One highlight was wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape "shatto noof da pop").
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| Our instructor/guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. |
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| I thought of Randy when I saw this. He's developed an interest in Bonsai. |
The vineyards are covered in river rocks, which soak up the warmth of the sun. They said the rose bushes are like the canary in mines - they get any diseases first, before the vines. In the California wine country they also talk about the benefit of the roses attracting bees.
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| Doesn't the sky look like a painting? |
I took notes at the tasting:
- 93% of the wine in this region is red. No pink or rose'
- Look at the edge of the wine in your glass. Look through the glass to the edge on the other side.
- Greenish is young white. Shiny and violet is young red.
- Gold is old. Orangey and pale.
- Silver in between. Peak after 7 years
- Tears or legs (They call the "legs" "tears") - viscous- slow, many - high alcohol
- Smell: Floral = spicy, vegetable = fruity, mineral
- Taste: reinforces previous observations.
- Feel: Balance of alcohol-warmth at back of throat, acidity-edge of tongue, tannin in red
