Nancy Toppan leading the Chicken Dance
First place winners of Presidential Trivia contest: back row, left, Beverlee Deardorff and Brenda McKenzie; front row: CT Robertson
Bernadette Fideli
Given the craziness and insanity of this year’s political campaign, Nancy and Pete Toppan invited the Wine Stewards to a relaxing evening based on a famous political slogan. During the 1932 presidential campaign, Herbert Hoover promised Americans “a chicken in every pot, and a car in every garage.” The Toppans guaranteed a chicken on every plate and wine in every glass. Hoover lost the election to FDR, but the Toppans won a dedicated constituency. The Wine Stewards feasted on honey-glazed chicken, sipped appropriately paired wines and played a Presidential Trivia game. Do you know what president was known for skinny-dipping in the Potomac? Was it Reagan, Coolidge, Cleveland or John Quincy Adams?
From off-dry Riesling to no oak/light oak Sauvignon Blanc to Oregon Pinot Noir, the Wine Stewards enjoyed an extensive sampling of wines. Chateau Ste. Michelle was an opening favorite. Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery, founded in 1934. It is one of the few premium wineries in the world with two state-of-the-art wineries: one for reds and one for whites. The Riesling grapes are harvested in September and October. This is an everyday crisp and versatil Riesling that is easy to match with a variety of foods. Magistrate Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand received high marks. The fruit is picked and processed in the early hours to retain freshness and crispness. It is vibrant with flavors of guava, pear and apple. Erath Winery is one of Oregon’s wine pioneers. The Winery, now 40 years old, produces classic Oregon Pinot. Their Pinot Noir is delicate and fruit forward. It is bursting with berries mingled with plum, bing cherries, pomegranate and hints of smooth caramel. It is deliciously affable and a crowd pleaser. How does one end such a delightful evening? With the Chicken Dance!