In the midst of a mini-blizzard (but suited in our finest snow attire), Mr. Chat and I made our way to the Seaport District during President’s Day weekend for an afternoon at the Boston Wine Expo. The annual globetrotting event caters to aficionados and amateurs alike in pursuit of all things palate pleasing and perfect for dinner parties.
First on our list was Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, a Rhode Island gem that we’ve been frequenting for the better part of a decade. Yes. Gasp. One whole decade. Day-trips to Tiverton and Little Compton in the Ocean State are what we live for in the spring, summer and fall. More about that here and here.
I spoke with Steve Krohn, director of wine education at Carolyn’s Sakonnet, who introduced me to their newest selection, The Blessed Blend. As the first wine produced by new owner Carolyn Rafealian, the medium bodied white is a poignant blend of vidal blanc and chardonnay; and was also blessed by Armenian priests. As zests of citrus danced in my glass, my palate paid homage to hints of green apple, guava, pineapple and passion fruit. The Blessed Blend pairs perfectly with camembert cheese and seafood, but I’m confident the wine tastes even better among best friends.
Next, we flocked to France for a sip of cabernet franc — a red we’ve been enjoying this winter. We fell in love with a medium-to-full bodied selection from Joseph Mellot. Les Morinieres is produced along the slopes of Chinon, a town on the banks of the Vienne and Loire rivers. Both beautiful and complex, Les Morinieres twizzles on the taste buds with hints of red raspberry and dark cherry. A good match for poultry, grilled meats and this weekend’s charcuterie.
Sauntering over to Spain we found ourselves romancing a robust red from Rioja. Vina Albina Bodegas Riojanas is a cherry-red blend of 80% tempranillo, 20% mazuelo and 5% graciano grapes. Cracking its complexity, I was met with the aroma of fruits such as, dried plum and blood orange intertwined with earthy elements such as, leather and tobacco. But the taste is what’s truly unforgettable as I tousled chocolate, vanilla and spice around my tongue. Reminiscing on our magical trip to Spain several years ago, Mr. Chat and I didn’t hesitate tallying this to our list.
Have you ever tried Georgian wine? Like as in wine from the country and not the American state? Well neither did we until our trusty wine guide steered us to Chateau Marko. Located near Georgia’s eastern boarder with Azerbaijan and Russia, the Kakheti wine region has a climate similar to southern France and is home to saperavi grapes. The word “saperavi” literally means dye and the ruby-rich color certainly caught my eye. Chateau Marko Saperavi was dry, delicious and immediately conjured a craving for a block of robust cheese. It will be a welcomed addition to our h’orderve and dinner table.
Admission was courtesy of the Boston Wine Expo.