Château Léoville-Poyferré is one of the best wines in the world;It has a fascinating history!

By in BBQ and Wine, Foodies, French Wine, Notable Wine Regions, Recommended Reads, Top Wines, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Scores and Reviews

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Château Léoville-Poyferré is one of the best wines in the world. It is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. It has an interesting history. It is about $80-$120 retail and is worth the effort to try. This is a real ‘Super Second” wine…meaning it should be part of the First Category of the best of the best. These wines will continue to develop in the bottle if kept in a cool dry place. They will age 10 -20 years…maybe more and they are excellent with rich foods. Usually automatic great wine scores.

OK, so let’s try to break up and untangle the history of this great Bordeaux wine…

As stated, Château Léoville-Poyferré is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

Here is where it gets interesting.

Léoville-Poyferré was once part of the much larger Léoville estate until the time of the French Revolution when it was separated into Château Léoville-Las Cases and Château Léoville-Barton.

In a nutshell, between 1700 and 1789, the French population increased from 18 million to 26 million, leading to large numbers of unemployed, accompanied by sharp increases in food prices caused by years of bad harvests. Widespread social distress led to the convocation of the Estates General in May 1789, the first since 1614. In June, the Estates were converted into a National Assembly, which passed a series of radical measures, among them the abolition of feudalism, state control of the Catholic Church and extending the right to vote.

In 1976, the 1971 vintage of Château Léoville-Las Cases ranked number six among the ten French and California red wines in the historic “Judgment of Paris” wine competition.

*Since the mid 20th century the Delon family have been owners of Château Léoville-Las Cases, and also owners of châteaux Potensac and Nénin; which are wines that are worthy of Classified Growth.

In a nutshell, between 1700 and 1789, the French population increased from 18 million to 26 million, leading to large numbers of unemployed, accompanied by sharp increases in food prices caused by years of bad harvests. Widespread social distress led to the convocation of the Estates General in May 1789, the first since 1614. In June, the Estates were converted into a National Assembly, which passed a series of radical measures, among them the abolition of feudalism, state control of the Catholic Church and extending the right to vote.

The next three years were dominated by the struggle for political control, exacerbated by economic depression and social unrest.

With that in mind…

Château Léoville Barton the other separate part is also vineyard in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Léoville Barton is also the name of the red wine produced by this property and the wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. It’s great stuff.

Interestingly, unlike many of its peers, Château Léoville Barton has no château building; the wines are made at what is now Château Langoa-Barton(Third Growth) with which it shares ownership. Plus, the  château depicted on Léoville Barton’s label is actually that of Château Langoa Barton. So, the French laws are getting very dicey here. But it does not detract from the quality of the wine, whatsoever.

So, Léoville Barton, along with Château Léoville-Las Cases and Château Léoville-Poyferré was once part of the vast Léoville estate.

The estate was purchased by Hugh Barton in 1826, and continues to be owned by the Barton family, of Irish descent. The current owner Anthony Barton began running the estate in 1983, along with its sister property Château Langoa Barton.

*Note –The two St. Julien properties have the longest continuous duration of ownership by the same family of any of the other current proprietors in Bordeaux.

Léoville-Las Cases was one of the first estates in Bordeaux to introduce a second label, Clos du Marquis. However, Clos du Marquis is a separate wine. Since 2007, the Chateau has offered a Second Wine known as Le Petit Lion de Marquis de Las Cases.

I am certain there are a lot more nuances to these legendary wines. But you get the idea.

Recap of the wines are…

Château Léoville-Poyferré

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Château Léoville-Barton

Château Langoa-Barton

Potensac

Nénin

Cheers! and I hope you enjoyed it… Seek out these wines. They are pricey but well worth it. Foodies Alert! Try them with meals like a big Rib Eye Steak with Creamed Spinach; Mushroom Risotto, Osso Bucco (pork, beef or lamb) and Braised Short Ribs. Open them up for about an our before you have them or Decant them. These are types of wine you do that for; excellent Wine and Food Pairings.

My Top French Value Wines for 2020 Enjoy!!! and Cheers to a great 2021!

By in 2020 Top Wines, French Wine, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Notable Wine Regions, Recommended Reads, Wine Scores and Reviews

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2020 was the most unusual year; but it wasn’t with out it’s brighter sides which was the ability to try a wine every now and then…or maybe more than that :-). With the pandemic in place and the the trade tariffs that made finding some of your favorite French wines a little challenging. I had the opportunity to try several and these were my favorites for 2020. A lot of what makes my list has a lot to do with accessibility and the overall value of the wines. I recommend you seek these out. Cheers!

2017 Chateau Cambon la Pelouse (750ml) Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Big black fruits and a ton of ripe tannins make this wine dramatic with darker edge in its blackcurrant, you get saw dust, underbrush, tobacco and earthy aromatics; it’s medium-bodied, beautifully concentrated, particularly ripe and juicy wine that will age.

2016 Chateau Larrivaux (750ml) Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Animated, with lovely aromatic upper notes, crammed with dark fruits, red cherry fruit, flowers and mint and general richness, Its dry, firm, with licorice, some bramble and tobacco notes.

2015 Esprit de Pavie (750ml) Merlot from Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France

With blackberry and black-truffle nose; the Esprit de Pavie is a great Bordeaux sleeper bargains of the 2015 vintage. (a blend of vines in Côtes do Castillon and young vines from Pavie and Monbousquet from the renowned St. Emilion limestone plateau. Full-bodied, round and juicy. This spicy red has good fruit and chewy tannins and uplifting finish.

2016 Chateau Charmail (750ml) Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Overlooking the Gironde River just north of Saint-Estèphe Château Charmail is one of those secret charms. The blend is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, with a dash of Petit Verdot. It’s a medium to full-bodied, elegant, definitive wine that offers lots of darker fruits (cassis and blackberry), Powerful and ripe spice, leather and minty as well with as a kiss of forrest floor. Balanced firm and chewy.

2016 La Fleur de Bouard (750ml) Merlot from Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

From the de Boüard family of the famed Château Angélus a bouquet of blackberry pie, raspberries, crushed flowers and hints of tobacco, with mocha, spice and mint all run through this silky energetic wine with great tannins and a nice lingering finish.

Consumer Wine-Buying Patterns are Changing and it’s time to take Advantage

By in Notable Wine Regions, Travel, Travel & Tours, Travel and Places, Uncategorized

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While being locked-down in our homes during March, April and May, many consumers turned to the Internet to buy their wine directly from winemakers: habitually, for the first time! Since travel and places to go were curtailed; consumers have gone online to buy wine through the various e-commerce channels, inclusive of Direct-To-Consumer and also Direct-from-Retailers through the traditional three-tier sales system.

What is the three-tier sales system?

The US repealed National Prohibition in 1933. Federal law then established the three-tier system. This mandates complete separation of alcohol production, wholesaling, and retailing. The three tier system means that producers cannot either wholesale or retail alcohol.

But now things are changing…

The resulting rapid growth of online Direct-To-Consumer(DtC) sales has led a lot of people to think if the coronavirus might result in a long-term break with traditional distribution models and the latest data shows this pattern might well continue and I think it’s because we like buying wine on the internet; such as joining wine clubs, wineries or ordering from a slew of providers often in different states across the country.

Online beverage alcohol sales peaked in late April with a 551 percent, year-over-year growth, according to our data partner Nielsen, with triple-digit growth continuing through the end of June. Likewise, Sovos ShipCompliant/Wines Vines Analytics data shows that DtC wine sales are continuing to post strong gains with 30 percent year-over-year growth in June through September.

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In addition, there are between two to three times more new buyers. Are you one of the new ones? If not try giving it a shot.

Wine Awesomeness

Just think of a people having a happy shopping experience using a laptop searching online on the bed at home for wine. I tell you it’s happening…Online right now compared to the first quarter of the year, according to Nielsen. Overall, consumers are seeking convenient—and more importantly, safe—ways to purchase wine.

So, why are consumers buying more wine directly from wineries?

Just consider that even before the coronavirus broke out, Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) shipping was outperforming the wider wine market in terms of annual growth.

And though it made up just 10.8 percent of wine sales prior to the pandemic, consumers expectations have been changing because of the growth of the shipping and delivery economy that is pushing more folks to increasingly buying their goods online for the greater selection, flexibility and convenience afforded by e-commerce.

In the last 25 years or so Australia has made incredible strides in winemaking; Beyond delicious!

By in Australian Wine, Desert Wines, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Notable Wine Regions, Uncategorized, Wine and Food Pairings

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In the last 25 years or so Australia has made incredible strides in winemaking. But to be completely clear here, commercial viticulture began as early as the 1820s and has developed uninterrupted ever since.

So, don’t let anyone tell you Australia is a new thing. That’s simply not true. Sure some of their wine labels are irreverent! That’s fun and shows Aussie personality. Due to the fact that new technologies and the focus on modern techniques makes Australia listed as a New World wine. It’s history goes way back.

The majority of the great wine regions are in the southeastern area of the continent, including Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra in South Australia; Yarra Yarra Valley and Pyrenees in Victoria; and the Upper and Lower Hunter Valleys in New South Wales. The Hunter Valley produces excellent Semillon that reminds you of first-rate French Sauternes.

Many of the wines from Southeastern Australia are based on Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon and numerous blends including Grenache and Mourvedre.

I’ll say in these areas one of France’s noblest black grape varieties, Syrah with its intense and distinctive perfume suggestive of briar fruit, tar, baked spice and black pepper plus its firm structure is grown with excellent character and also the Grenache is such a burly beast in in these parts and it must be tasted. These wines are comparable at times to the Northern Rhône, particularly Hermitage

In Western Australia, along the Margaret River, great steps are being made with Pinot Noir as well as Bordeaux-styled reds and again Grenache. The Pinot Noir is nice and fresh.

There are also many world-class releases of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from the land Down Under, where Riesling also enjoys worldwide acclaim. It can age for years. While many equate Aussie wines with “value,” there are more than a few tremendously rare and high-priced options, which never fail to earn the highest ratings from wine journals and critics throughout the world; like the famed Penfolds Grange.

But as with everything quality levels in Australia hinge greatly on yields and geography and that is what has been getting better and better. It’s time to give Australia’s wine a serious look because it’s delicious and can be a great value.

Try something from regions I’ve mentioned.

Cheers!

Getting back to the Restaurant Experience… with your Favorite Wine

By in Bistros Eateries & Cheese, Foodies, Restaurant, Spain Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings

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I have always said that wine is in the eye of the beholder. One needs to sit back forget prices and reputations and embrace your own journey of discovery. The wine bottles that are the best are the ones that mean the most to you. Whatever those wines are. Wine can touch the core of your being. This year has been very tough not only for me but a lot of people. Covid-19 has hurt business. A lot of restaurants are closing. Many are open in a lesser capacity. I miss the restaurant experience and I try to engage with them as best as possible as I hope many of you are. It’s very easy to become emotionally invested in enjoying the occasion of going out to dinner regularly and having your favorite bottle with your favorite meal. Not just the barhopping. Things that can be taken for granted. To those of us who struggle to buy just a few fancy bottles and treasure them like babies for another decade. Like an investment. This might sound surreal to those that focus on different things like upgrading your mobile phones; which is an important use of resources too. Many discover the world that way. But for me, getting or drinking the bottles I have my eye on means a lot to me. It’s just fun to do it at restaurants.

Just recently I had an outing with some friend and we had a couple of bottles of White Tempranillo and two bottles of red wine that had dusty characteristics from opposite sides of the world along with Tapas and Meats at a Spanish restaurant in town. It was a nice revelation. I really appreciated that opportunity. It was a moment of gathering and celebration; shared joy with friends. It happened again last week with a Cabernet Sauvignon from Penedes, Spain! Looking for that unmistakable fruit from an uncommon region. That’s me discovering the world I guess. This is how wine can touch your core. For sure there are more expensive or prestigious wines out there. That isn’t the point.

I will be doing more of this; Getting back to it. Staying safe. It’s easy to forget that restaurants need us as much as we need them. It’s wrong to try and over-simplify. In my opinion there is a wonderful scope right now for wine lovers and foodies to compare and contrast wines at restaurants.

Contemplating Muscat, Muscadelle, and Muscadet Wine… What’s the difference?

By in Australian Wine, California Wine, Desert Wines, Foodies, German Wines, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Notable Wine Regions, Uncategorized

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I am writing this not only because it is a fun subject, but many people ask me what’s the difference between Muscat, Muscadelle, and Muscadet and some other similar wines. What follows is some good info; so the next time you go into your favorite wine shop you have it all straight….

Let’s talk about Muscat first. There are many pseudonyms for this grape. For example Moscato (in Italy ), Muskadel (in South Africa ), Muskateller (in Germany ) and Moscatel (in both Spain and Portugal ). Phew!!! Why can’t everybody just agree on one freakin’ name, right? Life would be too easy.

To make it even more confusing, Muscat can have various names attached to it, such as “ Alexandria ”, “Ottonel”, and the rather drawn-out phrase “Blanc à Petits Grains”. But don’t focus on these add-on phrases – they’re just different varieties of the same grape, and all will be extremely sweet-scented, aromatic and grapey. So, just note that Dry or Sweet; Still, Sparkling, or Fortified: Muscat has a discrete aroma and flavor that is absolutely beautifully delicious.

The next one is Muscadelle, which is not related to Muscat at all. Just to be clear….

Muscadelle, is one of the three grapes allowed for white French Bordeaux, the other two more notable grapes being Sauvignon blanc and Sémillon. Muscadelle is commonly used to add a tangy and tasty, youthfulness to white Bordeaux blends. It hardly ever gets top billing because it lacks the characteristics necessary to make a single varietal wine you’d call yummy. But it’s a matter of taste. If you see one, pick it up and try it.

Wait! hold your horses!

There is one exception to this Muscadelle rule and it is in Australia, where Muscadelle is used on its own to produce lusciously sweet fortified wines. The grape is called “Tokay” over there. Don’t ask why. But it is incredible! By the way, there is Tojaji from Hungary which Peter the Great used to drink calling it the “Wine of Kings” …but that’s another story.

Finally, there’s Muscadet. A popular LIGHT and DRY wine produced in the western part of France’s Loire region. Distinct from most other wines in France, the name of the wine is not taken from a town or geographic area, but rather from a grape known locally called Muscadet, even though its proper name is Melon de Bourgogne. Although it can be a bit neutral in flavor, Muscadet has a lot of energy. It is dry with a crisp zippy acidity, making it a great match for shellfish. You might see the term “sur lie” on the label. If you do, make sure to buy that one because it has been aged on the lees (with all the wine sediment), and this lends a delicious richness to the wine.

I hope this helps clarify Muscat, Muscadelle, and Muscadet; because it’s really great stuff and if you love wine you should be having a lot of these three.

The New Napa Experience, here are a few key guidelines and things to expect as wineries re-open…

By in Bistros Eateries & Cheese, California Wine, Foodies, Notable Wine Regions, Recommended Reads, Tastings, Travel, Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

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As Wine Country re-opens during the Covid-19 era, you may be wondering if it’s safe to visit Napa Valley, California. While the decision to wine travel and venture out is entirely up to you — everyone is responsible for his/her own safety the Wine Country community is doing everything possible to reduce the transmission of the virus*. This is what I’ve been able to gather…

If and when you do choose to travel to or spend a day or weekend in Napa Valley soon, you will be welcomed with glee but just know that your visit will look a bit differently. Many of the key guidelines we are all doing right now will be in effect.

No Symptoms Allowed, Masks Required, Physical Distancing is Mandatory and Expect Reduced Interactions

Less contact with servers and tasting room hosts will become the norm moving forward. Don’t be surprised to find hand-held menus replaced by those posted on a chalkboard, waters and wine pre-poured before your arrival, and other measures like contactless ordering from your phone to limit interactions between customers and servers. Many Napa wineries and restaurants and eateries will also have contactless payment systems available for tastings, food purchases, and bottles to-go.

Be Patient & Stay Flexible…many of these establishments are reopening after having been closed for months.

So… what to Expect at Wineries when we get there? Anything to consider?

Tastings by Appointment for sure

While many Napa Valley wineries have used an appointment-only model for years, you will now have to make a reservation in advance before visiting. This is going to be mandatory as it will help the wineries monitor customer flow to ensure they’re operating at a reduced capacity for safety reasons.

Small Groups Only will be allowed

So, if you are booking that long-awaited party bus with your friends? Be aware that many wineries are restricting group sizes to four to six people, so check with each winery when booking.

Socially Distant Wine Tasting is going to be happening.

Crowded tasting rooms with standing-room only bars are a thing of the past. Tastings will take place in personal tasting areas at least six feet from other groups and  all tastings will be required to be held OUTDOORS.

*Note – Everybody recognizes that Covid-19 is a serious health concern that impacts all of us, and the decision to travel to Napa Valley is ultimately your choice — and one we all support either way. That said, when you do choose to visit, just feel prepared and confident so you can worry less about what to expect and instead focus on enjoying your time in Wine Country.

Wine is Good for you! It boosts the immune system; fights the flu and cures sore throats too!…It protects you!

By in California Wine, Canadian Wine, French Wine, Recommended Reads, Spain Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

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Whoever thought we would have and Outbreak; much less an Outbreak that would force us to be in hideaway. But here we are and 2020 is going to be interesting. While we practice ‘safe at home’ and ‘stay at home’. It’s probably a good time to be with a close knit group and try to enjoy things as much as possible; have some of your favorite food and wine as we work our way through this Coronavirus(Corvid-19).

Did you know wine protects you? No Seriously…

Wine keeps you healthy and prevent you from getting sick. It’s just the kind of news we need these days. Especially in these times with the Coronavirus (Corvid-19) and practicing Social Distancing and Self Quarantining.

New research reveals that high concentrations of resveratrol — a compound that is found in red wine — can stop poxviruses from multiplying in human cells. It boosts the immune system; plus fights influenza and it cures sore throats.

Researchers working at Kansas State University in Manhattan as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tested various concentrations of resveratrol in human cells infected with the vaccinia virus.
This is a close relative of the virus that causes smallpox and it also formed the vaccine that eradicated the deadly human disease. Their study showed that resveratrol stops vaccinia virus from replicating its DNA and genome.
Why is this important?

Wine protects you. At high concentrations, resveratrol stopped vaccinia from multiplying itself in the early phase of infection, thereby preventing the virus from spreading to other cells.
There has been news in the past that drinking wine can help a lot things. It can maintain heart health, prevent cancer and even settle a mean case of diarrhea. Research even now shows it’s also good for your throat. According to a new study, a cocktail of compounds found in both red and white wine fights germs that can cause sore throats.
“Exposure to wine had a persistent antibacterial effect,” the authors wrote in their study, detailed in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Prior to their research, the authors said the effects of wine against germs found in the mouth hadn’t been studied.
After isolating the compounds from wine, which included lactic, malic, succinic and tartaric acids, the researchers neutralized their acidity. They then showed that the isolated antibacterial compounds were more successful than wine alone at killing 99.9 percent of the sore throat bacteria, even when used in far lower concentrations than found in wine.

Furthermore, drinking wine may help prevent influenza, as a compound found in these beverages can boost the immune system, scientists say.
Researchers at Washington University in the US found that a particular gut microbe can prevent severe flu infections in mice, by breaking down naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids.
This strategy is effective in staving off severe damage from flu when the interaction occurs prior to infection with the influenza virus, researchers said.
Microbes that live in the gut do not just digest food. They also have far-reaching effects on the immune system, they said. “For years, flavonoids have been thought to have protective properties that help regulate the immune system to fight infections,” said Ashley Steed, from St Louis Children’s Hospital in the US.
“Flavonoids are common in our diets, so an important implication of our study is that it is possible Flavonoids work with gut microbes to protect us from flu and other viral infections,” Steed said.
Flavonoids are commonly in red wine. It can be French Wine, California Wines, Canadian Wines, Wines from Spain even Champagne! Any wine!

It’s really encouraging to know…

The previous studies found that the gut microorganisms in our bodies may be important in protecting against viruses and severe influenza infections, so in this study, researchers aimed to identify just what gut microbes might provide that protection. “This prevented influenza-related lung damage in the mice. It is this kind of damage that often causes significant complications such as pneumonia in people,” 
Interestingly, red wines have stronger bacteria-fighting effects than white wine, although not by much. Curiously, the acidity and alcohol isn’t responsible for wine’s germ-fighting properties—instead, it’s a collection of organic (carbon-containing) compounds found in the drink. How about that?
So, have some wine and know that it is really is good for you in more ways that you could have thought! 

Take care

There’s two worlds you say? – Two very distinctive styles of wines? … The “Old World” and the “New World” – Which style is better?

By in Australian Wine, California Wine, Chile Wines, Education and Culture, French Wine, Notable Wine Regions, Recommended Reads, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Tampa Examiner Wine Pairing, Travel and Places, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

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In the world of winemaking there are two different Worlds. Known as
the “Old World” and “New World”. Likewise, no two wines are created
the same.

There’s two worlds you say…?

Yes!

And in both these worlds the approaches to making wine give life to
two very distinctive styles of wines. The “Old World” and the “New
World”

Geography plays a huge part in the flavor profile of wines but
tradition also impacts the approach winemakers take when deciding on
what sort of artistic quality they use and at the end of the day what
type of wine style they intend to make.

So, wines made in the “Old World” style are related to the traditional
winegrowing regions in Europe such as France, Italy, Spain and
Portugal. These regions are famous for their early history in wine
production, with their style of wine regularly showing a level of
elegance and finesse sought out by the global wine enthusiast.

On The other Hand, wines made in the “New World” are from countries
where winemaking is a comparatively modern industry. Places like North
America, Australia and New Zealand have a winemaking history that is
only 100 to 200 years old. These wine producing countries are often
climatically varied to those of their European counterparts. So these
‘New World’ regions frequently experience longer, warmer summers that
result in riper fruit with more obvious varietal characteristics.

What is the real difference in Old World and New World Wines?

With a very deep and wide history, the Old World winemaking approach
evokes images of age old, traditional wine practices where, because of
the climate, the varietal expression is difficult so the winemaker
will focus more on creating a wine that has wonderful structure and
texture. The Old World style develops softer, more subdued oak flavor
profiles – to ensure balance with those subtler varietal expressions.
These wines tend to be defined by the winemaker’s knowledge of
blending theory where the winemaker tries to produce a ‘seamless
transition across the palate’, from start to finish.

Winemakers in the New World tend to be blessed with a warmer climate
and so their approach will often focus on emphasizing the evident
primary fruit features delivered naturally by Mother Nature.

Yet again, to ensure balance, the winemakers may employ stronger oak
influences and will create wines that are noticeably fuller bodied
than their European counterparts. These factors are most notable in
the highly regarded big & bold Shiraz style for which Australia is
most famous and Wines from Napa Valley

Which style is better?

Wine is in the eye of the beholder. That’s entirely up to you, your palate,
and how you’re trying to enjoy your wine or what food you are pairing it with.

Wines made in the the Old World style are often designed with the
intention of cellaring, allowing the further development palate
structure and texture over time. For some this approach is considered
the hallmark method of crafting exceptional wines – particularly the
long-lived Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, France.

 But in no way does this mean that New World wines are not designed to age.
The approach is just different. For example, In fact it is well known historically
that the Wines of Napa Valley have outscored the wines of France head to head
in several very famous competitions over the past 40 years.

Oregon Wines versus their (90+ Point) European counterparts! – Wednesday February 26, 2020 at Vizcaya Restaurant – 6:30-9:30 PM – $75 – A Very Special Wine Dinner

By in 2019 Top Wines, Bistros Eateries & Cheese, Foodies, French Wine, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Notable Wine Regions, Oregon Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Tampa Examiner Wine Pairing, Tastings, Top 2019 Wines, Wine Scores and Reviews

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A Very Special Wine Dinner is coming soon – An American Wine Society Tampa Event
Join us for a Night of Award-Winning Oregon Wines versus their (90+ Point) European counterparts!
Coming Wednesday February 26, 2020 at Vizcaya Restaurant – 6:30-9:30 PM – $75
Vizcaya
3671 S West Shore Blvd,
Tampa, FL 33629
Chef and restaurant personality; Vizcaya Restaurant’s Felix Piedra with Tampa’s Wine Correspondent, Ralph Del Rio, have prepared an exclusive wine dinner experience just for you. Each of Felix’s deliciously made courses is perfectly paired with a new world vs old world selection of wines from Northwest winery of the year winner Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards.
Owner/Winemaker and wine judge Stephen M. Reustle will present wines from Umpqua Valley’s AVA and compare them with their European counterparts. Traveling from Rioja, to Burgundy, Northern Rhone Valley, and Austria would take a great deal of time and effort.
…But located below Willamette Valley in the Umpqua Valley of Oregon you can experience wines that rival wines these European prestigious wine regions.
For this American Wine Society Tampa Bay event; we will present four award -winning wines from the Umpqua Valley match and them up with a delicious chef inspired plate… Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Tempranillo and taste them side-by-side with their (90+ point score) European counterparts.

…Featuring some of the Top Wines of 2019

“After tasting these wines an knowing how great Oregon terroir is; I know that this a one of a kind event that’s going to be a lot of fun, educational and hedonistic.” – Ralph Del Rio, Certified Somm
Seats are limited and filling up quickly, contact to reserve today

Contact w[email protected] or [email protected]

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