Regular readers know I love wine. I appreciate it when the local liquor stores have tastings, because I can try before I buy. This is one reason I often go to Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY. I was delighted when I heard they were doing 12 Days of Christmas Tasting. Of course I do not intend to show up all 12 days (although it is tempting). In fact, I had already missed the first three days on Monday when I stopped in and was delighted to see a wine tasting in progress.
I had not consulted the flier I had picked up so did not expect a wine but a liquor tasting (Valley seems to do a lot of those lately, but perhaps it is just the days I happen to stop in). This was OK with me, because I need to pick up a bottle of booze for a Secret Santa I am participating in. I had not even brought in one of my little notebooks I use to record tasting notes. However, I always have a little notebook in my purse. Surprisingly, I did not have a pen, but the pourer, Felicia, had one I could borrow.
Felicia is one of my favorite pourers. She is so friendly and knowledgeable about what she pours. She often has good ideas about food pairings, a subject about which I know very little.
A tasting is so much better with a good pourer!
We started with Ruffino Prosecco. I had been under the impression that all Proseccos are sweet, but Felicia told me they can go either way. This one was middle of the road. Felicia pointed out it was not so dry that one needed to mix it with juice or soda to sweeten it. I said I liked the dry ones. We moved on to the Ruffino Pinot Grigio, which was citrusy and very nice. The Simi Chardonnay was oaky but not too buttery. Felicia and I agree on disliking the buttery ones (although I know others love it). Moving on to the reds, I sampled the Ruffino Chianti. It was very light. The Simi Cabernet Sauvignon was also very nice.
I decided to get a big bottle of the Ruffino Pinot Grigio, because I was in the mood for a white. I greatly enjoyed the interlude. It was a nice ending to a Monday. Looking ahead, I may return to Valley on Wednesday for Menage a Trois Wines. After that… well, we shall see.
Valley Wine and Liquors is located at 326 S. Caroline St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-867-5800.
Mohawk Valley Girl 