What a pleasure to be asked to participate in a tasting of reds wines from France. Even more exciting was that they’re Beaujolais, one of the most underrated and under appreciated regions of France. These are some of the most fruit-forward, versatile, and food-friendly wines…yet most people only think about Beaujolais Nouveau when they hear Beaujolais. The history is so great that the 1st wine we tasted, Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils has been making Beaujolais Rouge since 16AD!!

Beaujolais Rouge are made from the Gamay grape and are fermented in stainless steel and often go through semi-carbonic maceration. This process lends to fruity flavors of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry in your glass. Such ripe, fruity flavors are found in the glass, this is the PERFECT wine for white wine drinker that wants to try something red. I say this all the time, I really hope someone out there is listening. Beaujolais is also best served with a slight chill, another plus for the white wine drinker.

Most Beaujolais to be drunk young, so don’t hold onto these too long. If you get one, drink it right away, you’ll thank me!!

Tonight’s lineup #Beaujolais. Right - Left

Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils 2010 (Beaujolais)

  fruit, herbs, spice and everything nice

Jean-Paul Dubost 2010 (Beaujolais-Villages) — for Cindy

  raspberry, cherry, and dark fruit with a hint of spice on the finish

Georges Descombes 2010 (Regnie -Cru Beaujolais) — MY FAV!!

  black cherries and black pepper with bright acidity. finish goes on forever

Joseph Drouhin 2010 (Brouilly - Cru Beaujolais)

   fruity and fluffy

Bell Wine & Spirits monthly grand tasting!! Held the last Wednesday of the month, these tastings cover wine, spirits, and beer. This one, bourbon and scotch. Clearly I had to be in attendance! As I develop my palate (fancy speak for I drink a lot and am trying everything) I’m kinda getting into bourbon and scotch. Having attending tasting for Johnnie Walker, The Macallan, and Glenfiddich recently, this tasting was an excellent way to taste a lot of different styles while not spending the money that it would cost to buy each one. (And some of the money would’ve been wasted as there were a few that just were not for me.) So for $10, I tried everything. And by everything, I mean 27 different scotches, whiskeys, bourbons, scotch whiskeys, rye bourbons… A Gentleman in attendance said that he was very proud and impressed as to how I handled myself throughout the entire tasting. I asked intelligent questions, sipped not guzzled, and I was still standing. Compliment much appreciated sir!

Some of the standouts of the tasting were:

• Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey (12, 14, 15, 17, 21 year) — everything they make!! This was some of the most aromatic and smooth Scotch that I’ve had. And the 21 Year, aged in Port casks…OOOHHH!!
• Balblair 1989 (Single Malt) — Full bodies with a lovely toffee, vanilla finish
• Oban 14 Year
• Talisker 10 Year
• Lagavulin 16 Year — Totally smelled like bacon! Smoky flavor on the palate.
• Temptation Bourbon —75% corn, 25% rye. Sweeter style with a nice bite on the finish. This would be an excellent base for a cocktail

Smells like bacon #scotch (Taken with picplz.)

ChiTown stand up!!! (Taken with picplz.)

It’s Coming….

Nightcap

(Taken with picplz.)