Cellar Notes Old World vs. New World Cabernet & Merlot

What better way to learn about wine than through comparison? As part of NH Wine Week festivities, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission has gathered five leading wine winemakers in the area of Cabernet and Merlot who will present their wines in a comparison tasting at the annual Cellar Notes event. They will discuss their virtues and strengths considering their growing conditions in Italy, France, California and Washington State.

Presenters include Antonio Zaccheo Jr., owner and winemaker at Carpineto. He will present his Carpineto Dogajolo Tuscan Red. Also Serge Doré, owner of Serge Doré Selections, along with Jon Reeves and Amelia Aubert, will present their French Bordeaux, Ch Chantelune Margaux and Ch Haut Gravet Saint-Emillon Grand Cru.

Representing the New World, specifically California, is Maria Sinskey, owner and winemaker for Sinskey Winery with their POV Nap Red Blend and their Robert Sinskey Merlot Los Carneros.  From Washington State, Laura Sorge, winemaker for Columbia Crest, is bringing a Horse Heaven Hill Merlot and their Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Joseph Spellman, master sommelier of Justin Vineyards & Winery, is presenting their Justin Isosceles, a Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition, the winemakers are bringing their favorite white wines to enjoy during the presentation at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester.

Tastings are available for all the wines, and at the conclusion of the seminar guests may purchase wines with special pricing and receive 15 percent off for six bottles or more, along with bottle signing by the owners and winemakers.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Easter Seals NH programs and services. You can also attend the main event, which also benefits Easter Seals, the Winter Wine Spectacular on January 28.

Let the games begin!