PSU Wine Tasting Recap

The idea behind Saturday’s Triangle Chapter wine tasting came from a somewhat famous wine-tasting that took place 30 years ago (give or take a decade). Without getting into the specifics, simply because I do not know them, this was the first wine tasting where the California wines were ranked higher than the French wines. A guy that I work with told me this story and it ignited the idea behind Saturday’s tasting.

Being a wine novice myself, a few years removed from picking up anything with a pretty label, I wanted to taste the difference first hand and invite more than a dozen Penn Staters to go along for the journey.

The Wine Merchant hosted the event, which compared California and French versions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

These are the wines and what follows are my own notes (I try to think what I would be doing with a particular wine or where it would taste the best—it’s not very academic).

1. Pedroncelli-Chardonnay

This tastes like a party on a rooftop in Olde City Philadelphia during fall. The world series is about to start, the Phillies are, of course, well out of the race so the only thing to do is hope McNabb stays healthy and gets the Eagles back into shape.

2. Olivier Leflaive-Bourgogne (Chardonnay)

This is the wine I drink when I’m in between chapters of my novel. It’s raining. I sit at an open window with my feet on the sill, watching the rain through the glare of the street light outside. The telephone rings. I don’t answer. I know who’s on the other end.

3. Leaping Lizard-Pinot Noir

This is a complete picnic wine. No food needed, maybe some cheese. The grass is lush and freshly cut. There’s a cool breeze that keeps the insects away. Reminds me of Katherine Hepburn in Philadelphia Story.

4. Joseph Faiveley-Bourgogne (Pinot Noir)

Jazz club-a very loud, smoky, jazz club is a seedy neighborhood in a place where a lot of expatriates hang out and read Proust.

5. Clos De Bois-Merlot

I could be doing all of the above with this wine and then some.

6. Chateau Rocher Cap de Merle-Bordeaux

This was by far my favorite of the evening. Brian and I finished off the bottle while everyone else was shopping. This is a great wine for hanging out with friends. I smile thinking about it.

I'd like to do another wine tasting in the upcoming months, perhaps explore Chile? If you have any thoughts, please note them in the comment section.

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After the wine tasting I went to the Irregardless Cafe for dinner. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend the experience (and making reservations). There was live music and great food--Red Snapper and Grouper especially. The hit song of the evening--As Time Goes By--the dance floor was packed. Classic.

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Check out the calendar section for the information on the golf outing. I'll have more about that on Thursday.