Choosing the Perfect Bottle for BDC's Wine Tasting Evening

An Elegant Dance of Flavors

Dance and wine intertwine beautifully, and at Ballroom Dance Chicago's upcoming event, we're offering an unparalleled evening where the charm of the Foxtrot meets the refinement of wines from Spain, Italy, and France. But with such an array of incredible wines to choose from, how do you select the right bottle to bring? I’m here to guide you through the process!

Opt for Crowd-Pleasing Elegance Over Bold Youth

While selecting your wine, it's essential to remember the spirit of the evening: conviviality, shared experiences, and an exploration of elegant flavors. Though wines with bold and robust profiles have their place, for our event, it's best to lean towards more universally appealing choices.

Avoid Too Young: Wines that are too young, especially bold reds, can be tannic and lack the nuanced flavors that develop with age. They might dominate the palate and overshadow the subtler notes of other wines in the tasting. These wines can also be very unpleasant to drink.

Seek Balance: Opt for wines that strike a balance between fruitiness, acidity, and tannins. This ensures they're approachable for both novice wine tasters and seasoned aficionados alike.

Consider Age: While you don't need to break the bank on an aged vintage, wines that have had a bit of time to mature often present smoother and more integrated flavors, which can be a delight to discover.

Recommendations: If you're uncertain, wines like a mature Rioja Reserva from Spain, a mid-aged Chianti Classico Riserva from Italy, or a Burgundy with a few years on it from France can be excellent, crowd-pleasing choices. My favorite types of wine, Cru Beaujolais like Morgon and Fleurie, are usually very appealing upon release. 

Take A Chance - Explore Lesser-Known Varieties

In the vast world of wines, it's easy to gravitate towards the familiar names and classic varietals. Yet, there's an expansive array of delightful wines waiting to be discovered that can offer fresh perspectives and unexpected pleasures. This event is the perfect opportunity to introduce others to these hidden gems.

Italy

1. Vermentino from Liguria: While Vermentino is more widely planted in Sardinia, the ones from Liguria, especially the region's coastal areas, offer a salinity and minerality reminiscent of the sea breeze. Expect flavors of green apple, lime, and almonds.

2. Aglianico from Basilicata: While Campania's Taurasi wines made from Aglianico (some of my favorites!) might be more renowned, the expressions from Basilicata's volcanic terroir are equally intriguing. These are bold red wines, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and often a smoky, tar-like note. They're Italy's answer to the robust reds of Bordeaux but with a distinct character. However, unlike Bordeaux, you can purchase these wines with 10+ years of age on them for under $50. 

3. Orange Wines: Not to be confused with wines made from oranges, orange wines get their unique hue from extended skin contact during the fermentation of white grapes. Originating from the border of Georgia and Armenia and now finding their niche in regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy, these wines offer a tannic grip similar to red wines but with the zest and aroma of white. Expect notes of dried apricot, hazelnut, and honey, with an intriguingly tangy finish.

France

1. Roussanne from Northern Rhône: A white grape native to the Northern Rhône, Roussanne is often blended but shines brightest alone. With a golden hue, its bouquet offers white flowers and ripe orchard fruits. The palate reveals a full-bodied texture, balanced by distinct minerality. A symphony of pear, apricot, and subtle spices, it matures gracefully, gaining honeyed and almond nuances with age.

2. Marcillac from Southwest France: Made primarily from the Fer Servadou grape, Marcillac red wines are somewhat of an unsung hero in French winemaking. They have a refreshing acidity, light tannins, and flavors ranging from raspberry to blackcurrant, often with a characteristic note of green bell pepper or even a hint of iron.

3. Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley: While Chenin Blanc might be more associated with South Africa these days, its true home is in the Loire Valley. The region's expressions of this grape are diverse, from sparkling wines to sweet dessert nectars. However, a crisp, dry Chenin Blanc from areas like Vouvray or Savennières will provide tantalizing acidity, flavors of green apple, quince, and sometimes a hint of wool. It's a refreshing divergence from the more commonplace white wines.

Spain

1. Mencia from Bierzo: Originating from the northwestern part of Spain, Mencia is a red grape that produces wines with fragrant aromatics, reminiscent of crushed violets and red berries. Wines from Bierzo often have a notable mineral streak, due to its slate soils, paired with a refreshing acidity.

2. Godello from Valdeorras: This white grape variety was almost extinct 40 years ago but has seen a revival, especially in the Valdeorras region. It's known for its rich texture, similar to Chardonnay, and offers flavors of pear, melon, and sometimes a hint of fennel.

3. Garnacha from Aragón: Nestled in northeastern Spain, Aragón is an unsung hero known to enthusiasts for its old-vine Garnacha. The region's unique terroir, blending high-altitude influences with warmer Mediterranean touches, gives its Garnacha a harmonious mix of ripe red fruits and earthy notes. Hints of raspberry, cherry, and subtle nuances like black tea and herbs characterize these velvety, mineral-rich wines.

Leverage the Wisdom of Wine Experts

Choosing a wine, especially from regions and varieties that might be unfamiliar, can sometimes be daunting. However, remember that you're not alone in this journey. Expertise is readily available, often just a conversation away.

Whether you frequent Binny’s or a quaint local wine boutique, their in-house wine experts and sommeliers are there to guide you. These professionals have a vast knowledge of wines from every region and can help you navigate your choices to ensure you bring a bottle that will be appreciated.

When consulting them:

- Describe the Event: Mention the "wine from Spain, Italy, or France" theme.

- Set Your Budget: Be clear about your price range, whether it's strictly $30 or if you have some flexibility.

- Express Preferences: If you have particular flavors or profiles you enjoy, or if you're keen on trying something new and exciting, let them know.

Based on this, they can then tailor their recommendations to your needs, ensuring that you leave the store confident in your selection and excited to share it at the event. Remember, the world of wine is vast, but with guidance, you can find that perfect bottle that not only aligns with the event's theme but might also become a new personal favorite.

Presentation Matters

Remember, our wine tasting will be conducted blindly. This offers a fantastic opportunity for lesser-known wines to shine without preconceptions. So, even if you're bringing a niche bottle, it might just become the star of the evening!

Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or just starting your vinous journey, remember that the evening is about enjoyment, camaraderie, and the beautiful marriage of dance and wine. So, pick a bottle that resonates with you, dress in your best 'Cocktail Chic', and get ready for a night of elegance and memorable flavors at Ballroom Dance Chicago.