Chardonnay & Oak Aging
This dry white wine, made from the Chardonnay grape, is the most popular of its variety. Chardonnay ranges in style, with some oakier versions contributing to taste. The purpose of Chardonnay aged in oak is to add some of the oaks characters, along with helping the wine develop its texture. Winemakers may lightly toast the inner surface of barrels, allowing the smoky oak or toasty characters to be detected in the final product. Oak gives the taste a dimension of spiciness and adds a hint of vanilla or coconut to the grapes aroma. The oak and Chardonnay combination is a favorite that is sure to last!
Wine Tasting - The Sense of Smell
There are a few very important things to note when we "nose" a wine. It is suggested to first smell the wine before swirling, noticing the delicate aromas. Next, swirl the wine and smell again after it is at rest. Depending on the bouquet, you may then notice a profound difference in the odors emerging. Aroma is a smell that originates from the actual grape, with very clear cut characteristics. Aroma is most prevalent in young wines. The bouquet of a wine refers to smells generated as a result of aging; smells found particularly in mature wines that were aged in a bottle. The bouquet generally has much softer and complex characteristics than aromas. Identifying what you smell is usually the most challenging part in wine tasting. Although there are many smell categories used to describe characteristics of wine, none have been exclusively agreed upon.
Battle of the Appellations
December 2002
Congratulations to Meador Estate and Rodney Strong, January winners of WineCountry.com Battle of the Appellations Contest!
Date:
December 18, 2001
Location: TASTINGS
RESTAURANT , Healdsburg, CA
Chef: Derek McCarthy
Winner: Rodney
Strong
Vintage: 1999 Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Food Pairing: Red wine marinated lamb chops with
blue lake beans and pomegranate
Winner: Meador
Estate
Vintage: 2000 Dry Chenin Blanc "Old Vine"
Appellation: Monterey
Food Pairing: Spiced Ahi seared rare with wood-grilled
porcini
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The Rodney Strong 1999 Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley was chosen hands down as the perfect pairing to Tastings' red wine marinated lamb chops with blue lake beans and pomegranate. As with both dishes the food prepared by Tastings was absolutely exceptional. Head chef, Derek McCarthy truly understands the art and science of mixing exotic flavors together to not only tease your palate, but surprise your taste buds with some of the most well blended and beautifully served meals. This 1999 Pinot Noir from Rodney Strong is a medium-bodied wine with hints of dark cherry and pepper which enhanced the spices of thyme and rosemary of the lamb; but the surprising fruitiness of orange and raspberry mixed incredibly well with the pomegranate seeds of the sauce.
Tastings Restaurant is one of Healdsburg's best kept secrets, which may not be so secret. The food is entertaining and the ambiance forces you to believe you have stepped out of the world of cement parking lots and into a private treat.
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WineCountry.com highly suggests that you invite the delicious and food friendly wines of Meador Estate and Rodney Strong to your next dinner party, as well as placing Tastings Restaurant on your must see list during your next visit to the Wine Country.
Tastings Restaurant -- www.tastingsrestaurant.com
Meador Estate -- www.meadorestate.com
Rodney Strong -- www.rodneystrong.com
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