Gab with Gibby’s

It is always fun to expand your personal wine knowledge. A great way to accomplish this is through experimentation. Try walking the aisles at Gibby’s and assembling a mixed case with no duplication in varietal or appellation or region. Open each bottle and record your impression, your experience. Use these notes to make further choices. Below is a form to assist in recording your tasting impression.

 

 Producer _____________________  Vintage   ______

Varietal   ________       Region   ___________________

 

1.       Tilt the glass. Look for each of the characteristics against a white table cloth or sheet of paper.

Visual Clarity  _______________________________

 

2.       Swirl the glass to release the aromas. Inhale gently at the top of the glass.

Identify primary aromas   _______________________

 

3.       Sip a small amount of wine. Swish around inside the mouth 5 – 10 seconds. Let it fall back on your tongue. Breathe in a small amount of air to aerate the wine. How does it feel in your mouth? Does the taste linger in your mouth? Does it make you want another taste? This is a good thing!  Swallow the wine. Record. Take a second sip and compare the experience.

This is the most important score because it is primarily about personal preference.

Palate impression      __________________________________

Pause to think about the wine and the impact it has had on your senses. Summary Visual                    ________ Nose                     ________ Palate                    ________ Total                      ________

 

Pause to think about the wine and the impact it has had on your senses. Summary Visual                    ________ Nose                     ________ Palate                    ________ Total                      ________

 Pause to think about the wine and the impact it has had on your senses.

 

If you need assistance selecting the wines, please ask any staff member at Gibby’s. We are always happy to help!

Saturday February 13 the store was crowded with guests chopping, sauteeing, and assembling fantastic dishes under the direction of Chef Brandy Fernow. Brandy’s sparkling personality led the group through the process. Thw wines paired to each dish by Randy were perfect. The marriage of food and wine was  once again a triumph at Gibby’s!

Thursday February 4 was a typical February Chicago evening outside, but inside Gibby’s Wine Den I felt very tropical. Our staff designers brought out summer colors and dressed up the bar area to set the tone. Sangrias by the glass were served to the 24+ women who socialized around the store, nibbled on a medley of dips, and won raffle prizes. It appeared that everyone enjoyed themselves at our February Ladies Night Out. What are some Ladies Night Out ideas that you would like to see at Gibby’s?

Even though the wine is always the star attraction, the glassware selected will enhance or build on the wine.

Riedel glassware is great for the novice and the experienced wine drinker. When selecting glassware, be sure the glass is not too large or uncomfortable to use but insure the bowl is large enough to swirl the wine allowing it to open up. Hold it in your hand. How does it feel? Is it comfortable, not too heavy?  The glassware is like wine, rather sensual. Riedel glassware looks spectacular in an elegant dining setting and is just as at home at a cocktail party or on the patio for two. Size does matter here - particularly when both whites and reds are poured.

Considering buying a decanter? So many choices just at Gibby’s! The Rojaus is a beautiful architectural piece that makes a statement on your bar or counter. The Rojaus says, “We love wine!” If space is a consideration, consider the Vinturi - a personal decanter. The Vinturi allows aerate one glass at a time as you pour and fits in your drawer when you’re done.

Gibby’s has both these items along with a variety of Riedel and other decanters and carafes. These make great gifts - let us gift wrap and even ship!

Dining out is a great experience and there are so many choices in the Fox Valley. There’s such a variety of cuisines, atmospheres and budgets. When making dining choices, consider if you are able to bring your own bottle of wine of  to the establishment. Gibby’s Wine Den contacted local eateries and found these spots you can make your selection at home or at Gibby’s before going to dinner!

Local Corkage Costs:

SAINT CHARLES

•  Thai Zie $4 per person
• Siriwan Bistro charges no corkage fee
• Onesti charges $25-$30 if they do carry the wine or $20-$25 otherwise

GENEVA

• Bangkok Restaurant has no corkage charge
• Wildwood charges $20 for wines not on their wine list

BATAVIA

• Tusk Thai Cuisine charges no corkage
• Thai Village Cuisine has no charge for corkage

The local restrictions vary and it is always a good idea to call and confirm that the corkage arrangements have not changed. If you’d like help selecting the perfect wine for dinner at one of these establishments, stop by Gibby’s - the staff at Gibby’s is available to assist in pairing and wine selection.