Wine Class #3 - From the Mountains to the Valleys

The Wine & Food Society of Jacksonville gathered for our 3rd wine class at Royal Palm Tapas & Wine Bar on January 20th. Once again led by Cam Bendetsen, this class focused on the differences between grapes grown close to the mountain tops versus those grown in the valleys. The first set of wines were labeled either mountain or valley. Cam helped us recognize the different  qualities of each, emphasizing that there was no right or wrong, just a preference of style. The remaining wines were bagged and poured and members were asked to identify either mountain or valley. We sampled 12 different wines in pairs, each pair matched with complimenting Tapas.

First

Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, California, 2015

Talley Chardonnay, Arroyo Grande Valley, California, 2014

Marinated Local Shrimp with Cucumber, Dill, Chiles, Olive Oil & Preserved Lemon

Second

Champ De Reve Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California, 2013

Boen Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2016

Polenta Cake, Borsin Mousse & Roasted Wild Mushroom Gyo Greens

Third

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia "Vina Cubillo" , Rioja Alta, Spain, 2008

Finca Villacreces "Pruno" Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2015

Smoked Pork Slider with House made Datil Barbeque

Fourth

Robert Craig Affinity, Napa, California, 2014

Mettler Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, California, 2014

Lamb Lollipops with Marinated Olive & Feta Salsa Verde

Dessert

Chappellet Mountain Cuvee, Napa, California, 2015

Kuleto Estate Frog Prince Red Blend, Napa County, California 2014

Bacon & Red Chile Dark Chocolate Truffles