California - Day 4 (CIA Mastering Wine 1 Class)

My wine overload has passed and it's a new day.  I'm excited for class. We are focusing on Chardonnay and taking a field trip to Franciscan Estate Winery.  Franciscan was one of the wineries on our list to visit so going there during class is great.  Check this one off our list and we can add another winery in its place.  So many wineries, so little time.  

When I walk into class I am greeted with the now familiar sight of tasting glasses lined up at my tasting station; 8 this time.  Class starts and we discuss our homework - what new varietal did you try?  Dang!  Aside from our Colombard and Ungi Blanc, there's Kerner, Muller-Thurgau, Nero d' Alvala and Vermentino to name  just a few.  (One guy in the class tasted five new varietals!  Show off!)  At the end of the homework discussion, Karen says, "You wouldn't eat chicken every day, so why would you do it with wine?"  Now I want to go to the wine shops and look for varietals I've never had and taste them.  

Class then continues with Chardonnay.  Topics include fermentation, malolactic fermentation, sur lie aging, and more.

I took this picture after the Franciscan tasting.

We then head to Franciscan to their library for a barrel tasting.  Seven Chardonnay's are tasted.  They will be compared to each other as we discuss their various characteristics and how they are similar or different.  We will compare them based on the region the grapes are from (i.e. Carneros v. Wappo) and the barrels they are fermented in (French v. American oak, French oak from one cooper v. French oak from another  cooper).  We also get to taste the lees (glass #8).  It looks ... well ... not so good, but YUM.  I was surprised and so glad to have that experience. (Dave, who is a picky eater (e.g. no garlic, no seafood) jumped right in, tasted it, and enjoyed it as well.)  Glass 9 is Franciscan's Napa Chardonnay. Glass 10 is their Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay - the best! 

Back to the CIA and lunch in the students kitchen.  Again, great food.  Then back to class. 

We now have a blind tasting of eight Chardonnays.  Just like yesterday - swirl, sniff, sip, spit, analyze and discuss.  Not as much comparing to each other so this tasting was not as exhausting. 

After class  Dave and I returned to Franciscan to taste their Sauvignon Blanc and a couple reds, along with their Mt. Veeder Cabernet Franc (we had to compare it to Virginia Cabernet Franc which we do not enjoy) and Port.  Then on to Merryvale for a tasting.  But ... another day for those reviews. So many wines, so little time! 

Dinner was at the CIA restaurant Wine Spectator at Greystone.  The food was delicious.  Everyone was very friendly. Service was excellent; like a choreographed dance.  The thought of wine ... well I didn't cringe like yesterday, but not in the mood.  However, I had a tasty Ginger Margarita (Margarita's my next favorite beverage to wine). 

As an aside, Karen MacNeil is a phenomenal educator and author. She is such a wealth of information.  I could listen to her all day, everyday.  She explains everything so easily and makes it more relate-able and understandable by using food as an analogy.  Everyone understands food, but not wine.  

Karen is the author of two books (which I do own).  Wine, Food & Friends, and The Wine Bible.  

Now for the wine that we tasted for last nights homework - 2009 Colombelle from South-West France.  It was 70% Colombard and 30% Ungi Blanc.  Both grapes are indigenous to South-West France.  The aroma was citrus and grapefruit, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc.  Color: light yellow.  Light body and medium acidity.  Flavor: tart/citrus.  Not as aggressive as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  Overall, pretty good.  If you enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc you may want to try this.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)