So, we're off on our very own winery touring and tasting. None of those bus around guided tours for us. Just remember to head out thirsty, in search of explosive noses, hinted bouquets, balanced middles and lingering essences, and bring along an empty panier...
First it was Drylands Vineyard--big, frilly, owned by an American consortium (Nobilo and Kim Crawford lines). They had an excellant Sauv blanc that I should have bought, but I got the Pinot Noir cuz it was on sale. All the tastes were incredibly good; no more two buck Chuck for me!
Next, Allan Scott Winery--family owned for decades, where E fell in love with a Sauv blanc sparkling that is headed for Seattle.
Finally, after pausing to "pinch" a handful of succulent pinot noir grapes, we drop into the tiny Lake Chalice winery tasting cellar, where our hostess talks of her cross USA cycle ride (pre-winery and 20 lbs. ago) between pouring us a half dozen more samples. Her Sauv blanc was so explosive! Tho I wanted to get more, we left with only a fine Pinot Gris.
Today, I learned...
New French oak barrels cost $2000NZ and after 3 years, a man comes around and shaves the inside to "renew" the wood, then resmokes the barrel by lighting a small fire inside. After 6 years, the barrel gets cut in half and sold as planters. That works out to about a dollar a bottle. The new screw tops cost 17 cents per bottle.
That sparkling sauv blanc is still undrunk -- a word to the thirsty reading this in Seattle -Ellen
ReplyDelete