Nettie hosts a white wine tasting party

Once all the guests arrived we discussed common flavors of white wines; I had a selection of spices/herbs out for everyone to smell and try. I wanted everyone to become familiar with terms I would be using throughout the evening, so when I said things like "lemon peel" or "nutmeg" they could recall the smell/taste. I also provided a hand out with the wines we would be trying so they could take notes.

We started off the evening with dried apricots and Schmitt-Sohne Blue Bottle Riesling. Very simple pairing and a mellow wine to start breaking in the palates.

Followed by Foodies Chardonnay with baked Brie and Pears. This is an unoaked Chardonnay, which I prefer, and paired with this savory dish - oh my! Everyone wanted the recipe.

For the "main course" Shrimp Scampi with Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc. Knowing that most of the ladies present were beginners in wine I wanted to ease them into the idea of an acidic drier white wine. On its own it was a little much for them, but paired with the Shrimp they saw how the wine and food truly work together to create a great dining experience.

And for dessert Pecan Tassies with Beviamo Moscato d' Asti. I love my Pecan Tassies, and served with a nice effervecent Moscato d' Asti it is just a fabulous way to end the meal. The cream cheese tart shell melts in your mouth as the pecans and brown sugar mingle with the light sweet fruitiness of the wine.

It was a fantastic three hour event! I cannot wait to prepare the next flight of wines for them and create the pairing menu.