Forty-seven wine society members and guests enjoyed a beautiful June evening, and the view of the Red Mountain AVA and the Yakima Valley, from Anelare Winery while tasting and learning about some of the less-common grape varietals grown in Washington. The wines tasted were: Anelare 2014 Ciel du Cheval Cuvée, a Viognier and Roussanne blend; Alexandria Nicole 2014 Marsanne; Tanjuli 2013 Picpoul Blanc Dry; Syncline 2015 Rosé, a Cinsault, Carignan and Grenache blend; Syncline 2014 Cinsault; Anelare 2013 Petit Verdot; and Barnard Griffin 2012 Touriga.
Many people commented that they had never heard of Picpoul, much less tried it, and Cinsault was new to some. The origin of these varietals varied from Spain and Portugal to France’s Rhône, Bordeaux and Languedoc areas. Food included 2 varieties of flatbread, mushroom sachetinni
(a stuffed pasta), and sausage and Catalan bean stew.
All the wines were enjoyed by at least some of the attendees, but with no clear favorite among the group. However, one of the favorite pairings with food was the mushroom sachetinni with the Cinsault. We learned a lot about these lesser-known varietals from our speaker, James Mantone, owner and winemaker at Syncline Wine Cellars. Syncline specializes in Rhône varietals such as Picpoul, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan. The winery is located in the Columbia Gorge just outside of Lyle and is open for public tasting. Comments indicated that attendees “very much” enjoyed James’ talk. He was interesting, informative and enthusiastic.
Comments from attendees also provided some good ideas for new events for next year! Event ideas are most welcome!
Many people commented that they had never heard of Picpoul, much less tried it, and Cinsault was new to some. The origin of these varietals varied from Spain and Portugal to France’s Rhône, Bordeaux and Languedoc areas. Food included 2 varieties of flatbread, mushroom sachetinni
(a stuffed pasta), and sausage and Catalan bean stew.
All the wines were enjoyed by at least some of the attendees, but with no clear favorite among the group. However, one of the favorite pairings with food was the mushroom sachetinni with the Cinsault. We learned a lot about these lesser-known varietals from our speaker, James Mantone, owner and winemaker at Syncline Wine Cellars. Syncline specializes in Rhône varietals such as Picpoul, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan. The winery is located in the Columbia Gorge just outside of Lyle and is open for public tasting. Comments indicated that attendees “very much” enjoyed James’ talk. He was interesting, informative and enthusiastic.
Comments from attendees also provided some good ideas for new events for next year! Event ideas are most welcome!
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