Tag Archives: wine tasting

Spaghetti Carbonara

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WC-March-2015-3clubINGREDIENTS:
spaghetti-carbonara• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces (8 slices)bacon, cut 1” thick crosswise
• Course salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup half-and-half

DIRECTIONS:
Set a large pot of water for boil (for pasta).  In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half.  Set aside.
Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it.  Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture.  Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs).  Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional Parmesan.  Recipe courtesy of Casa Agricola Alexandre Relvas.

Merino-Old-vinesHerdade Sao Miguel
Merino Old Vines
Alentejano, Portugal

Situated in the municipality of Redondo, Herdade encompasses 175 hectares of which 35 are planted vines in loam soil and 97 hectares contain cork trees that were planted between 1998 -1999.   Herdade was acquired by Alexandre Relvas in 1997, who dedicates his efforts to the breeding and conservation of local species in extinction throughout the vineyard’s territory.   The Aragonez is one the most well known grape varieties in the Iberian Peninsula. It originates in Spain, where it is named Tempranillo.  The Aragonez grape develops wines containing a high degree of alcohol, low acidity and greatly aromatic with red fresh fruit.

winemakers“A juicy, medium-bodied red, showing dark plum and red currant flavors, with accents of black licorice.  Milk chocolate notes emerge on the spicy finish. Pairs nicely with pasta, poultry and soft cheeses“, winemaker Alexandre Relva.

Winemaker: Alexandre Relva
Appellation: Alentejano, Portugal
Varietal Blend:  50% Aragonez, 30% Syrah, 20% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 13.0% alc/vol

Merino_winery

Virtual Winemaker Tasting April 18th

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Winemaker-tasting-event-Bonny-DoonSPECIAL EVENT

  Virtual wine tasting event with renown winemaker, Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard
Saturday, April 18th at 6:30pm EST / 5:30pm CST

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Join us for a LIVE virtual wine tasting event with Bonny Doon Vineyard’s winemaker, Randall Grahm.  In real time, taste 5 wines along side Randall and ask him your questions online.  Seating is limited – call your local WineStyles to RSVP.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

BDV_logo_300dpi-900x900While Bonny Doon Vineyard began with the (in retrospect) foolish attempt to replicate Burgundy in California, Randall Grahm realized early on that he would have far more success creating more distinctive and original wines working with Rhône varieties in the Central Coast of California. Bonny-Doon-BlancThe key learning here (achieved somewhat accidentally but fortuitously) was that in a warm, Mediterranean climate, it is usually blended wines that are most successful. In 1986 Bonny Doon Vineyard released the inaugural vintage (1984) of Le Cigare Volant, an homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this continues as the winery’s flagship/starship brand.  Since then, Bonny Doon Vineyard has enjoyed a long history Shelftalker-NV-CigareBlanc.qxdof innovation – the first to truly popularize Rhône grapes in California, to successfully work with cryo-extraction for sundry “Vins de Glacière, the first to utilize microbullage in California, the first to popularize screwcaps for premium wines, and, quite significantly, the first to embrace true transparency in labeling with its ingredient labeling initiative. The upside of all of this activity has brought an extraordinary amount of creativity and research to the California wine scene; the doon-side, as it were, was perhaps an ever so slight inability to focus, to settle doon, if you will, into a single, coherent direction.

Bonny Doon Vineyard grew and grew with some incredibly popular brands (Big House, Cardinal Zin and Pacific Rim) until it became the 28th largest winery in the United Stated.  Since early 2004, Bonny Doon adopted Biodynamic viticulture and biodynamic practices in as many of their vineyards as practicable.

Randall Grahm Biography

BonnyDoon-RandallGrahmRandall was born in Los Angeles in 1953 and attended Uncle Charlie’s Summer Camp, excuse me, the prestigious University of California at Santa Cruz where he was a permanent Liberal Arts major. Some time later he found himself working at the Wine Merchant in Beverly Hills sweeping floors. By dint of exceptionally good karma he was given the opportunity to taste an ungodly number of great French wines and this singular experience turned him into a complete and insufferable wine fanatic. He returned to the University of California at Davis to complete a degree in Plant Sciences in 1979, where owing to his single-minded obsession with Pinot Noir he was regarded as a bit of a holy terroir in the hallowed halls of the sober and sedate Department of Viticulture and Enology.

With his family’s assistance, Randall purchased property in the Santa Cruz Mountains in a magically quaint eponymous hamlet known as Bonny Doon, intent on producing the Great American Pinot Noir. The GAPN proved to be systematically elusive but he was greatly encouraged by experimental batches of Rhône varieties, and he has been a tireless champion of the grapes of the Rhône since the inaugural vintage of Le Cigare Volant. In 1989 Randall appeared on the cover of the Wine Spectator, clad in blue polyester, as “The Rhône Ranger,” a moniker that has mercilessly followed him ever since. (He has subsequently abandoned the habit of appearing en masque at public events.)

In 1991 Randall was indicted into the Who’s Who of Cooking in America by Cook’s and in the same year Ted Bowell of the Lowell Observatory in northern Arizona named the “Rhoneranger” asteroid in his honor. He was proclaimed Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 1994. Randall lectures frequently to wine societies and technical groups, and occasionally contributes quixotically sincere articles to wine journals. His idiosyncratic newsletters and articles were collected, carefully redacted, and with the inclusion of some very timely new material, published as the award-winning book, “Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology” in 2009. In 2010 the Culinary Institute of America inducted him into the Vintner’s Hall of Fame. He lives in Santa Cruz with his muse Chinshu, their daughter, Amélie and his thesaurus.   Follow Randall’s wine blog.

BonnyDoon-wines-TastedBONNY DOON WINES TASTED:

Imagine Vin Gris
Picpoul
Le Cigare Blanc
Le Cigare Volant
Le Cigare Volant Reserve

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

The Hess Collection

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March Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Please join us for a special Winery Spotlight event, featuring The Hess Collection winery from Napa Valley, California.

The HESS Collection
Vineyards & Winery

Hess_FamilyStarted in 1844, Hess Family Wine Estates is a family-owned, fourth-generation company with a deep commitment to responsible agricultural and business practices.  Founded in Bern, Switzerland, Hess Family Wine Estates seeks, develops and mentors businesses worldwide that reflect the company’s values of tradition, quality and sustainability.

In 1978, Donald Hess founded the Hess Collection Winery on Mount Veeder, 2,000 feet above the Napa Valley.  True to his vision of what a New World wine should be, Mr. Hess established his winery on the volcanic slopes of Mount Veeder in the Napa Valley and defined a whole new approach to winemaking.  Along with its mountain vineyards, the winery has won acclaim for its other estate vineyards in the northeast and southern ends of the Napa Valley and has been recognized for its successful relationships with family-owned growers who represent some of the finest appellations in California.

The Hess Collection Winery produces three tiers of wines and has distinguished itself as a premium producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

THE HESS COLLECTION WINE TASTING EVENT:

Hess_Wines

The Hess Collection Napa Valley Chardonnay
Hess Select Central Coast Pinot Noir
The Hess Collection 19 Block Mountain Cuvee
MacPhail Family Wines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
The Hess Collection Napa Valley Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
The Hess Collection Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Coffee Rubbed Skirt Steak

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Fire up the Grill!
Great recipe to pair with the Big Game and Chapter Three Shiraz!

Coffee-Skirt-SteakINGREDIENTS:
•  2 lbs. skirt steak
•  2 tablespoons ground coffee beans
•  2 tablespoons ground black pepper
•  1 ¼ tablespoon sea salt
•  1 tablespoon smoked paprika
•  ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Mixed all dry ingredients and rub Steak both sides.   Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare grill (preferable charcoal) and grill steaks two-three minutes per side on high heat.

Let rest 5 minutes.  Cut across grain and serve with a glass of Chapter Three Shiraz.  Serves 4
Recipe compliments of Epic Wines.

Bold_stickerChapter-3-ShirazMcPherson
Chapter Three Shiraz
Central Victoria, Australia

This is the third range to be released into the McPherson portfolio and has been created with the finest attention paid to viticultural practices and winemaking techniques to achieve wines of perfect harmony, great style and superb quality.  Fruit was harvested from 15-year-old vines in exceptional vineyard sites on top of the Strathbogie Ranges.The vineyards are situated on granitic sand and rock, which give the wine notable terroir.  Smooth, complex and elegant, this medium bodied, cool climate red evolves with stunning aromas of ripe sweet berries coupled with a floral, violet – like perfume and smoky, chocolate suggestions. The perfect accompaniment to fillet steak or venison – or for something a little different try it with some chocolate cake.

“Harmoniously balanced with brooding fruits and carefully integrated French oak, this wine offers intense blackberries and dark plums with a lingering spicy finish. Possessing an eternal palate of richness and spice, it is irresistible now, and will richly reward those who offer it time.”- Jo Nash, winemaker

Jo-Nash

Jo Nash, winemaker

Winemaker: Jo Nash
Appellation: Central Victoria, Australia
Varietal Blend:  95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier
Analysis: 14.0% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: 5 Stars Central & Western Victoria Wine State National 2014; Gold Medal Decanter World Wine Awards UK 2013; Gold Medal Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit 2013

Chicken and Dumplings with Mushrooms

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chicken-dumplings-chardonnayCHICKEN STEW INGREDIENTS:
•  6 oz slab bacon, cut into ½ pieces
•  ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 chicken legs (drumsticks with thighs; about 2 lbs.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
•  1 ¼ pound mixed mushrooms
•  1 medium onion, chopped
•  6 cloves garlic crushed
•  ½ cup dry white wine
•  6 sprigs thyme
•  2 bay leaves
•  8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

DIRECTIONS: Crisp bacon in large Dutch oven over medium heat; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.  Place flour in a shallow bowl.   Season chicken with salt and pepper and dredge in flour.  Working in batches, cook chicken, skin side down, in the same pot over medium heat until deep golden brown and crisp (do not turn), 12-15 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Working in two batches, cook mushrooms in the same pot, seasoning with salt and pepper and stirring occasionally, until brown, 5-8 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl. Add onion and garlic to pot: cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 5-8 minutes.

Add wine to pot; simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.  Add chicken, bacon, thyme, bay leaves and broth; season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and gently simmer, partially covered, skimming occasionally, until chicken falls off the bone, 2 -2 ¼ hours.  Add mushrooms and simmer until flavors meld, 10-15 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

DUMPLING INGREDIENTS:
•  ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
•  1 cup all-purpose flour
•  ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
•  1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•  2 large eggs
•  ½ cup whole milk

DUMPLING & ASSEMBLY:
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.  Whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg, pepper, and ¾ tsp. salt in a medium bowl.  Whisk in eggs and milk (batter will be slightly lumpy). Reduce heat until water is a strong simmer. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter into water; cook until dumplings are cooked through and doubled in size, about 5 minutes.  Remove with slotted spoon; add to stew just before serving. Servings: 6

Stew (without dumplings) can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.  Recipe courtesy of Bon Appẻtit, February 2014 issue.

Basilisk-ChardonnaySilky_StickerMcPherson
Basilisk Chardonnay
Central Victoria, Australia

The fruit for the Basilisk Chardonnay was sourced from the Goulburn Valley on the vineyards neighboring the winery. This region has long, warm sunny days and mild evening temperatures which are perfect for the growing of good quality Chardonnay. The grapes were harvested during the cool of the night to maintain fruit freshness and gently pressed to minimise phenolic characters. A rich and textual wine displaying lovely aromas of tropical fruits with a hint of apple and spice. The palate is mouth-filling and generous with excellent length and harmony carrying the fruit to a full clean finish. A marvellous wine match with any meal and is best served slightly chilled to allow the full texture of the wine to flourish.

Jo-Nash

Jo Nash, winemaker

“A rich, full bodied Chardonnay that is best enjoyed with foods such as roast chicken, rich seafood or roasted duck. This wine is great all-round and will complement most styles of cuisine.” – Jo Nash, winemaker

Winemaker: Jo Nash
Appellation: Central Victoria, Australia
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.0% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: 89 pts James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2015

Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shank

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Moroccan-spiced-lambINGREDIENTS:
•  3-4 lbs. lamb shanks
•  1 tsp salt
•  1 tsp black pepper
•  1 tsp cumin
•  1 tsp cinnamon
•  1 tsp paprika
•  1 pound carrots (chopped into pieces)
•  2 garlic cloves
•  bunch cilantro
•  ¼  cup dried cherries

DIRECTIONS:
Mix spices together and rub on shanks (salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, paprika).

Chop tomatoes, garlic and cilantro stems.  In a 2 quart Dutch Oven, add carrots, garlic, cilantro, dried cherries and shanks.  Add ½ cup water and bring to a boil.   Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook for 2 to 2 ½ hours.

Garnish with Cilantro leaves and serve with Cous Cous.  Recipe compliments of Epic Wines.

Basilisk-Shiraz-MourvedreBold_stickerMcPherson Basilisk
Shiraz Mourvedre
Central Victoria, Australia

An enchanting combination of serpent and rooster, the Basilisk is a creature of folklore whose name and legend have inspired the creation of our premium wine range.  This enigmatic blend of two creatures’ parallels McPherson’s concept of uniquely styled wines, each individually crafted by combining exceptional parcels of fruit with passionately applied winemaking techniques to create a wine true to its variety and regional origin.   Rich, with elegant and supple tannins, this Rhone inspired wine is an enigmatic blend of cool-climate spicy Shiraz combined with mild climate full-bodied Shiraz, finely tempered by the savory tannins of Mourvedre.  The Basilisk Shiraz Mourvedre is a wonderful partner to rich red meat dishes and pastas, and for those who are a little more daring why not try it with dark chocolate.

“This delicious, exciting and harmonious wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blackberry, pepper and spice combined with the elegant integration of French oak.  Rich dark berry fruit flavors are abundant on the palate with underlying savory notes such as leather and spice.” – Jo Nash, winemaker

Jo-Nash

Jo Nash, winemaker

Winemaker: Jo Nash
Appellation: Central Victoria, Australia
Varietal Blend:  95% Shiraz, 5% Mourvedre
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim:
89 pts James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2015
Silver Medal Royal Sydney Wine Show 2014
Silver Medal Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit 2013
85 pts eRobertParker.com 2013

Chalk Hills Estate Vineyards & Winery

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February Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Please join us for a special Winery Spotlight event, featuring Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery.

Chalk Hill Estate
Vineyards & Winery

Chalk Hill Estate is one of the most spellbinding wineries in California.  Hidden in the rugged foothills of the Mayacama Mountain range that divides Napa and Sonoma County, the winery offers extraordinary scenery, a sense of serenity and seclusion, and one of the most providential climates for grapes in all of California.

ESTATE HISTORY: Founded in 1972, by Fred Furth, Chalk Hill Estate produced its first wine in 1980 from grapes grown on extraordinary vineyards set in the rolling hills of eastern Sonoma County.  Over the intervening years, the winery has helped pioneer and establish the Chalk Hill AVA as one of the top winegrowing regions in California. Today, this 1300+ acre property includes around 350 acres of vineyards, a winery, a hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds and a wilderness area. The winery makes limited quantities of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Red, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Semillon as well as several small lot wines.

VITICULTURE: From dramatic hillsides to vineyard gardens, from dry creek beds to forests of native oak, the most prominent feature of Chalk Hill Estate is diversity. Soils vary with elevations and range from ancient alluvial deposits of sand, gravel and clay to young volcanic soils strewn with rocks and boulders. A distinctive layer of volcanic ash lies under much of the top soil inspiring the name “Chalk Hill.” The viticultural team led by Mark Lingenfelder has spent 35 years studying and mapping the Estate’s complex terroir. Thanks to their efforts, each individual block (60 total) has been planted to the best possible variety, clone, rootstock, trellising system, row orientation and vine spacing.  More than two-thirds of Chalk Hill remains uncultivated. The winery’s vineyards are thoughtfully woven amongst the native oak woodlands, meadows and streams. The vines are maintained using low-input, sustainable viticultural practices to preserve the long-term viability of the ecosystem.

WINEMAKING: Making great wine starts by understanding the nuances within each vineyard site. Harvesting precisely when the grapes have the greatest flavor, balance and concentration is the only way the vineyard expresses its unique character. The winemaker then coaxes the best out of every grape with a minimalist approach and gentle handing. Each vineyard and winemaking step contributes to our world-class red and white wine programs. Recognized by press and consumers alike, Chalk Hill has received 125 scores of 90 or higher from Robert Parker, Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator combined.

Bill Foley in Vineyard_chalk_hill

Bill Foley, Chalk Hill Proprietor

“It is a privilege to be involved with such a significant and strikingly beautiful property. For nearly four decades, Chalk Hill has been one of the premier wine estates in California. Our Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and proprietary Estate Red are all considered benchmarks among their peers. Our commitment to sustainable farming ensures that our land will remain healthy for generations and our wines will accurately reflect their origins in the hills of eastern Sonoma County.” –  William P. (Bill) Foley II, Proprietor

CHALK HILL WINES TASTED:

Chalk_Hill_winesEstate Sauvignon Blanc
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Estate Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Estate Pinot Noir
Estate Red Blend

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Around the World in 48 Sips!

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Passport-48sips

Passport_shadowJoin us in 2015 as we embark on a virtual wine tour around the world. Each month, we will host an education class, focusing on different wine regions around the world. We are kicking off our ‘Passport Series’ with a Chilean Wine Education class.

During each class we will discuss the wine history of the region, appellations within that area, the typical grape varietals of that region, and tasting 6 different wines from that area.

StamperYou will receive a tasting Passport at your first class.  Upon completing the class, we will stamp your passport, acknowledging your attendance.  Attend all 8 classes and receive 8 stamps in your passport.  The more you learn, the more rewards* you earn!

LEARN MORE, EARN MORE:

3 stamps in passport = Free Wine Tasting for 2 people
6 stamps in passport = Free Wine Tasting for 4 people
8 stamps in passport = Free Wine Tasting for up to 20 people

2015 Passport Tasting classes:

January  – Chile
February – Tuscany, Italy
March  – Germany
April  – Mendoza, Argentina
May – New Zealand
June, July, August – school is out (no classes)
September – Napa Valley, California
October 20 – Washington State
November 17 – Champagne, France

48_sips_bottles

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

 

*Please note, rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. Offer void where prohibited by state or local alcohol laws.  See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details.

Winery Spotlight

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Rombauer Tasting Event

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

The Story of Rombauer Vineyards – Napa Valley, CA

Rombauer Vineyards was established in 1980, when the Rombauer family harvested their first grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District. Nearly 35 years later, the winery remains family owned and operated with members of the first and second generations involved in all aspects of the business.  When founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer moved their two children, two horses and five dogs to Napa Valley in 1972, they had no intention of starting a winery. They chose the area because it reminded them of the small-town, agricultural environment in which they had grown up, and it appeared to be a clean, safe place to raise their children. They purchased  40 acres of beautiful hilltop land on the Silverado Trail near the town of St. Helena in California.

Rombauer_FamilyThe Rombauers did have a great appreciation for the role of wine in the fine dining experience. Koerner’s great aunt Irma Rombauer was the author of the internationally renowned cookbook The Joy of Cooking and Koerner’s ancestors were from the winegrowing region of Rheingau, Germany, where wine is considered an essential complement to a meal. It didn’t take long for Koerner and Joan to become fascinated with the growing Napa Valley wine industry. In 1976, they became partners in Conn Creek Winery.  Koerner learned the wine business first in the cellar, working hand in hand with the winemaker and learning all phases of winery operations.

In 1980, the Rombauers made their first wines under their own label at a neighbor’s winery. In 1981, they sold their interest in Conn Creek Winery and began construction of the Rombauer Vineyards winery on the property adjacent to their home.  Today, under the direction of Director of Winemaking and Viticulture Richie Allen, Rombauer Vineyards combines traditional viticultural and winemaking practices with the best available technology to ensure the highest quality wine production. The winery produces award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.

Rombauer-winesROMBAUER WINERY TASTING EVENT:

Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Diamond Select Cabernet
Merlot
Zinfandel

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your local WineStyles to reserve your seat!

Day 2 – French Wine Cruise

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King Luis XIV with the Queen

King Luis XIV with the Queen

Bonjour mes amis!

Apple Cider Francaise

Apple Cider Francaise

Chateau Bizy Royal Carriage

Chateau Bizy Royal Carriage

Our visit to Chateau Bizy yesterday gave us a royal taste of French nobility, as well as a taste of one of Normandy’s most celebrated products, la frommage! This historic chateau, designed as a miniature Versailles, has been the home to generations of the Suchet family, descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte, who still live in one of its wings. We enjoyed several workshops within the estate, including one on apple cider, which is an alcoholic beverage in France, and another on the four world-famous cheeses indigenous to Normandy; Neufchatel, Pont L’Eveque, Livarot, and Camembert. The cheese is prepared unpasteurized, as is customary within the province, and tasted fabulously unprocessed! We even had an unexpected visit from the flamboyant King Luis XIV, or was it just his ghost?

Hotel de Ville, Caudebec-En-Caux

Hotel de Ville, Caudebec-En-Caux

Our new friends, Christine & Larry

Our new friends, Christie & Larry

Upon return to the ship, we dined first class once again and spent the evening in the lounge dancing to the music of “Paolo”. By now, we have come to two realizations about river cruising – first, the intimacy, care, and level of hospitality and dining has ocean cruising beat 10 to 1. This is in part due to the exceptional friendliness and professionalism of the AMA Waterways staff. Secondly, with their smaller capacity relative to an ocean cruiser, fewer people combine with the hospitality to create a very familiar atmosphere for us – it feels like we are on a floating WineStyles! We already feel part of a closely-knit group of “club members”…

Napa Merlot vs Bordeaux Merlot

Napa Merlot and Bordeaux Merlot

On Saturday morning Barry Wiss conducted a fascinating presentation comparing the regions of Napa Valley, CA with Bordeaux, France. It is astonishing that wine has been produced for only 150 years in Napa, and, despite many major setbacks during that time, including the Earthquake of 1908, two world wars, the Great Depression, Prohibition, and numerous severe droughts, Napa’s wines consistently rank among the best in the world. With 17 different AVAs within a relatively small valley, Napa is able to grow an impressive assortment of grapes, producing varietals of exceptional quality, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. The uniquely “Mediterranean” climate, affording a longer growing season with warm days and cool nights, combined with the fact that 50% of the world’s known soil types are found in the valley, result in a winemaker’s paradise.

Norte Dame in Caudebec-En-Caux

Norte Dame in Caudebec-En-Caux

Bordeaux, by contrast, is eight times the size of Napa, and has produced wine for thousands of years, since the Roman Empire. Tried and true, its wines are of similar excellent quality, generally with less fruit forward and more mineral characteristics. We were able to sample this first hand, tasting a Merlot from both regions. Though the soil is not as diverse as Napa, Bordeaux produces a variety of wines also, including Medoc, Sauterne, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Caudebec-En-Caux

Caudebec-En-Caux

Speaking of wine, AMA has treated us to a different French red and white each evening at dinner. Today we have arrived at Caudebec-En-Caux and will take a bus to the charming seaside village of Honfleur.

Be sure to check in with us tomorrow on the WineStyles blog, where you can hear it through our grapevine!

 Cheers,
Tiffany & Micheal Reynolds
WineStyles Greensboro, NC