It’s time for the “greatest wine hits” of the Bar Foundation’s Wine, Beer and Bourbon Tasting, which occurred October 25th at Laurel Creek Country Club.  If you weren’t there, you missed tasting some fabulous wines, beers, and bourbons; eating delicious food; and the chance to win over 50 fabulous prizes!  All proceeds go directly to the Children’s Holiday Party the Bar Foundation throws the first Saturday in December for children in need.

The sparkling wine was a bit hit:  NV Fritz Ritter Riesling Sekt (Pfalz, Germany) Certified Organic.  100% Riesling, but not sweet.  Classic Riesling on the nose with aromas of apricot and petrol. Peaches, apricots, and almonds on the palate.  Minerality from the nose through the finish. Fine bubbles. Pair with salty snacks and ham. Martin’s Liquors carries it for $19, which is a great value for sparkling wine.  Stock up for the holidays!

The favorite white wine of the evening was the 2017 Macon-Villages La Cuvée de Béracius Domaine des Terres de Chatenay (Burgundy, France).  People often ask me at the event, “Do you have any Chardonnay?” and this year, I did, although it was a very classic version (meaning not overly buttery and oaky) from Burgundy, France.  Tasting Notes:  Pear, lemon, nectarines, and golden apple on the delicate nose.  Lemon curd, pears, honey, apples, with mineral acidity on the palate.  Pair with fish and shellfish.  Moore Brothers carries it for $19.  If the 2017 is sold out, buy the 2018.  Many people came back for more of this. 

The favorite red of the evening was the 2017 Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina).  100% Cabernet Franc (old vine).  Black plums, raspberry, currants, and coffee on the nose, with ripe acidity and fine-grained tannins on the palate.  Pair with lamb, pork, game, or chocolate desserts. This is only $13 at Traino’s Wine and Spirits in Marlton.  None of this was left by the end of the night.

The second most popular red (and my favorite) was the 2018 Nals Margreid Galea Schiava (Sudtirol-Alto Adige, Italy).  Made from 100% Schiava (a/k/a Vernatsch or Trollinger), grapes indigenous to this Northeastern region of Italy, this is a fantastic food wine. Tasting Notes: Light garnet in color. Red cherries, pomegranates, and raspberries with notes of violets, almonds, and clove. Bright acidity with silky graphite-infused tannins. Pair slightly chilled with fish and poultry and pair at room temp with everything else under the sun.  Traino’s Wine and Spirits Marlton ordered this for me. $20 a bottle.  This was also gone by the end of the evening.

No one guessed the secret wine.  It was Schiava from another producer, Castelfelder, available on special order from Traino’s Wine and Spirits in Marlton. 

Thank you again to those who came out to support the Bar Foundation.  If you missed the party this year, please try to make it next year!  We raised a lot of money for the Children’s Holiday Party.  Cheers!