See below for what happened.........

Organic /Biodynamic Wines

Speaker:  Dick Scheer

Are Organic, sustainable farming, certified, NSA, Vegan, and Biodynamic marketing terms or a dramatic change in grape growing & wine making?  Our own Michigan National wine expert, Dick Scheer, shares his expertise on this emerging 21st Century force.

Apéritif

2008 Colli Martani Grechetto Vigna Tonda, Antinori (Umbria - Italy)

The Wines

     2008 Chateau Couronneau, Bordeaux Blanc (Bordeaux - France)

     2007 King Estate Domaine Oregon Pinot Gris (Oregon - U.S.)

     2007 Chianti Classico Berardenga, Fattoria de Felsina (Tuscany - Italy)

     2007 Douro Quinta do Coa, Carm (Douro - Portugal)

     2007 Trinchero Family Chicken Ranch Vineyard St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
     (California - U.S.)

     2006 Maycas Reserva Especial Limari Valley Syrah (Limari - Chile)

Please bring your own wine glasses.  No smoking or strong fragrances please.

  Attendees recognize that they will consume alcohol and assume responsibility for having done so.

Reservation deadline is Wednesday, March 17, 2010.  Attendance is limited to 36.

Members $25.00          Guests $29.00

What Happened.........

This tasting was organized by Frank and Jackie Carson and Jeff & Sandy Czarniecki.  The tasting was led by Dick Scheer, who selected an excellent array of wines that demonstrated the quality that can be obtained using organic/biodynamic approaches.

We learned that these approaches to growing wine grapes have in common a desire to minimize use of agro-chemicals to control pest and diseases. Organic and biodynamic methods tend to affect the environment of the vineyard in only a minimal way.  The local “terroir” is thus maintained and reflected in the wines.

Although these methods do not automatically equate to excellent wines, many quality wine producers are embracing elements of these approaches.  The wines tasted were from many areas around the world.  They were very well received with some of our veteran tasters commenting that they were the best group of wines they had tasted over the last several years.

Breads and cheeses accompanied the wines, Irish Cheddar, Jarlsberg and Fontinella.

The tasting closed with coffee and brownies made by Sandy, out of organic ingredients, which were delicious.

We were fortunate to have the benefit of Dick’s expertise on this important subject. As many Members know, he develops the annual AWS Vintage Chart for the Society.  A recipient of AWS Outstanding Member Award, he is the owner of the Village Corner wine shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  An extensive list of 310 Organic/Biodynamic wines can be found on the store’s website.

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