Martin Ray Winery Barrel Storage
 

Another great conference on the books! On day 3 I finished up the conference with sessions related to enhancing your digital presence through crisper photography and livestreaming your blogs to engage your audience.

My wine focus for the day started went back to a favorite from last year – wines from Alsace. The 2017 conference focused on Alsace Riesling. 2018 was the year to learn about the Pinot Gris grape. This varietal originated in Burgundy during the middle ages was known as Tokay d’Alsace. The Pinot Gris is Alsace is known as one of 5 noble grapes of the region.

PositiveVines Helpful Hint: A noble grape is one that is associated with the highest quality wines from a region.

The Pinot Gris from Alsace are late harvested due to the cool climate in the region. Longer growing on the vine provides a slightly sweet, flavorful wine. One of my favorites from the day is an easily accessible Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris (www.trimbac.fr/en/alsace-wines). Trimbach Pinot Gris has a floral nose with hints of stone fruit. The palate is fruit forward with peach and lemon flavors paired with a taste equivalent to apple spice. The acidity is medium rounding out a lasting finish for a full bodied Pinot Gris offering.

 
When to Drink: Now
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Food Pairing: Most fishes (salmon may be too heavy), chicken and pork
Average Selling Price: $20/bottle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The final formal tasting event of the conference is the speed tasting session with red wines. I tasted 10 different red wines with Acumen 2013 Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux Blend being one that stood out. This is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the mounts of the Atlas Peak in Napa Valley. The nose is floral with scents of black berries. The palate has a similar dark berry and cherry flavor with peppery spices. The tannins explode in your mouth providing a long lasting bold California style Cab. The finish on this wine reminds me of a lively cherry vanilla.

 

 
When to Drink: Now (2013 and earlier); Can hold for 10-20 years
Alcohol Content: 14%
Varietal: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Cabernet Franc; 5% Petit Verdot; 4% Malbec; 1% Merlot
Food Pairing: Any red meats, red sauce pastas
Average Selling Price: $60/bottle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Day 3 ended with a dinner hosted by NakesWines.com. We had lots of fun offerings from smaller wineries to enjoy with our meal after another whirlwind day of seminars and bonding with wine blogging friends.

Where are we heading to next year? Walla Walla, WA. With 120 wineries and 2,800+ acres of grapes, I’m looking forward to gathering next year in this host city.

Remember to drink what it is that makes you truly happy and always think positively!

Drink Responsibly!

#wbc2017 @trimbach @acumenwine @drinkAlsace