Chile is September's Featured Country

In the International spirit that is Rotary, each Etown Rotary board meeting this year will feature a different country by way of a wine tasting. According to the French proverb, " In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

Our meeting on Tuesday will highlight Chile. Chile has more Rotary Clubs (79) and more
Rotarians (2021) than any other South American country.

Paul Harris and his wife Jean, arrived in Chile on 28 February, 1936, to attend the First South American Regional Conference to be held in Valparaiso. In a solemn session conducted by the RC of Santiago on March 3, Paul Harris said in his speech: "Happiness is to devote their lives in the service of our fellow Rotary and we sought a way to find such happiness" .

Our tasting will be a 2007 Chardonnay from Marques de Casa Concha in the Maipo Valley of Chile.

From NB Wines Blogspot:

Appearance: Straw yellow with streaks of green.

Nose: Freshly churned butter, Pineapple, Pear and peaches. Some other tropical fruits - papaya maybe? Floral notes also. Some oak and pepper integrated into the various fruit aromas. Deep/ Rich nose with a pile of stuff going on. Just Great.

Taste: Butterscotch and Vanilla, and Tropical Fruits- papaya again and Pear. There was nuttiness also that I didn't smell until I tasted the wine. Honey and pepper mixed in late in the palate to make a great and long finish. Highly textured and beautiful wine.

Overall- This was always a great wine, but in the past the oak notes were first on the palate and now they are last and mixed more with honey. This wine has really advanced over the years, more refined, especially when it comes to integrating the oak into the background of the wine. The one of the best Chardonnays, for that matter, one of the best white wines I have had.

Spain is August's Featured Country

In the International spirit that is Rotary, each Etown Rotary board meeting this year will feature a different country by way of a wine tasting. According to the French proverb, " In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

Our meeting on Tuesday will highlight Spain. Spain has 200 Rotary Clubs and approximately 5,000 Rotarians. Our tasting will be a 2007 Burgans Albarino Riax Baixas from the Salnes Valley in NW Spain.

From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Light yellow-gold. Exotically perfumed nose displays smoky peach, mango and papaya, plus a strong floral accent. Deep and chewy, with more power than I usually find in this wine. Tropical fruit flavors coat the palate and pick up a subtle herbal note on the back end."

New Zealand is July's Featured Country

In the International spirit that is Rotary, each Etown Rotary board meeting this year will feature a different country by way of a wine tasting. According to the French proverb, " In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

Our meeting tonight will highlight New Zealand. New Zealand has 269 Rotary Clubs and approximately 10,000 Rotarians. Our tasting will be a 2006 Pinot Noir from the Wairau River Winery in Marlborough, New Zealand.

This wine has an intensely perfumed nose of wild berry fruits and hints of
forest floor, framed by toasty oak. Showing complexity on the palate, the
low yielding vines and skilful winemaking give this wine a silken texture
with a fine tannin structure and great length. Indulge with gastronomic
delights and scintilating conversation.
- Allan McWilliams, Winemaker