Blog | Finding Vino Toastmasters

South African Red Wine Graceland Cabernet Sauvignon Graces Finding Vino Club Meeting

Date of Meeting – July 7, 2015

Name of Red Wine selected – Graceland Cabernet Sauvignon

Region wine is produced – South Africa, Stellenbosch region

Types of grapes in wine – Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot grapes

Characteristics of wine

Look – deep cherry red color, burgundy, full bodied,

Smell – Blackberry, ripe plum, tobacco, vanilla

Taste – Ripe black fruits, soft velvety texture, savory spices

Finish – Lingering after-taste, complex flavors, long finish

Food Pairing – Beef roast, beef steak, venison stew, lamb chops, with balsamic reduction, lentil soup, hearty bean dishes, sharp cheeses, almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate, dark fruit cake.

Red Wine Master: Erica Johanson

Foodie: None

French Chardonnay Louis Latour Featured White Wine At Finding Vino On July 7, 2015

Date of Meeting – July 7, 2015

Name of White Wine selected – Ardeche Chardonnay 2013 Louis Latour

Region wine is produced – Ardeche-Coteaux, France

Types of grapes in wine – Chardonnay

Characteristics of wine

Look – Clear to light yellow, like “hay” light bodied,

Smell – Green apples, melon, tropical fruits,

Taste – Apple, melon, peach

Finish – medium and satisfying, lasting freshness

Food Pairing – Chardonnay easily pairs with just about anything. Steak, fish, chicken, pasta, cheeses and soft fruits. At the meeting we paired it with Triscuits with Goat cheese, pesto, roasted red pepper and soft fruits.

Comments from club members – Goat cheese cracker was something not tried before. They enjoyed the soft fruit taste with the wine, it seemed to make the wine sparkle.