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?