Giordano Wines Win Gold Medals at the 2013 Denver International Wine Competition

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Sep 222013
 

Denver International Wine CompetitionThree Giordano Italian Wines receive medals at the prestigious 2013 Denver International Wine Competition. Two gold medals were bestowed upon Giordano’s 2012 Fiano (White Italian Varietals) and the 2011 Nebbiolo. Giordano’s 2011 Primitivo took the bronze medal in the category, Italian reds under $15. New to American wine competitions, Giordano made an excellent first showing. For preferred pricing on Giordano Wines, be sure to explore the Giordano Italian Wine Club. To read more about Giordano Wines and wine reviews, see Bacchus and Beery Wine reviews. Continue reading »

A First Time Wine Judge – Denver International Wine Festival

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Oct 012012
 

On Sunday, September 16th I was, for the first time, officially a wine competition judge; judging wines for the Denver International Wine Festival which takes place on November 8 & 9, 2012 at The Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver, CO. Most of the other 17 judges (all wine professionals) participated on both Saturday and Sunday in the double-blind tasting of domestic and international wines. A previous engagement, however, (leading a winery tour in Napa Valley), limited me to Sunday only.

I arrived a bit nervous, not knowing exactly what to expect. Beginning at 10:30 am and ending at 3pm, we tasted through about 50 wines. Each table of 4 judges tasted different categories of wines. Our table was assigned Pinot Blanc, European Dry Whites, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Red Blends, and Apple/Pear, Berry, and Flower/Vegetable dessert wines. Each was scored for nose, color, flavor, finish and overall appeal. We had a knowledgeable group of judges at our table, including one who came all the way from Sonoma. Soon I was in the groove and found my scores were quite similar to the others. Continue reading »