Grape To Glass

I hosted another wine & food tasting event last night with the theme being Wines of Spain. I work with a former executive chef and collaborate on the food pairings for the wines I have selected. The Mencia stole the show! The Fino sherry is made in a very old, nearly extinct method referred to as a Fino Amontillado. Great event overall!

Had a friend over last night to enjoy a couple of fantastic wines. The 2020 Porphyr Reserve from Cantina Terlano in the Alto Adige wine region of Italy was a stunner. The variety is Lagrein, which is native to the Tyrol region and a descendant of Pinot Noir, a cousin of Syrah. Loads of dark fruits, including blackberry, blueberry, black currant, along with licorice, star anise, chocolate and graphite notes. Full bodied with beautifully integrated tannins and balanced acidity and a nice long finish.

Hosted a wine tasting event last night featuring wines from the Finger Lakes AVA. The Rkatsiteli grape variety dates back over 3,000 years from Georgia (in the caucasus region), making it one of the oldest known vinifera varieties still being vinified! Also featured was a Dr. Konstantin Frank Gewurtztraminer 2022, a Boundary Breaks No. 239 Dry Riesling 2022, a Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc 2021 and a Wagner Vineyards Estate Riesling Ice Wine 2020. The Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2021 was actually a fan favorite, along with the Ravines Maximilien 2019, a Bordeaux blend.