A Night of Bottles and Barbeque: The Guild's Most Relaxed Gathering Yet
There's something wonderfully unpretentious about enjoying fine wine alongside hearty barbeque. On a warm Sunday evening in Marietta, the Sommelier Guild of Atlanta held one of its more casual gatherings - a backyard-style barbeque feast at a member's home that proved to be the perfect setting for deepening connections and sharing exceptional bottles.
After experiencing both the formality of my first Guild dinner at Il Giallo and the traditional structure of my first Paulée, this casual backyard gathering represented yet another facet of this multidimensional organization. Each event has offered a completely different experience while maintaining the Guild's core mission of wine appreciation and education.
THE COMFORT OF CASUAL
Unlike most Guild events which take place in restaurants around Atlanta, this gathering at a member's home in Marietta created a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere. While the Guild provided an impressive lineup of wines paired with each course, members also brought bottles from their personal collections to share - a practice that always adds an element of delightful surprise to these gatherings.
The casual setting provided a wonderful opportunity to get to know several Guild members better than I had at previous, more formal events. With communal tables and a relaxed pace, conversations flowed as freely as the wine.
AN EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES
The evening began with a bright, pleasant NV Charles Mignon Champagne Brut Premium Reserve, which I scored 91 points. This light and approachable sparkler paired beautifully with the watermelon and tomato appetizer, setting an inviting tone for the feast ahead.
As we moved to the Brunswick stew course (from Atlanta's famed Fox Bros. BBQ), we enjoyed two contrasting yet complementary wines. The 2018 Ridge Lytton Springs, scoring 93 points from me, offered a lighter-bodied red approach, while the 2017 Turley Zinfandel "Buck" Cobb Vineyard from Amador County brought more fullness and weight, earning 92 points from me. The Ridge particularly impressed with its balance and elegance.
THE MAIN EVENT
The centerpiece of the evening was undoubtedly the 24-hour hickory-smoked Berkshire pork with bacon whiskey BBQ sauce, accompanied by all the proper fixings: slaw, succotash of fresh corn and sweet peas, and potato salad. This hearty spread called for equally substantial wines.
The 2019 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alexis Establet earned 91 points from me, delivering full-bodied, fruit-forward character with noticeable alcohol and substantial tannins that stood up well to the rich BBQ. Similarly, the 2017 Casa Castillo Jumilla Las Gravas from Spain, which I scored 91 points, brought forward fruit and full body that complemented the smoky pork beautifully.
Standing out from the lineup, the 2015 La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva surprised me with its Bordeaux-like character, earning 93 points from me and ranking as my second favorite wine of the evening. The elegant structure and refined character provided a fascinating counterpoint to the bold flavors of the BBQ.
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
For my contribution to the evening, I brought a 2005 Château Magrez Fombrauge from my cellar. I had double-decanted it (a wise decision, given the significant sediment) before returning it to the bottle for transport. After about an hour and a half of additional rest at the event, and with a few swirls in the glass, it opened up beautifully, displaying the classic Bordeaux profile I'd hoped for. This wine earned 94 points from me and became my personal Wine of the Night, pairing wonderfully with the smoky pork.
The 2001 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, which I scored 91 points, was good but somewhat underwhelming given its prestigious producer and age - I had expected more complexity and development than it delivered.
Interestingly, the 2002 Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve from Australia's Padthaway region provoked the evening's most divided opinions. Several Guild members declared it their Wine of the Night, but for me, the pronounced alcohol overwhelmed the other characteristics, making it my least favorite red of the evening at 90 points. Wine appreciation remains wonderfully subjective!
SWEET ENDINGS
The evening concluded with a decadent Chocolate Temptation Cake made with Ecuadorian chocolate, sour cream, hazelnut crunch, and chocolate glaze. The dessert was paired with a 2017 M. Chapoutier Banyuls Rimage, which I scored 89 points. Despite being specifically crafted as a dessert wine, I found it merely adequate rather than exceptional, though it did complement the chocolate components of the cake.
THE FINAL VERDICT
What made this particular Guild event special wasn't just the impressive lineup of wines or the excellent food, but the relaxed atmosphere that fostered genuine connection. Sometimes removing the formality of a restaurant setting allows for deeper appreciation of both the wines and the company.
This BBQ feast showcased the Guild's versatility - capable of hosting elegant restaurant tastings and casual backyard gatherings with equal success. As I drove home that evening, I found myself appreciating how the right setting can elevate even the most casual cuisine to something worthy of the finest wines in our cellars.
Until the next gathering, I'll be contemplating which bottle from my collection might best complement slow-smoked meat and good conversation.
