When we started these events we weren’t sure what to call them. It was more than tasting wine, it was wine education and food pairing. Enology is the study of wine. An Enoteca is a style of Italian wine shop or library, and while we avoid getting too far into the technical terminology, we do break down some of the technicalities in our discussions. Hence “Enotech” was born.
This week our Enotech is “February is for Pacific Northwest Lovers”. We chose some of the most awarded wines and recognized winemakers from Washington and Oregon, each with an intriguing story, history, or legacy. We chose to feature 2 wines from Charles Smith who was named Winemaker of the Year in 2009 by Food and Wine Magazine and in 2010 by Seattle Magazine. His vineyards all use sustainable practices and water recycling, and while he focuses on accessibility and affordability his wines are critically acclaimed . We are featuring his Kung Fu Girl 2017 dry Reisling which was made to pair with Asian cuisine and won 90 points in Wine Enthusiast and top 100 in Wine Spectator in 2016,. His Velvet Devil Merlot was a reaction to the movie Sideways’ anti-Merlot sentiments. “Charles set out to rebuff the movie’s unflattering depiction of this great varietal. One sip of this bold, sultry creation and you’ll know he succeeded at making Merlot sexy again.” https://charlessmithwines.com/
We are also featuring A to Z pinot gris which won 90 points in Wine enthusiast. A to Z was founded in 2002 by four Oregon wine industry vets to offer quality wines that capture the best of Oregon winemaking.
Chehelam “Chemistry” 2018 Pinot Noir is the first collaboration between the Stoller Family and Chehalem Winery- both are pioneers and innovators in the Oregon Pinot Noir scene. These producers have unwavering standards of sustainable practices and are leaders in the wine industry. This unique pinot noir fruit was cold-soaked for several days before fermenting in stainless steel and aged with 15% new oak influence prior to bottling to capture the fresh fruit characteristics.
Our final selection is from an owner/grower team that has been in the industry for 40 plus years. Aryn Morrell was on his way to becoming a chemical engineer when he spent a weekend in Napa and realized he could pair his education with his love of food and wine. Owner Dennis Cakebread, had a 40 year career in Napa and was instrumental in project planning and serving on several boards and committees, then stumbled on land in Wala Wala and recognized it’s special place in winemaking tradition and future projects. His family has chosen quality over expansion throughout their careers . The Mullan Road Red Blend 2016 vintage out of Columbia Valley is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, and cab franc and its color and fruit reflects a very warm growing season . It won 92 points, has a spicy oak bouque, medium bodied richness, a seamless texture, and fine tannins. It’s a balanced, elegant red that has fine tannins and loads to love. It should also keep for over a decade.
We hope everyone enjoys the selection tonight!
How can we sign up for this Enotech??
Please email us!
best way to get on the list is to email:
[email protected]
Please provide first and last name, and your email with the request for Eno tech
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