OUT & ABOUT ~ WINE TASTINGS ~ PART ONE

I am not a wine expert and never represent myself as such.  I’m not adverse to wine tastings, because my assessment will always be honest and objective based on my oenophile intellect, or lack thereof.  I greatly admire wine experts who aren’t pretentious and who don’t make the assumption that everyone sipping the grape is as well versed as they.  I’m the type that will drink a white or rosé with beef, or a red with fish.  Over the years I’ve come to appreciate the taste of whites and rose to that of reds, mainly because of the tannins and acidity.  I prefer wines to be crisp and genuine to the fruit where other characteristics don’t mire that honesty or integrity of the grape.  I’m not impressed with labels or price.  If I’m told a wine is a good vintage, but it tastes different to my palate, no matter how much rhetoric, if I don’t like it, I’ll never like it. 

Lastly, anything having to do with the senses, especially the olfactory and taste, will vary from individual to individual, so for one individual, expert or not, to tout the taste attributes of something, but another can’t understand or appreciate the rhetoric, it could very well be that that individual’s palate senses things differently than another is claiming.  It’s discouraging when a wine expert praises the attributes of a particular vintage or grape, and I just don’t get it.  I’m not a failure, just not an aficionado of the grape like they.  If I prefer my reds chilled, so be it.

SPAIN’S RIOJA WINES

(Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab)

~ Chatting with Jordi Viñals Matas; Director General, Bodegas y Viñedos del Marqués de Vargas ~ 

This special media event showcased Rioja Wines from Spain.  While at the event, I had an opportunity to briefly discuss the wines with a few of the principals.  Prior to the special tasting luncheon, attendees got a chance to sample a number of premier wines that included Vivanco Blanco 2014 (Bodegas Vivanco); Vina Zaco 2012 (Bodegas Bilbainas); Taron 4M 2011 (Bodegas Taron); Marques de Vargas Reserva 2010 (Bodegas y Vinedos Marques de Vargas); and Fernandez de Pierola Reserva 2005 (Bodgeas Fernandez de Pierola).

Overall, I found the Rioja Wines served at this special luncheon to be impressive.  Each wine selection seemed incrementally bolder, more full-bodied, richer, and drier with each subsequent course served.  The wines paired well with each menu selection, and although the wines were full-bodied and rich, none of them upstaged the delicate and complex flavors of each menu selection.  I especially enjoyed the Second and Third course wine selections and how they complimented the complex preparations and delicious tastes for each course.  The food offerings were outstanding, and this restaurant, exceptional.  Highly recommended.  http://www.wine.com/v6/Rioja/wine/list.aspx?N=7155+109+2370  http://www.joes.net/?loc=chicago

(Image from www.wineportfolio.com)

~ Wine Selections and Menu Courses ~

(First Course)

Spring Chopped Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Wine Served: Taron Cepas Centenarias 2010

Palate Notes:  This crisp red paired well with the delicate tang of the Lemon Vinaigrette without diminishing the delicate aspects of the vegetable medley and greens.

 (Second Course)

Roasted Alaskan Halibut with Black Garlic Butter

Wines Served: Vina Pomal Reserva 2010 and Fernandez de Pierola Crianza 2010

Palate Notes:  Both of these bold reds not only paired well with the Halibut, celebrating it as if it were meat; the Black Garlic Butter was a surprising element to the overall flavor profile.

(Third Course)

Prime Skirt Steak with Chimichurri & Grilled Shishito Peppers

Wines Served: Marqes de Vargas Reserva Privada 2007 and Carlos Serras Gran Reserva 2004

Palate Notes:  These wines were intensely bold, with bright acidity that accentuated the umami complexities of the Steak; the fresh flavor profile of the Chimichurri further complemented the subtle fire of the Shishito Peppers.

(Dolce)

Assorted Dessert Bites, Coffee and Tea

~ Rioja Wine Bits ~

(Image from www.finewineconcierge.com)

The Rioja Wine region is located in the north-central area of Spain (between Madrid and Bilbao).  The mountain range Sierra de Cantebria; the river Ebro; a cooling sea from the Atlantic Ocean’s Northwest; and, a warming sea from the Mediterranean’s Eastern influence this region.  The convergence of these natural properties produces ideal microclimates, which also impact the types of soils that give the grape varieties their unique properties. The result is a range of impressive wines that will please the novice palate as well as the seasoned oenophile.

~ In Closing ~

When it comes to wine, Benjamin Franklin said it best…“Wine is constant proof that God loves to see us happy.”  And, when it comes to food and wine, Julia Child said it best, “Wine is meant to be with food – that’s the point of it.”

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!  And, don’t forget to enjoy the grape!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo from www.sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com; all other photo credits as indicated, or represented by the specific brand and Wines from Rioja.)