Valckenberg And Bedford Wineries Arrive In Las Vegas

Hosted by 20-year-old Renegade Wine Imports, The Stirling Club will become the center of a European wine tasting sensation, featuring imports from Valckenberg International and Bedford International. Together, these reputable wine makers and distributors have fashioned an intense collection of wines from Germany and Italy.

If you are unfamiliar with Valckenberg, it is the oldest family-owned wine merchant in Germany. It began when Dutch trader Peter Joseph Valckenberg (1808) purchased a winery that dated back with the Romans more than 2,000 years. Bedford International has a much younger history, being founded in 1949. However, it quickly grew to become an exclusive importer to the United States of fine Italian wines, a beautiful country where one of every 15 acres is dedicated to wine.

The Stirling Club German White And Italian Wine Tasting.

This remarkable wine tasting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the north lounge. Participation is only $35, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited.

The selection of the evening represents some of the finest wines from both countries. From Germany, imports include the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, known for the finest Riesling wines in the world, and the Saarstein estate, which owns the oldest vineyards in the village of Serrig. From Italy, selections hail from the famed Piedmont region, the renowned Villa of Vignamaggio, an ancient hilltop town in southeast Tuscany.

What To Expect From The German Wines Highlighted.

Valckenberg Gewürztraminer, 2008 is a full-bodied, medium-dry white with a lovely aroma of roses, accompanied by flavors of ripe peach and litchi. Fruity on the front, it finishes finishes a bit drier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.

Maximin Grunhauser QbA Riesling, 2008 is spicy and fruity with aromas of peach and hints of black currant, typical for wines from the Abtsberg during the great years. It is packed with fruit and minerals, leaving a powerful and elegant taste.

Schloss Saarstein Kabinett Riesling, 2008features a crisp fruit taste, with the aroma of pear and kiwi. Expect a light and elegant flavor, with a touch of sweetness.

What To Expect From The Italian Wines Highlighted.

Volpi Barbera d'Asti, 2007 is medium-bodied wine with bright red fruit tones that feature hints of violet, earth, plum, and tannin. It is made with the barbera classic grapes in the Piedmont region.

Vignamaggio Chianti Classico, 2007 features a beautiful grape with soft tannins, succulent acidity, and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors. It is extremely easy to drink and often versatile as a dinner wine.

Umani Rochi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 2008 is a velvety red with supple fruit and a characteristic nutty, almost chocolate flavor often associated with Italian reds.

Castellucio Sangiovese, 2008 is known for soft tannins, succulent acidity, and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors. It is noted as a pure drinking pleasure blended with an unusual consistency.

Rivera Rupicolo (Mediterranean Blend), 2007 is generally characterized by its fruitiness and drinkability with a moderate structure. It will present a beautifully vibrant finish.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, by email via the The Stirling Club Website or by calling 702-784-4603. Stirling Club members may also refer guests for consideration. Members are asked to place reservations by calling 702-732-9700.