Saturday afternoon I had the opportunity to attend a Sommelier Roundtable at the Food & Wine Festival. Special thanks to my new friend, Corinne, for helping me make that choice!
A Sommelier is a wine professional. A certified sommelier must take courses and pass exams to earn the formal title. There are 4 levels of certifications, the highest level being Master Sommelier. Only 180 people have ever earned the title of Master.
Participants in the Sommelier Roundtable included:
- Virginia Phillip– Master Sommelier (only the 9th woman to earn the title!), The Breakers Palm Beach
- Heath Porter – Director of Wine, The Greenbrier (Advanced Sommelier)
- Stephen Satterfield – Founder/President, International Society of Africans in Wine (Certified Sommelier)
- Clint Sloan – Beverage Director, McCrady’s and Husk (Advanced Sommelier), named one of F+W’s Top Sommeliers of 2011
The session was attended by yet another Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson. She is one of 15 women to have been appointed a Master Sommelier.
Needless to say, I was starstruck. Thankfully, they were serving wine.
Ready to taste
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So what did we taste?
1. Rose Brut
Name: Alfred Gratien Brut Rose Champagne
Notes: This champagne (Did you know that to be called a “champagne,” the wine must originate from the Champagne region of France? Otherwise, it’s just sparkling wine) was pleasantly crisp, lots of strawberries and raspberries on the nose, some minerals, tiny bubbles and a deliciously yeast-y finish (think fresh breakfast rolls).
Price: ~$70
My Rating (1-5): 4.0
2. Lebanese Red Wine
Name: 2001 Chateau Musar Gaston Hochar, Red
Notes: An interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Cinsault from Lebanon (who knew they made wine in Lebanon?!). It was extremely dark in color. Heavy on the nose, strong woodsy/licorice taste with a nice spice at the beginning. It packed a surprisinglysmooth finish… though I thought it died a bit too soon.
Price: ~$30
My Rating (1-5): 3.0
3. Syrah
Name: 2006 Joubert-Tradauw Syrah
Notes: Intoxicating coffee scent. Hints of plum as the wine opened up. Long, smooth, cocoa-filled finish. Complex layers, not one to sip on a hot day. Would love to drink with a fillet or dark chocolate. This bottle will definitely impress at a dinner party!
Price: ~$20
My Rating (1-5): 4.5
4. Sherry
Name: Lustau Dry Oloroso Don Nuno Sherry
Notes: I’m not a big sherry drinker, but this changed my mind. Caramel with a hint of burnt orange on the nose. More citrus at the beginning, then the caramel intensifies and some nuttiness is apparent. Well-balanced flavors, toasted nut flavor on the end. Unlike many sherries, there is no overpowering alcohol taste. We were given an almond to eat as we tasted – this made the flavor really pop and left me dreaming of enjoying a glass with a simple chocolate-hazelnut tart.
Price: ~$28
My Rating: 4.2
Can you guess which sommelier chose which wine?
- Rose Brut – Heath Porter
- Lebanese Red – Clint Sloan
- Syrah – Steven Satterfield
- Sherry – Virginia Phillip
All of the wines were so different – it’s hard to choose a favorite. This will not be the last time I have that Syrah though! Or the sherry.
If you are interested in learning more about Sommeliers, click here.
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I am carving wine after this post. Which means it’s past time to hit the gym. 🙂 Tasting tent recap tomorrow!
Are you a wine drinker? What’s your favorite region/grape… or other beverage?
