Mardi Gras and good times with the Wine Knots
Joan Newcomer
The Wine Knots gathered at Scott and Vicki Baker’s home to “laissez le bon temps rouler” in celebration of Mardi Gras! It was a grand time as the hosts welcomed us with Zydeco music and Mardi Gras hats and beads, which they acquired at the Mardi Gras Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
For a taste of Louisiana, the Bakers offered three wines from Landry Vineyards. This vineyard was established in 1999 in Flosom, LA by the Landry family and was licensed as a Louisiana Native Winery in 2003. However, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina precipitated a move to the higher hill country of West Monroe. The winery’s goal is to produce quality wines that complement the flavorful Cajun cuisine and French heritage of Louisiana.
Our wine sampling began with Bayoutage Red Blend, which is made from four of the five Bordeaux grapes. It has hints of berries with peppery notes. Next the Wine Knots were treated to Bayoutage White Blend, a more fruity wine with honeysuckle aroma. Finally the Bakers presented a Blackberry Merlot, which was a light, very fruity, semi-sweet wine and a favorite among some of the ladies present.
The appetizers accented the Cajun flavor of Mardi Gras. From sausage rolls and seafood croissants to corn dips, shrimp dips and Cajun pretzels, our taste buds were primed for another taste of wine. A traditional King Cake with the hidden Christ child was the grand finale.
All that was missing for a complete Mardi Gras experience was a float on Canal Street with a royal Krewe. Ma Cher, we passed a good time! No?