ATLANTA WINE PARTY – WINTER 2016

By Liz Attaway, Posted 1/27/16

It’s the pop of the cork, the smell of apple tartness, the smooth dance of cascading fluid into a clear glass, and that first taste that was met with excited anticipation that what makes wine so satisfying. If you’ve ever been to a winery with a good tasting, you know there is a joy in finding something new to try be it a tasty new white, red, or rose wine. Atlanta Wine Festival has that excited anticipation, like a grand scale wine tasting with a few of your closest friends. Are you ready for a glass? Thought so!

There were a ton of varietals available to taste at Atlanta Wine Festival, and of those tastes, there were a few that stood out. As for the whites, the best one of the night was the Villa “Il Fresco” Italian Prosecco champagne. It was a Northern Italian wine that started tart and ended with a hint of sweet and fizzy bubbles. It was crisp, like a green apple, but was neither sweet nor too dry. It was just right. I’m not a huge Prosecco drinker, but it speaks to the quality of this wine, that it ended up being my favorite. No surprise that it was and Italian wine; it’s always my favorite country for wine. Another good white was a California Chardonnay from Spellbound. Chardonnays are also not my go-to wine when I’m out with friends or relaxing at home, but this one was different. It was fuller, buttery, and smoother than some of its peers, while not having any smoke or oak to overpower its kiwi, light body. I’d buy this out or to enjoy at home any time. It was very drinkable. Finally, I have to mention the Private Selection Pinot Grigio by Robert Modavi. I know it’s not a cream of the crop brand but it one of those wines that you could have a couple of glasses of and enjoy from beginning to end. It’s the right amount of apple, tart, and smooth ending. It could be a good go-to for those hot summer nights.

I couldn’t write this article and not mention at least one Red. Red wine is really a required taste, and it’s something I’ve tried to get into but just haven’t. It’s sometimes too heavy, makes me tired or I would rather have something lighter and crisper. That being said, I did have one red that I really liked: the Red Blend by Saved. It had a lot of personality with mixed fruit, not dry or sweet, with robust finish. Plus, it was so popular it was almost all gone by the time I got there half way through the night. Who can argue with that?

Like all good wine tastings, they must end. The lights go down and the doors to the winery are shut, as the wine ferments in the barrels or casks below. Don’t fret, it all be here tomorrow. So, sharpen your pencil, grab your scrap paper, and get tasting. Bummed you missed Atlanta Wine Festival? Atlanta Beer Festivals has a ton of events coming up including Winter Beer Fest, Atlanta Brunch Festival in March, and more. Here’s their site for more information about these events: http://atlantabeerfestivals.com/

Cheers!