Sparkling Wines of Uncommon Origins

Paired with Appropriate Hors D'Oeuvres

 

The Wines

Apéritif:    Jansz Brut Rose - Tasmania

 

 Taltarni Brut Tache – Victoria & Tasmania

Graham Beck Brut Rose 2006 – Franschhoek South Africa

Familia Zuccardi Vida Organica Sparkling Chadonnay - Argentina

         Reilly’s Sparkling Mad Shiraz - Australia

Gruet Winery Méthode Champenoise Brut NV - New Mexico
 

 

Awards for best “unplugged” sparkling wine friendly hors d’oeuvres.  Portions should serve 20 people. Wine glasses will be provided.

Black Tie Optional

No smoking or strong fragrances-please.  Attendees recognize they will consume alcohol & assume responsibility of having done so. 

Members Only $13.00

What Happened.........

This year we met at the home of Don and Val Vandersloot, in a cheerful and comfortable holiday setting for our annual tasting of sparkling wines and hors d’ouvres.

The theme was open, and there was a wide variety of dishes.  As always, there was a competition, and the winners were:

 First:      Jackie Carson                    Second:     Berndt Mueller                     Third:     Beverly Brisko

The wines were selected by Bob Bilenchi and Jackie Carson who searched world wide for producers we do not commonly find.

The Jansz came from Tasmania, an island south of Australia with a climate like that of Champagne, and the wine is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The Taltarni Taché, made from similar grapes grown in Tasmania and the Australian mainland, has an added dash of red wine liquor at disgorgment.  The Graham Beck from South Africa has Pinot Noir and Chardonnay constituents. The Zuccardi from Medoza, Argentina is of pure Chardonnay.  All of these wines were much enjoyed and appreciated for their taste and character.

The Reilly’s Sparkling Mad Shiraz was a break from tradition and, with a holiday red color and tangy flavours, lived up to its name.

The Gruet is becoming a favorite of our group as it has now appeared twice.  From Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grown in the high ground south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and made by a family with Champagne region origins, it is a fine example of good wines made in America.

Once again, our members had a very tasty and interesting food and wine experience, in a wonderful holiday setting, thanks to our very gracious hosts.