The second annual Cows 'n Cabs event took place last Saturday evening in Winter Park’s Central Park, located at 150 North New York Avenue. 

Cows ‘n Cabs is a fundraiser benefitting non-profit charities assisting families in need within the Central Florida area.

This food and wine event featured live entertainment, including a band, live auction, and a raffle with all proceeds benefitting Coalition for the Homeless and Community Food and Outreach.  Our guests had the opportunity to sample delicious dishes from twenty of Winter Park's finest restaurants and over 300 wines and craft-beers. 

Two special guests came all the way from France to be part of this year’s Cows n’ Cabs, Pierre Meurgey, owner of Maison Champy in Burgundy, and Bruno Lafon, owner of Domaine Magellan in Languedoc. 

Of all the wonderful featured drinks, my top two picks of the evening were Domaine Magellan, Coteaux du Languedoc, Pezenas 2010 and Champy, Volnay 1er Cru Les Taillepieds 2009.

Pezenas is a sub-appellation of the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is one of several Coteaux du Languedoc sub-appellations, all of which are
located on the coastal plains between Narbonne in the west, Montpellier in the center, and Nimes in the east.

The area covered by the Pezenas appellation is demarcated by the Herault river in the east, he Montagne Noire hills in the north, and Faugeres in the west. The town of Pezenas is located at the southern end of the area and also marks the northern limit of the neighboring Picpoul de Pinet sub-appellation.

Domaine Magellan Pezenas 2010 is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. The wine exhibits  saturated ruby color and aromas as well as flavors of ripe red and dark berries, black cherry, garrigues and hint of black pepper. This is a full-bodied red to pair with grilled meats and vegetables, meat stews and aged hard cheeses. 

Two thumbs up also went to the 100% estate and organic Volnay Premier Cru Les Taillepieds 2009. This vineyard has only 10cm of top soil, followed by pure limestone. The 2.2 acres plot yielded only 2.1 tons/acre in 2009 and the wine was made at 40 hectoliter/hectare. This is a wine of great concentration and purity, full-bodied, with solid tannins; the black cherry fruit is persistent throughout and the finish is never-ending. Offered at $62.99. Drink or hold.

Atanas Nechkov, Central Florida wine supervisor