Blending Community, Philanthropy & Education

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Student Blend, Expectations

During my visit to Red Hook Winery in Brooklyn, I tasted an array of choice red and white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its neutral oak barrel aging and spontaneous fermentation, showcasing aromas of green eucalyptus, thyme, and rosemary, alongside a palate dominated by grapefruit and high acidity. The Chardonnay, skin-fermented with partial whole-berry maceration and open-top fermentation, presented a brandy-like nose with orange and lemon peel notes, accompanied by a heavy, super dry palate. The reds featured Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, each boasting unique flavor profiles.

Considering the Broiled Salmon with Béarnaise Sauce, Pommes Natures, and Sautéed Zucchini dish assigned, I identified the dominant flavors: richness from the Béarnaise sauce, delicacy from the broiled salmon, earthiness from the Pommes nature, and freshness from the sautéed zucchini. To pair well with this dish, I would consider blending wines that balance richness and delicacy, specifically Chardonnay’s creamy texture and buttery, oaky notes complementing the Béarnaise sauce’s richness, while its acidity cuts through the heaviness, alongside Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity and citrus notes improving the herbal flavors.

To create an ideal pairing wine, I propose blending 60% Chardonnay (oak-aged, partial whole cluster) for richness and texture, and 40% Sauvignon Blanc (neutral oak, spontaneous fermentation) for crisp acidity and citrus notes. This blend matches the dish’s contrasting flavors, elevating the culinary experience. I will share my notes from the Red Hook Winery visit, including the dominant flavors in the Broiled Salmon dish.

Barrel Tasting Notes

Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Jamesport

Neutral oak barrel, Spontaneous fermentation 

Nose: Green eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary

Palate: High acid (volatile acidity) grapefruit dominate 

Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Jamesport

New oak barrel, Cultured yeast, Stir the lees

Nose: Yeasty, rosemary, green pepper, almond

Palate: Round, then the acidity hits late

Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Jamesport

Neurtal barrel fermentation, Destemed fruit

Nose: Medicinal nose warm salted almonds 

Tannins are evident but not dominate

Chardonnay 100%

skin fermented partial whole cluster, open top punch down 

Nose: Brandy like nose, orange and lemon peel

Palate: Heavy, supper dry 

2021 Cabernet sauv with 25%merlot, Peconic, NY

Black berries, dried cherries, prunes good tipicity 

Bright acidity, cherry and dark berries some evidence of oak 

Merlot 2021 harvests 10 of October, destemed, two week fermentation neutral barrel

Bob foley

Cenino vineyard

Brie rind eucalyptus green pepper leather 

Firm tannins 

Cabernet franc 2021

Ceno 

Open top puncheon macerate for 6 weeks neutral barrels 

10% whole cluster 

Pump over

Spontaneous fermentation 

Dried cranberries fresh cranberries olive and tobacco

Bright acidity follows tight tannins 

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