wine tastings

[foodfun]

Hi all,

My husband and I started a wine club in our area almost 20 years ago.  It has been a smashing success, but we are always looking for new ideas for tastings.

Anyone have any fresh ideas?  We are a very casual group.  Most of our tastings are pretty loosely put together, but occasionally we get quite serious.  In other words, anything goes.  Sometimes each member brings a wine that fits the evening's guidelines.  Other times, the host purchases the wine, and we split the cost.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[cabrales]

(1) Single grape Chardonnay champagne (e.g., Salon; Krug Clos de Mesnil; Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs; Mumm de Cramant; Jacques Selosse, Blanc de Blancs; Deutz Blanc de Blancs; Roederer Cristal).  Ideally old  

(2) Tasting of Moet & Chandon's single-estate champagne (there are at least three, and they may or may not be available in the US; I have not checked, but I saw them last at Fauchon, Paris -- an overpriced retail outlet).  Alternatively, comparison of various widely available Moet & Chandon champagne (e.g., Nectar Imperial, Brut Imperial, White Star). Note M&C is not my favorite champagne-maker.

(3) Comparison of Canadian (e.g., Inniskillin) versus German Ice Wine

(4) Comparison of Certain Guigal wines (e.g., La Turque, La Landone, spelling, etc.  

[Beachfan]

Umbrian Merlots

Central Coast Syrahs

Condrieu

Sicilian Wines

Petite Syrah

[Howie]

I can't remember the price, but I've seen the single vineyard Moet & Chandon champagnes at Morrell recently.

[foodfun]

Great ideas so far, thanks!  I am writing all of these suggestions down.  We plan out the next year in November, so I will take all of these ideas with me then.