Last week I had the pleasure of hosting Undercover, a fundraiser for the Shooting Stars Foundation which provides support to local HIV/AIDS organizations. Its one of my absolutely favourite events of the year and the premise is simple. Its a walk-around, festival-style tasting, similar to the Vancouver International Wine Festival. But heres the kicker: all 80 wines in the room were covered in brown bags, poured completely blind to the 350 guests in attendance.
Yup, you approach any table and the only thing you get to know is if the wine is white, pink, red or sparkling (theres something to be said for the obvious here), and the agents pouring are permitted to share if the wines are Old World (European) or New World. Attendees are given programs with number that correspond to the wines poured, and are encouraged to score and make notes on favourites.
About a half hour before the events wrap up, all wines are uncovered and you get to buzz around, discovering what your new favourites are, which usually entails a few surprises!
I like the concept for a few reasons, not least of which is that its so much fun. The other thing is that your subconscious cant muddle your perception based on brands, grapes or countries you assume to like or dislike. Its wine tasting without a net, just pure opinion based on sight, aroma and taste.
When youre getting together with a bunch of people this summer; I highly recommend you try your own home version of the idea. Youd be surprised how enjoyable it can be when you dont know what youre drinking, and its extra fun when your friend who claims to hate Riesling chooses one as their favourite.
So what happens when I get to tear around a room tasting wines without knowing what they are? I find a few new favourites, too! Here are a couple of them:
Synchromesh 2012 Thorny Vines Riesling | Okanagan Valley, BC | $19-23 | Winery Direct/Private Stores
Theres been a buzz around town about Okanagan Falls Synchromesh Wines, and what a pleasure it was to finally give them a whirl and find them to be totally worthy! The best part is that I wasnt influenced by that buzz as I enjoyed lifted aromatics of lime, green apple and jasmine, followed by orange marmalade and lemonade on the palate. Its juicy, but still finishes dry. Yet another fantastic BC Riesling to add to my ever-growing list of favourites!
Peter & Peter 2009 Pinot Noir | Pfalz, Germany | $18.99 | BC Liquor Stores
What a pleasant and delicate little Pinot Noir! Definitely on the lighter side of red, chill this one up a bit and enjoy raspberries, cherries, a stony minerality with a couple flecks of fresh herbs. That little bit of age on it brings nuances of cola and sarsaparilla. Im thinking hamburgers or hot dogs, and topping up my glass often.
As always, if youre having trouble tracking something down, find me via KurtisKolt.com or Tweet me @KurtisKolt
