Our ‘wine lesson’ of the evening was the proper way to hold a wine glass. It may seem a bit unnecessary to discuss how you should hold a wine glass, but there is a right way and a wrong way and it does make a difference. This is because the temperature that a wine is served can have an impact on its taste. Placing your hands on the bowl of the glass will cause the liquid to change temperature. To avoid warming a wine above its suggested temperature, one should hold the wine by the stem. Additionally, if you’re trying to look at the color and the clarity of the wine, it’s hard to see them when your hand is wrapped around the glass.
The theme of the night was 'wine that evokes a memory.' This was a great way to get to know the other members of the group and learn a little more about each of them.
I’m not positive about the order we drank these (I will pay better attention next time) but here is what we sampled…..
2008 Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône La Dame Rousse (Rhône, France)
To go with her wine, Ali told a story about her honeymoon in Rhone and how she discovered rose.
2007 Simonassi Sauvignon Blanc (Mendoza, Argentina)
To go with her wine, Martha Jane told a story about how she drank Sauvignon Blanc throughout the summer of 2008.
2005 ZD Wines Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California)
To go with her wine, Becca told a story about how she once asked for "a bottle of VD" instead of the expensive and chic ZD.
2007 Markham Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California)
To go with her wine, Rachel told a story about the first time she heard Becca order a 'buttery' Chardonnay.
2006 Cousiño-Macul Merlot (Central Valley, Chile)
To go with her wine, Rebecca tld a story about a trip to Chile and a visit to this family winery as well as the ovile oil they had. She even brought olive oil from her recent trip to the Czech Republic.
2008 Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
To go with her wine, Jenn told a story about how anyone can sound knowledgeable about wine even if you have no idea what you are talking about!
2005 Harlaftis Argilos Nemea (Greece)
To go with her wine, Maggie told a story about a wine tasting event she recently organized where two attendees got drunk and tried to steal leftover wine.
2005 Sterling Vineyards Shiraz Vintner's Collection Central Coast (Central Coast, California)
To go with her wine, Adian told a story about a restaurant she once worked at where they featured this wine- and that it's a Mel Gibson favorite.
2006 Frei Brothers Pinot Noir (Russian River Valle, California)
To go with her wine, Rosie told a story about a friend bringing her this bottle for her birthday.
2004 Horton Vineyards Norton (Orange County, Virginia)
To go with her wine, Suzanne told a story about how she is a proud Virginian and that this local wine meant a lot to her.
It was a very successful first meeting! At the end of the evening, Jenn announced that our next gathering will be at her place in Woodley Park. The theme is going to be 'local wines' so stay tuned for the e-vite!
**Note: If I missed any bottles or if I have gotten a particular bottle wrong, please enter it into the comments section below and I will correct the post. I promise to pay better attention next time**
