Today's medieval wine tip: "Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest known wine production occurred in Georgia around 8,000 BC, with other notable sites in Iran (freaking Iran, REALLY?!)and Armenia dated 7,000 BC and 6000 BC, respectively. The archaeological evidence becomes clearer and points to domestication of grapevine in Early Bronze Age sites of the Near East, Sumer and Egypt from around the third millennium BC." (Wikipedia)
Below-my dream house surrounded by very old vineyards in Aigle, France...sniff.....
Aigle, a castle in the vineyards
Set in the middle of a vineyard, Aigle town is protected by a medieval castle that has been transformed into a museum. The nearby Montreux Golf Club and Parc Aventure provide unforgettable moments.
Château d'Aigle
Aigle Castle has been painstakingly renovated and presents the collections of the Vine, Wine and Label (of wine bottles) Museum.
Scoured by the foehn, the grapes of this vineyard are very mineral. Using fully matured grapes, the wines taste of caramel. The Aigle vineyard produces red and white wines, essentially Chasselas, Gamay and Pinot, under the controlled origin appellation Aigle AOC. (http://www.region-du-leman.ch/en/alps/aigle)
Present Life: Recently I have had the pleasure to try Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose. It is a lovely rose with hints of strawberry, rose petals, cherry and a touch of cream. However, this is not distributed outside of the tasting room unless you do an online order. Rose is absolutely amazing in the summer and pairs well with many foods (fish, veggies, cheeses, chicken, fritatta, crab and lobster and salads). If you can't try this, be adventurous an try a rose from your local wine shop! Find a knowledgeable employee to find what you like.
2011 Harvest:
I have accepted a harvest internship position with Rivers Edge Winery in Elkton, Oregon! I am very excited to work with Mike and Vonnie Landt. I start in in October.
