Earlier this year, I wrote about a wine tasting party I held in my home which appeared in my column that ran in "On Whidbey" published in The South Whidbey Record. It started with serious intentions, but quickly become like most gatherings in my home ... easy going and relaxed.
From Cabernet to Syrah to Merlot, Washington State wines have legs. They can stand up to the best California has to offer. I decided I needed to explore these wines and what better way than with a wine tasting dinner. I invited a diverse group for a varietal, blind wine tasting paired with and without food. I instructed my guests to bring a bottle of wine, specifically a Washington State Merlot under $20. Here is what we tasted.
Chandler Reach 2005 Helix 2004 Waterbrook 2003 DiStefano 2002
I wanted to try to understand how the wine would taste naked and paired with specific dishes. They say, although I do not know who “they” are, that you should be able to taste the subtle nuances of the wine, decipher its character and appreciate its struggle on the vine.
My research told me I was looking for fruity flavors, spicy and herbaceous undertones, some acidity, earthy character and oaky notes. Since Merlot is considered to be a full bodied wine, smooth on your palate, I decided on a menu of rustic seafood pasta, followed by a roasted beet salad and ending with several artisanal cheeses.
I put a primer out for my guests so we would be able to, hopefully, alert our nose as to what we were about to discover with every sip. My primer consisted of chocolate, dark cherries, blackberries and coffee as these were some traits each of the winemakers mentioned.
My guests arrived and off came the foil on the bottles; wine brown bagged and numbered; armed with scorecards and pencils by our side; we were ready to go. This undertaking was scientific. We were serious. Knowledge, power, oenophilia, we wanted it all!
See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip and Swallow
See – Look at the wine, what do you see? Is the color bold or soft? Is there great hue or depth?
Swirl – Swirl your wine to oxygenate it. Does it have legs?
Sniff – Is it pleasing to your nose? Do you smell the fruit, tannins, earth, etc.?
Sip – Chew your wine. What do you taste? Is it fruity, herbaceous, acidic, etc.?
Swallow – Is there a clear finish? What lingers in your mouth? How long do the flavors dance on your tongue?
After several sips and a few more swallows, things just turned silly. We could no more decipher our scorecards than keep our glasses in order. We did have some good food, great wines and a terrific evening. In case you are wondering, Helix was chosen the winner for its overall compatibility.
In the end, there are no rules for a wine tasting or pairing. It is as individual and personal as you and I. So have a wine tasting, have some fun and remember not to take it too seriously.
Tips for your own wine party
Choose a varietal – red, white, sparkling, etc.
Choose a region – Washington, Oregon, California , etc.
Choose a dollar amount – anything over or under a specific price
Choose your style – varietal, horizontal, vertical, blind, stand off, etc.
Bread and Water to cleanse the palate, spit bucket if serious
Wine glasses – one glass per wine, per person, per varietal
Scorecards and pencils - if you are serious
Talk to your local wine merchant. They can give you such an insight into what's fun and boutique not trendy and chic.
I sat mesmerized while John sculpted his romantic shell wedding cake.
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