Some of our best wine finds have been discoveries while attending events at local wine bars. Many of them offer special tasting events or even just a wide selection of wines by the glass. Both are a great way to explore wines you may never find, or try otherwise. Here are a couple of wines we discovered while attending local tasting events with friends.
2011 Tomàs Cusiné “Auzells
We discovered this wine at a Spanish wine tasting event at Village Vino. It is a blend of 31% Macabeu, 27% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Riesling, 16% Chardonnay, 5% Albariño, 3% Müller Thurgau, and 2% Muscat. If you are like me, I didn’t know what half those grapes were, much less how to pronounce them. The important part was that it tasted really darn good.
Auzells is a medium body white, with aromas of citrus and pear. We found these flavors to carry over to the palate. It was delicate, but not bland. Light and crisp, with flavors that stayed strong throughout. It paired very well with maple mustard chicken and roasted root vegetables.
This wine is distributed to restaurants and specialty wine shops. Keep an eye out for it, it’s really quite tasty!
2010 Writer’s Block Cabernet Franc
We discovered this wine at a Cabernet Franc tasting at Bacchus Wine Market & Tasting Room. I love Cab Franc, but it is harder to find this varietal not hidden as part of a blend. This event was an opportunity to taste 6 in a single setting. Count me in!
Writer’s Block is produced by Steele Wines, in the Lake County area. The 2010 is a blend of 92% Cab Franc, 4% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. It did not disappoint. Thick, full flavors that hit you from the time you pop the cork. We immediately smelled green pepper, coffee, and a little tobacco that carried over with a growing flavor of rich, dark berries that finished with bold tannins. Excellently balanced, with no burst of alcohol. This is a very solid wine, and at under $20 a bottle, an excellent anytime wine.
Check out your local wine shops and bars for upcoming events. You never know what you may discover!
Upcoming Events
Village Vino (full list and details)
April 2: Oregon Pinot Tasting with Raptor Ridge
April 12: Cune Winery with Lucia Ramos
April 15: Patz & Hall with owner Anne Moses
Bacchus Wine Market (full list and details)
March 28/29: Wines from Eastern Europe
April 4/5: Wines from Portugal
April 11/12: Cabernet Sauvignon