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Saturday, November 5, 2005
Hijacked!
I will, on occasion, step aside from this pulpit and invite a hijacker to take over “Uncorked” for the day. No better day than today, since I am tied up attending a conference for my “other job” as education reporter. So here is an excellent posting from Patricia Vendt on …
… Champagnes and on those who produce them — and who take the time and make the effort to come to Ohio and to share them with us. Thank you Patty!
“Last week Vanguard Wines and Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc. held a tasting of all the wines from these small champagne grower producers who have been recognized in many of the wine journals including a recent Food & Wine Magazine article recognizing Laurent Champs in their Wine Families: Generation Next.
A familiar brand name champagne may buy their grapes from as many as 40 villages and are looking for a consistent style. These producers let their wines reflect the character of the soil, the vintage, and the skill of the wine maker. The vintners were charming and eager to share their wines and knowledge. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy and Laurent Champs poured their wines at the DLM Holiday show. I noticed in a post about the DLM show, Niki agreed with my assessment of the French vintners. Didier Gimonnet from Pierre Gimonnet Arnaud Margaine from A. Margaine Alexander Lallement from Jean Lallement et Fils Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy from René Geoffroy Laurent Champs from Vilmart & Cie There were also other Champagnes from Terry Theise’s selections. Over fifty champagnes were available for tasting and it was truly a learning experience
It was a stellar opportunity to try chardonnay and pinot noir and their blends in side-by-side tastings. Appetizers were provided that turned a rose’ from a yuck to ahhhh when paired with dark chocolate. I didn’t think I cared for demi sec, a sweeter style, but when the Milan demi sec was paired with a mushroom cooked in wine stuffed with a caramelized onion confit I changed my mind.
Then there were the Special Club champagnes that represent the vintner’s best as judged by an association of twenty-six vintners. For a great champagne resource, check this Skurnik Wines Theise site.
The worst part of the afternoon was that I learned to spit those absolutely lovely champagnes.”
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