Scenes from a Wine Tasting

kelly2

A wine tasting party is a great idea in the middle of the boring winter.

If you are not well versed on wines, then get the book The Essential Wine Book: A Guide to Wines of the World. It will give you a quick lesson about your favorite wine, eg. Cabernet, Merlot, Chianti, Barolo, etc. Where the wine comes from; why you like the taste (cherry? tobacco? vanilla?); and what foods pair well with it.

Each couple brought 2 bottles of wine of the same varietal.
We discussed the grape, the nose (smell of the wine), the color and taste, and pretended we knew what we were talking about!

We paired cheeses from the wine regions and served a grazing menu.
It was a lot of fun, and we actually learned something!



Wine Tasting Menu

~ Baby Grilled Lamb Chops w/ Rosemary Rub
~ Grilled Asparagus Wrapped w/ Prosciutto
~ Scallops Wrapped in Bacon
~ Crostini Toscani (recipe to follow)
~ Assorted Cheeses

* 2003 Vegno Barolo (Piedmont, Italy)
* 2007 Hess Cabernet Sauvignon (California, U.S.)
* 2006 Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy)
* 2004 Vigna Vecchia Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)















THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY........................

Comments

kat said…
We used to do this when I lived in SF, it was so much fun! Wish my friends here were more into wine but these Minnesotans love their beer ;)
how absolutely cool - you guys did a great job!
Anonymous said…
Stacey, I admire your joie de vivre, did you pick that up in Paris, or is it homegrown New JOISEY (I'm a Garden State girl, too)?
Annie Browne said…
How fun! Great idea, Stacey! We've done some similar things...but now I'm thinking I need to pull something a little more organized. Love the idea of having 2 of each varietal so you can compare the differences between regions or labels. Cheers!
Dewi said…
Stacey, this is such a wonderful idea. I know what you mean by boring winter day, it's been rain and rain here in CA, so to start a party like this is perfect. By the way, Love the menu, especially that lamb chops.

Stacey, you look gorgeous, and beautiful!
Cellar Tours said…
what a great idea, I love to share wines I love with my friends. If you need some tips for your next tasting, contact me or visit http://www.cellartours.com/blog/
Cellar Tours said…
btw, 2003 vintage for Barolo was OUTSTANDING and 2004 for Chianti Classico a very good one:
good choices!
LaDue & Crew said…
LOL, I LOVE the pic of you gals!! It gave me a giggle! Sounds like a great night!
Jen_from_NJ said…
Sounds like great fun and educational too! What a perfect wintertime get together.

Cute picture of the Real Housewives of New Jersey! Will I be seeing you on Bravo?
noble pig said…
Awesome pictures and party lady!! Very nice menu and wintertime fun!
What a lovely wine tasting Stacey. You guys are awesome.
Sam
Anonymous said…
Due to circumstances beyond my control I was unable to read this blog.
What a party!!! The food, wines, and women are beautiful. The food and wine are long gone, but your talent, not only as a cook/chef/photographer/remain.
with love,
mil
Lori Lynn said…
Sounds like a great evening. Terrific pairing menu too. This is right up my alley!

Hope you guys are doing Ok with the weather...
LL
Unknown said…
Ha ha ha, loved the ending! Oh, and the table spread looks scrumptious!
The Leftoverist said…
Oh my goodness. I live on the wrong side of the continent...
Great food! A wonderful evening!

Cheers,

Rosa
Ciao Chow Linda said…
Sounds like a lot of fun and some great wine tasting. You're reminding me that we're overdue to host another wine tasting. But the kicker of the housewives is just too funny!
The JR said…
Wow, looks fantastic.
citronetvanille said…
That's a great idea, looks like you guys are having some fun over there!
Culinary Cory said…
Such a great idea for a boring winter. I actually had to read that book when I took a wine tasting class in college. The paper placemats with the wine glasses is a great idea.