strawberries — Valentine’s tip!
Wine selections are available at select Alberta shops. Log onto liquorconnect.com to check availability and give them a call to verify.