blind riesling tasting

Some congratulatory bubbles to start the night off right.

Get ready for the shocker of the century. But, prior to last night, I had never been to a blind tasting before. Let alone host one. So when the opportunity presented itself to throw down on some Rieslings from around the world with a few of my favorite wine-o's, not only was I all in, but I was immediately offering up my place as the venue. Because if you're not christening your new digs with bubbles and Riesling, then you're doing it wrong.

And after snacking on a few pieces of grilled pizza I'd whipped up (you didn't think I was going to host a get together and not serve some incarnation of grilled pizza, did you?), we secretly slipped our bottles into brown paper bags, assigned a number to each, and got to tasting. And tweeting. Simultaneously.

Does it get any nerdier? If so, I don't want to know about it.

Everyone volunteered a region to represent--a notion I strongly recommend so as to experience a wider range of the varietal and to save yourself from doubling-up on anything. While most gravitated towards Germany, Austria, and Alsace, the rookie in the room (yours truly) gave a Hell Yeah to the Finger Lakes. A bold choice, perhaps, and one that was quickly sniffed out by the savants. Did I really think I could fool them? Ok. So I kind of thought I could fool them.

Turns out I couldn't fool 'em.

From left to right: 1993 Saar Rausch Riesling Spätlese, 2005 Ratzenberger Steeger St Jost Riesling, 1999 Schmitt Wagner Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Auslese, 2008 Hirsch Riesling Zobing Kamptal, 2008 Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling, 2007 Paul Zinck Pfersigberg Grand Cru Riesling

Kristen "KMurph" Murphy of Wine Library showed Professor Troutman up by giving us a rundown of the Riesling varietal after we'd tasted our way through all six wines. I suggest you hire her for any and all future tastings. Girlfriend knows her juice.

Long story not-so-short, get some friends together (they don't have to be wine connoisseurs, they just have to like to drink--or spit--wine), pick a varietal out of a hat, and run with it. I'll tell you this much: you're guaranteed a good--no, great--time.

Just practice safe double-baggage. Professor's orders.

happy bastille day

Aujourd'hui, c'est le quatorze juilliet--la fête nationale en France!

Happy Bastille Day, mes petits. In celebration of France and all its gloriously gluttonous and devastatingly chic ways, I will be toasting (in between mad-dash apartment viewings in thunderstorms and humidity) with a glass of 2009 Delhommeau Muscadet Harmonie from the Loire (think orange blossom and nectarine cut with fantastic, bright acidity) and some spectacularly pungent yet devilishly velvety Morbier Tradition cheese. But by all means, feel free to whip up a warm goat cheese salad (chèvre chaud) or treat yourself to some cold paté spread on some crusty baguette with a side of duck confit. And if you're lucky, there will be bubbles. Lots and lots of heavenly, yeasty effervescence that comes from le Champagne.

Vive la France! Bisous.

Image above courtesy of Dean & Deluca's The Gourmet Food Blog

wine library weekend blowout

Believe me when I say I tried my hardest not to come across as a crazed super fan upon arriving at the famed Wine Library, and in doing such, I missed out on more photo op's than I'd like to admit. Although in part, I'd like to blame a few of my travel companions for not stepping up and grabbing my camera and saying, "Kiira, can I get a picture of you next to the wall of sparkling wines?" or "Kiira, you'd look great in front of all of Gary's signed Jets memorabilia," or "Kiira, Gary's been looking all over for you! He wants to snap like a million pics with you!"

Alas, since none of the above seemed to exactly work in my favor, I'm left with just the few measly photos seen below. I will pat myself on the back for the Sasha - Gary photo op shown above (we were lucky enough to watch Gary film not one but TWO episodes of Wine Library TV and swirl, sniff, and sip alongside) but the rest of the snapshots don't even begin to serve the day and night justice.

Somewhat early on Saturday morning, we managed to just barely navigate the hellhole that is Penn Station and hop on NJ Transit to Short Hills, NJ (albeit short of breath and drenched in sweat--or at least, I was), for the Wine Library - Gourmet Library Open House Party. After a leisurely perusal through the store's ridiculously massive and diverse selection, I continuously swapped bottles in and out of my arms. As in typical me fashion, I was unable to make firm decisions since the truth of the matter was, I wanted to take it all home with me. Every last bottle of Alto Adige Riesling, Muscadet, and sparkling rosé I could get my scrawny little arms around. Oh and the cheese selection? You best not even get me started. Samples of the most concentrated truffle cheese, Polder Gold Aged Gouda, and more made their way into my mouth. But a smooth, slightly stinky slice of Morbier with a seductive layer of ash has most certainly found its new home in my fridge (and a small slice or two, in my stomach).

In continuation with the day's festivities, Wine Library was also throwing a "Bring Your Own Bottle" party at the Roger Smith Hotel that evening. A ridiculously fantastic event and meet-up in which everyone over-served each other ridiculously good wine in ridiculously generous portions. And after bagging the best rooftop table in the house, we happily sat and sipped and laughed and high-fived (what?) and cheers'ed old friends and new (like Kahuna, at long last! be sure to check out his video blog)--all brought together by a common love of wine and social media.

Hey, Wine Library: We should do this more often.

Still at a loss for the meaning behind this piece of "wall art."

One of the night's standouts: 1991 Robert Stemmler Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma

'Sup?

And last, but certainly not least: Gary Vaynerchuk rated the dress pictured above a solid 92 points. Still coming down from that high. BAM.