Wine Wednesday: Going Clubbin’…That is, Wine Clubbin’
Some things end. Wine is not one of those things. Wine is the song that never ends.
If you haven’t joined your local wine club, join. If you don’t think there is a local wine club, start one. Start one with your own group of friends in your own home. Use Club W to get started or another online wine club like that — anything! — because wine + talking + friends = new (and buzzing!) neural pathways.
We have attended 3-4 of our local wine club’s events — in February, May, and August — and they have been some of the most vividly remembered events in the past year (and we got married this year so, you know, the bar is high). Take advantage of the opportunities in your community; there may be more going on than you think! Ask around at the liquor stores, wine shops, local vineyards (they are everywhere if you just look for them), and get a number/e-mail/name — get on that list! Even if you don’t attend any events for six months (we didn’t — too busy — too strapped for spending money — too tired), just keep trying to get out there. Wine ain’t going anywhere.
Here’s a little from our last wine club; hope you find something you like!
Montelliana Prosecco Extra Dry*
Delightful prosecco, great price. For a dry wine, this had a touch of floral sweetness. Malbeca’s synesthetic tendency toward color in wine taste indicated a tinge of mauve while Ms. K’s imagination painted the prosecco as a hummingbird with gold wings. Needless to say, the wine discussion took off running in a wildly poetic fashion from the first sip.
2013 Failla Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Light-bodied pinot with a strawberry color. Bright fruit flavor, less ripe with a little bit of oak. A surprisingly green, earthy wick undertone with a slap on the finish, described by Malbeca and Ms. K as a “twig spank.” Yes, twig spank. It’s official; add it to your wine vocabulary.
2012 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County*
This cab had a black cherry color and a heavier, earthy nose with a spritz of vanilla from the oak. Pair this with a good steak to bring out some spice — also works well with pizza. Good price, and you will agree with Ms. K when she said of the cab, “I want to live here in the world of this.”
2012 Sylvaine & Alain Normand Pouilly-Fuissé
This chardonnay is pale in color and smooth to start with a hint of green apple — not overwhelming — leading into a watery finish. The best thing about this wine can be summed up with a classic Wine Club quote: “Pouilly-Fuissé and mac and cheese are friends.”
2013 Failla Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
By the time we made it to the Failla Chardonnay, we were feeling pretty fabulous, so we liked the Failla Chard. We really liked it. From the first pour, this chardonnay seemed richer, starting with its golden color. Oaked with a more complex taste of a riper grape, it had a nice heavy pear flavor. A better standalone wine than the previous chardonnay.
* = Took Her Home
When you do get out there, clubbin’ — wine clubbin’! — swish that wine, watch yourself! Swish that wine, show me whatcha workin’ with.
Happy Wine Wednesday!
