NORTHERN RHONE TASTING
We tasted, we laughed, we took selfies, all the while learning about Northern Rhone, France. On occasion my local wine store has these great classes, aka “classroom”. It’s slightly more in-depth than an average wine tasting or wine pairing dinner, which is another great way to learn about wines, and mostly they are just plain fun. Especially when its playground duty or wine tasting… Tough choice. I took one for the team and volunteered to drag myself to the wine tasting. Hubby had it easy, three kids, dinner and baths……. I was jealous.
The class consisted of maps, presentations and the tasting of six wines. Lane, my southern friend was making comments like ” I feel like I’m licking pepper,” and I think at one point actually used the word “hate” as she lurched forward to dump her wine. Karla and I shuddered as if we were watching her burn our kids barbies. It was slightly comical and slightly not. Towards the end, she started to appreciate the wines from Rhone. I’m guessing that was due to the consumption of wine, but I think we might have won another soul over to some of my favorite wines! I was proud. My duty had been done. Winning another “new world” customer to come on over to the classics of “old world”.
Karla and I had no problem with the wine tasting. If we could have licked the bottle of Saint Joseph, we would have, IF given the opportunity… although that could have brought our wine manners to a whole new low. I would have been OK with that reputation.
My hands-down favorite wine of the night was 2011 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, St. Joseph, $71.99, an amazingly elegant 100% Syrah wine. The typical finesse of Northern Rhone; balanced, elegant, fun, refined, just like ME!
A side note here: All northern Rhone wines are Syrah. The valley is narrow and steep, with mostly granitic soil, which tends to make this wine on the $$$ end. Syrah is the only black grape permitted to be grown here. Given the climate in France, the Taste of Syrah in France is not as fruit forward as Syrah in US or Australia. The wine can be blended with Marsanne, Rousanne (perfect blending wines, as Marassane has richness and weight and Roussanne has acidity and perfumed fruit), and Viognier. However, those are the only grapes allowed.
Lane’s favorite was the 2011 Domaine Linnet Coranas “Terre Brûlée,” $45.99. Karla made a note to “buy for Lane” and I made notes of “Awesome!” Really scientific, but you get the point. Great wine, black fruit, tobacco notes. Syrah.
The best value for money was the amazing 2013 Combier Crozes Hermitage Rouge, crozes-hermitage. $26.99 This wine reminded me to start buying it again, a solid “drink now” wine great to bring to a bbq to your friends who appreciate a little earth and good wine.
My favorite part about any tasting is that we all enjoy different wines, so my advice is to trust your OWN taste, and figure out what you like and while you’re figuring that out, try to expand what you like. Don’t let wine snobs (disclaimer: I might be one), try and strong arm you into a certain country or wine, trust yourself and learn from those wine gurus. Ask questions and above ALL, enjoy
