Uncorked: Red Wine Masterclass

The Capital Branch's 'Cork Dork' instructors led a far-ranging oenological tour across six of the most recognized 'noble' red wine grape varieties - pinot noir, nebbiolo, sangiovese, temperanillo, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, and from traditional to new world styles. (Apologies were made for the omission of merlot and grenache from the hit parade.) All wines were well-appreciated for the differing levels of flavor concentration - from elegant to powerhouse - and individual terroirs which they expressed, although individual preferences for favorite varietals were emphatically proclaimed. A particularly boisterous chorus of Italian-descent participants sang the praises of nebbiolo.

Our STABAL tasting methodology was then taken for a test run through a blind tasting. The identity of the blind wine as a temperanillo-driven Rioja Alta was correctly called by a large minority of the participants, with others guessing nebbiolo or syrah.     

All in all, the event was a full-bodied, lip puckeringly tannic evening that we hope will age well in the memory. 

Wines tasted (from left to right): Nuiton-Beaunoy, Morey Saint Denis, Burgundy, France 2016; Fontanafredda, Barolo DOCG, Piemonte, Italy 2018; Campomaggio, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy 2019; Sierra Cantabria, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2012; Vintage Longbottom'H', Syrah, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2019; Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State, USA 2018.

The blind wine: Viña Ardanza Reserva, Rioja Alta 2015

The opening sparkling wine: Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve NV