Bianchi Wine & Tasting Room

Some Terms You'll Want to Know for Your Next Wine Tasting

A visit to the Tasting Room at Bianchi Winery is an excellent opportunity to train your palate to identify the most subtle flavors in wine and improve your knowledge about how wine is crafted. During the time you spend tasting different wines, it is important to utilize tasting terms that will help you characterize the sensations of wine when it hits the tongue. Here are some key terms to know so you can get the most out of your visit to the Tasting Room:

• Tannin: The term tannin can be a little confusing because you may want to describe it as a flavor. However, tannin is actually a natural preservative found in grape skins that influences the flavor of the wine. Younger wines have higher tannin bitterness because this sensation is softened as wine is allowed to age.
• Aroma or Bouquet: These two terms can generally be used interchangeably and both refer to the scent of the wine, which you should observe before you taste it. The aroma will have specific notes of varying flavors acquired from fermentation and aging, such as fruit tones, smokiness, or spice.
• Finish: When tasting wine, you should wait before taking another sip after the initial taste. You want to take note of how long the wine lingers on the tongue and explore complexities in the finish.
• Body: This descriptor is focused on the feel of the wine, which is created by the alcohol and sugar. Wines can range from light- to full-bodied; these characteristics are not necessarily positive or negative, as different body is desired for different wines.

To test out your understanding of these terms, book a visit to the Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room, an elegant tasting environment featuring breathtaking views and exceptional wines. Learn about us on our website or give us a call at (805) 835-4321. 

Who's Going to the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival?

We are! Bianchi will be at Atascadero Lake Park on Saturday, June 23rd to participate in the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival. Tickets are going fast so get your tickets now! Tickets are $45 each when purchased in advance and $50 at the door.

Bianchi will be one of the 80 wineries featured at the parkscape. Wines will be accompanied by food from local chefs. Gear up for a day of some of the best Central Coast wine with an incredible bounty of food, wine, art and live entertainment. The festival will be raising funds for Atascader’s Charles Paddock Zoo and local community projects.

For more information or to get your tickets visit www.atascaderowinefestival.com. You can also purchase tickets through the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce at (805) 466-2044. We hope to see you all there!

Some Great Resources for the Wino

Our recent blog posts discussed some ways to enjoy the fine wines you will find at Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room. You can find more helpful information with the recommended sites below or by contacting us at (805) 835-4321.

• Robert Parker is one of the wine industry pioneers…check out his website for great wine reviews and tips.
• This article from the Huffington Post explores the rising popularity of wine culture in the United States.
• Bianchi Wine & Tasting Room is the perfect place to go to sample delicious central coast wine or host your next event. Visit our website for more details.
• Food & Wine Magazine offers a fantastic recipe for lamb Ragu to serve with Sangiovese wine.
• This interactive guide from FoodAndWinePairing.org will guide you toward the perfect pairing for every meal.

Classic Wine Pairings for the Budding Wine Aficionado

If you are interested in tasting wine, pairing wine with food is an excellent way to give your palate a true wine education. With the right dishes, a wine’s subtle flavor notes will wash over your taste buds and bring out the best in the food you are eating. Here are some fail-proof pairings that can get you started in the wonderful world of wine:

• Grilled Chicken and Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine with a creamy mouth feel and lingering finish. Traditionally, it is paired with red meat like steak or burgers, but any grilled meat can stand up to the wine. Simply grilled chicken breasts and summer squash cooked over charcoal will present ideal smoky flavors to bring out the oaky undertones of the Zinfandel.
• Lamb Ragu with Sangiovese: Sangiovese is the ultimate Italian table wine and its bright berry flavors are balanced perfectly with the distinctive characteristics of lamb. When prepared in a Ragu style, lamb has a succulent and rich flavor accented by tomatoes, thyme, and fennel. It can be served alongside pasta or potato gnocchi, and the flavors will dance on your palate when enhanced by the lively fruit notes of Sangiovese.
• Steamed Mussels with Sauvignon Blanc: The citrus notes of light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are a delightful with freshly caught mussels bursting with the saltiness of the sea. Pour the mussels into a large pan and cover them about halfway with a mixture of Sauvignon Blanc, chicken broth, garlic, shallots, lemon slices, and cherry tomatoes. Cook the mixture with the lid on the pot until the mussels have opened. Finish them with parsley and serve over a bed of sautéed spinach. Pop open a new bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to serve with the meal for an unforgettably delicious pairing.

For more wine pairing suggestions and a fine selection of excellent wines, visit Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room in Paso Robles. You can shop our selection at the winery or on our website. To book a visit to our tasting room so you can try our wines with expert tasting tips, call us at (805) 835-4321. 

Video: Bianchi Wine Reviews

Bianchi Winery has been producing fine wines for four generations using techniques passed through the family, all of which are available at reasonable prices so they can be enjoyed by everyone.

This video from Wine Watch TV offers a review of several of our fabulous wines. The Petite Sirah saw the most impressive response. This wine offers big flavor with notes of dark fruit, cigar wrapper, and black spices. As the reviewer notes, all of our wines have lovely balance and excellent flavor.

If you are interested in any of the wines discussed here, contact Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room at (805) 835-4321. We sell our wines directly through the web and at our wonderful Tasting Room where you can enjoy the best our vineyards have to offer.