Good day! I have just registered so this is apparently my first posting here. I have enjoyed reading in this community for a few months, what has inspired me is the great variety of grapes and regions appreciated! I am somewhat of a variety junky myself, having drunk wine with dinner regularly for at least a decade or so, I very rarely purchase the same wine a second time unless it seems truly profound, there are just so many interesting grapes and styles, and new ones minted each year...
However I am also a bit foolish, I have never kept notes nor developed the proper vocabulary to express my wine tastes, so I beg your indulgence.
The immediate posting results from last evening's dinner, the local restaurant practicing what I might call mostly rustic Mediterranean cooking, with a truly eclectic wine list and pricing at Ohio's otherwise confiscatory state minimum. The chosen wine became the center of the meal, I ordered my dinner to fit:
1996 Chateau De L’Echarderie Les Quarts de Chaumes
Presented probably too cold, this turned out to be a fortunate introduction, it made a splendid apertif. Sunset gold to amber, and at this temperature just off-dry, the style of sweetness matched the color, mostly of honey, while the attenuating tartness seemed to be pomme fruits, apple or deep pear flavor, all accompanied by fresh almond scents. I ordered a sweet pea, fava bean, mushroom and ramps risotto, savory but simple and it really let this wine shine. As it warmed up the flavor and sweetness of the wine became more concentrated, but also the risotto seemed to grow more intense, they worked together beautifully. By dessert time this wine was in full bloom, viscous and ripe but still in balance.
I really think this wine was beautifully made, perfectly balanced and a great representation of this particular style of chenin blanc. I am so glad I was able to enjoy it throughout my dinner rather than just as dessert, I am generally very sensitive to sweetness in my meals, but the combination redeemed itself.
Thanks for sharing my fun experience!
(US$40, 14% alcohol)
Best regards,
Steve