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See below for what happened......... |
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National Tasting - Wines of Argentina and Chile
Across America, about a thousand AWS Members will be participating in a National Blind Tasting of Chile and Argentina wines. This event provides an educational opportunity to practice your wine assessment skills as well as explore the distinctive wine varietals Torrontés, Carménère, and Malbec. Apéritif 2009 Crios Torrontés, Argentina The Wines 2008 Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay, 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, May 12, 2010. Attendance is limited to 36. Members $20.00 Guests $24.00
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What Happened......... |
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This tasting was organized and presented by Frank and Jackie Carson. Twenty Chapter Members scored 6 wines in a blind tasting process. The American Wine Society’s 20 point scoring method was used (Appearance: 3 max., Aroma/Bouquet: 6 max., Taste/Texture: 6 max., Aftertaste: 3 max. and Overall Impression: 2 max.). Wines included Chardonnay, Carménère, Merlot, Malbec and 2 Cabernet Sauvignons. Bottle prices ranged from $7.99 to $12.99. Since these wines are readily available locally, the vintages were recent (4 wines from 2008 and two wines from 2007). A 2009 Crios Torrontés (Argentina) greeted the attendees as the aperitif wine and received universal favorable comments. The following are the average scores and prices for each wine: Description of the Wine Score Price/bottle 2008 Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay, Central Valley, Chile 13.4 $7.99 2008 Concho Y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Carménère, Chile 13.5 $8.99 2007 Casa Lapostolle Merlot Rapel Valley, Chile 12.2 $11.99 2008 Don Miguel Gascon Malbec, Argentina 11.8 $11.99 2007 Vina Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile 11.4 $12.99 2008 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile 11.8 $11.99 The average wine ratings tended to approach or fall into the “Good” range (12 to 14) which corresponds to an everyday table wine. The spread of ratings by category is shown below: Total Score Range Quality Descriptor Number of Scores in Range (18 to 20) Extraordinary 2 (15 to 17) Excellent 22 (12 – 14) Good 51 (9 – 11) Commercially Acceptable 37 (6 – 8) Deficient 8 Total Ratings 120 The wines were served with breads and cheeses, Manchego, Irish Kerry Gold Reserve Cheddar, and a 1-year aged Piave. Jackie made Brittany shortbread and spiced madeleines for dessert. A description of the National Tasting Process and history of Chile and Argentina wines can be found on National Website http://www.americanwinesociety.org/.
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