Upcoming Wine Tasting Programs

• Will it Blend? A Blending Program presented by the Seattle Wine Society and Chateau Ste. Michelle

  Sun, Mar 11 2012
  4:00pm - 6:00pm

  Flying Fish in South Lake Union
  300 Westlake Ave N Seattle, WA 98109
  Free street parking available,

  Price:$49.00

  Member Price:$49.00

  

  Members login to get special member pricing.

  Join Seattle Wine Society and Chateau Ste Michelle Assistant Winemaker David Rosenthal at Flying Fish in South Lake Union for an educational afternoon on blending with experiential hands-on elements.

  
  Meet our Blend Master

  The ultimate blend of science and art drove David Rosenthal to seek out a career in the wine industry. "Wine keeps you on your toes because no two vintages are the same," David says. "The minute you think you have a vineyard or wine style perfected and figured out, it surprises you. Wines grow and evolve, just like winemakers, and the interplay between the two is confusing, aggravating, and amazing all at the same time."

  David Rosenthal currently manages the winery's white barrel program. Although his current role with Chateau Ste. Michelle focuses on white wine, red wine has always been a passion. At Robert Mondavi Winery, he was exposed to some of the best red grape vineyards in Napa and Carneros. During his time in Australia, he worked intensely with Shiraz and Grenache. Immediately following that experience he worked with Domaine Serene, making small lot Pinot Noir and Syrah. David says: "Red wine production presents different wine making problems and opportunities than white wine, but both are equally rewarding."

  We'll be learning about the Chateau's Austral red blend - a southern Rhone style blend comprised of Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedere and Granache varietals.  During the discussion we will be tasting each of these seperate components.

  Test your knowledge 

  We'll break into small groups for a hands on blending session -we encourage groups to share observations and launch into discussions to further your understanding.

  In David's words: 'The blending class is an opportunity to talk about the dichotomy of winemaking between the art and the science.  Beginning with the science, we will investigate four commonly used grape varieties from the Rhone Valley,Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Cinsault.  We will discuss what makes each variety unique, and the techniques we use to make each variety shine in Washington.  Then we will talk about the art of blending, how it can be used, and what makes a good blend.  Finally, the participants will be given the opportunity to become winemakers for the day.  We will form small groups, and let each group create their own blend from the wines we tasted. It should be a great chance to discuss how winemakers blend and artistry required when crafting world class wines.' 

  Bring it full circle

  Our program will close with a tasting of the 2007 Austral blend provided by the Flying Fish.  Feel free to stay for dinner.