Two wine tastings ahead in Chattanooga

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Two upcoming wine tastings offer a chance to celebrate vintages from Argyle Winery and the Beaujolais region of France.

ARGYLE WINERY

Tonight, Easy Bistro & Bar, 203 Broad St., will host a tasting of six wines from Argyle Winery, led by Bill Matthes of Distinguished Vineyards.

"We will be sampling an array from the Argyle portfolio, from sparkling to their Pinot Noir Reserve, all paired with hors d'oeuvres from chef Erik Niel," organizers said in a news release.

Cost is $35. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the two-hour tasting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations may be made online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/512290 or by calling 423-266-1121. Dinner reservations for afterward may be made at the same time.

Scheduled for pouring are:

• 2009 Argyle Brut, Willamette Valley;

• 2009 Argyle Brut Rose, Dundee Hills (100% Knudsen Vineyard);

• 2010 Argyle Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills (100% Lone Star Vineyard);

• 2011 Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay, Willamette Valley;

• 2012 Argyle Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley;

• 2010 Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay, Willamette Valley.

BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

Meanwhile, the Chattanooga Chapter of the French American Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations for its second annual wine-tasting event, Beaujolais Nouveau, set for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Walden Club, 633 Chestnut St.

The third Thursday in November is Beaujolais Nouveau Day, when wine lovers in France and around the world take part in the traditional tasting of the "new wine."

According to online sources, the observance dates to the 19th century in France's Beaujolais province when the first wines of the vintage arrived in the early bistros of Lyon. Upon their arrival, signs would be put out proclaiming "Le Beaujolais est arrive!" (the wine has arrived), and its consumption was seen as a celebration of another successful harvest. The wines are meant to be drunk as young as possible, when they are at their freshest and fruitiest.

The Chattanooga event will include a Beaujolais Nouveau presentation with wine tasting, local cheese tasting, cocktail appetizers, silent auction and a beer and liquor cash bar.

Advance admission is $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers; $40 at the door (debit or credit cards only).

RSVP online at www.facc-atlanta.com/who-we-are/chattanooga-branch.

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