Top 10 Things to Check Out at Wine Riot Boston April 16th and 17th

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Wine Riot, the twice-yearly expo-style wine event targeted at a younger crowd and put on by the folks from The Second Glass, is coming to The Boston Center for the Arts in the South End on April 16th and 17th, 2010.

What to Expect

You taste wine and eat food at the event- bottles of wine are not available for purchase.  Here are some suggestions I pulled together for enjoying Wine Riot II held last fall.  Compared to the Boston Wine Expo, expect a smaller more accessible event, a younger crowd, and more food.

The Wines

Scanning through the list of 250 wines being poured at this event the following stood out.  If this list is useful, you can print out this cheat sheet using the "Print Friendly" button at the bottom of this piece:
  • Check out the 90+ Cellars Shiraz Viognier.  It was one of the best wines I tried last year offering an incredible mixture of blueberry pie and savory bacon overtones.  An amazing value at $17.  90+ Cellars has advertised on the WWP in the past.
  • Charles Smith Wines/K Vintners will be there.  I was quite impressed with their Syrah in a recent TasteLive event featuring Washington Syrahs.  And their Velvet Devil Merlot took the top spot in our Holiday Gifting blind tasting.
  • Check out the Dr. Loosen Kabinett Riesling for an amazing spring/early summer white.  I think it's hard to go wrong with quality German Riesling, especially from a producer like Loosen.
  • New Zealand Pinot Noir is really picking up momentum with relatively low prices and a string of recent 90 point ratings from Wine Spectator.  Check out Oyster Bay's offering in this category (in additional to their surely-enjoyable Sauvignon Blanc).
  • Travessia's semi-sweet Vidal Blanc is a domestic wine I think compares favorably to German Riesling.  I had a bottle of this for the first time last spring and it blew me away.  It's been a go-to wine for sharing with people who don't normally drink wine.  Travessia has also advertised here in the past.
  • I've not had it, but the Layer Cake Malbec has received high praise from Robert Parker.
  • Wines from Owen Roe will be poured.  I've been impressed with their Abbott's Table red in the past and would be interested in trying their Sinister Hand red and Sharecropper's Cabernet.
The Food

Lots of good food available in tasting portions under $5 with suggested pairings.  Here are some brand I'm looking forward to checking out:
  • The Upper Crust Pizzeria recently came to Wellesley (here's a review I wrote based on ordering for delivery the first night they opened).  They'll be at the event and I think pizza pairs brilliantly with lots of different wines- especially reds.
  •  Legal Sea Foods has an impressive focus on wine (read more here).  They'll be at the event which is sure to serve up some exceptional white wine pairings.
  • Dessert from Taza Chocolate, and KickAss Cupcakes along with SmartWater to keep us well hydrated round out the event.  Nice touches.
Click here to buy tickets online and learn more about the event.
    I'm planning on attending the Saturday 1-5p session.  Hope to see you there.

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