Jun 14 '07

Tasting Fatigue (II): And this Syrah Has Distinct Coffee Notes

Nespresso Budapest Ildikó Káli sommelier

Our exploration of the growing phenomenon of wine-tasting fatigue in Hungary continues with what must be one of the oddest, though still totally pleasant, sniff-and-sips we've ever attended. It took place this morning (9:30 sharp!) at the Nespresso "coffee boutique" on Andrássy út, and featured noted Hungarian sommelier Ildikó Káli (above) talking about the similarities between fine wine and fine coffee.

Naturally, we were looking forward to having a good laugh at all this. But Káli, who serves as the house wine expert at Gundel, gave a nice, focused talk that convincingly showed how similar the experience of enjoying a wine like Weninger's always-excellent syrah is with savoring a cup of premium Arabica like Nespresso's. Just to show you how many similarities there are, the 30 minutes Káli was given to make her case apparently wasn't enough to point out the important healing properties of both coffee and wine for those who spend too much time at wine tastings.

Read More: coffee , food and wine events , gundel restaurant , nespresso , winemakers: weninger

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Upcoming Food and Wine Events:

Kosher Wine Tasting
Thursday, Mar 11, Doblo Wine Merchants
Hárslevelű, Furmint, Szamorodni, 3 puttonyos Aszú (2000), 5 puttonyos Aszú (1998) and some other wines will be tasted, in addition to Jewish food.
Hungarian Style Brunch
Sunday, Mar 14, Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal
Price: Ft 7,400.
Bortársaság Heimann, Tüske, Sebestyén Wines and Bestillo Pálinka Tasting
Wednesday, Mar 17, Bortársaság (Lánchíd)
Wines and pálinkas to be tasted are Heimann Cabernet Franc 2007, Barbár 2006 Szekszárd, Tüske Baranyavölgyi Cabernet Franc 2006, Merlot 2007, Sebestyén Grádus 2006, Iván-völgyi Bikavér 2007, Bestillo Gönci Kajszibarack pálinka, Szilva pálinka, Birs pálinka and Vadcseresznye pálinka. Price: Ft 5,500.
Lucullus BT Pálinka and Chocolate Tasting
Friday, Mar 19, Casa de la Música
A unique event where you can try pálinka with matching types of chocolate. Led by master confectioner Anita Király, sommelier Attila Petzold and Lucullus BT president Gábor Turóczi. If you'd like to attend, send e-mail to elnokseg@lucullusbt.hu one day before the event at the latest. Price: Ft 4,500.
VinCE Wine Event
Saturday, Mar 20, Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal
"VinCE" is probably the most important wine event of the year. Visitors will have the chance to taste the most significant wines from the region including Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, Georgia and Romania. Programs will include lectures and master classes.
Bortársaság Dúzsi, Merfelsz Wines and Bestillo Pálinka Tasting
Wednesday, Mar 24, Bortársaság (Batthyány utca HQ)
Wines and pálinkas to be tasted are Dúzsi Shiraz 2007 2006, Rose 2009, Görögszó Cabernet 2006 Szekszárd, Merfelsz Bikavér 2007, Bel Canto 2008, Bestillo Gönci Kajszibarack pálinka, Szilva pálinka, Birs pálinka and Vadcseresznye pálinka. Price: Ft 5,500.

Jun 14 '07

Tasting Fatigue (II): And this Syrah Has Distinct Coffee Notes