Library holds wine tasting

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Sparta Library and Burke’s Wine and Liquors held it’s sixth annual wine tasting on Saturday, Oct.18.

Featuring wines from Chile and Argentina, attendees enjoyed red and white wines while listening to a special presentation from representatives of the winery.

Noelia Marchetti and Mariejose Feuereisen, of Santa Carolina Wines, came from Buenos Aires, Argentenia and Santiago, Chile, to Sparta to speak about the wines.

On a week-long visit with the American wine distributor Lucy Lombardi, the women were excited to have a captive audience of 94 people..

Sparta Library President Board of Trustees Brian Doherty opened up the evening thanking owner Randy Burke of Burke’s Wine and Liquor and library director Carol Boutilier for their joint efforts. Burke is responsible for getting all the wines and speakers and also offers a special price for buying the wines, donating 10 percent of the proceeds the library.

At $10 a person, which included the wine tasting, appetizers and dessert, the atmosphere was festive and attendees appreciated the education.

“I always have a good time. It’s a great opportunity to taste the range of them and hear about the wines," said Mike Devine.

Franklin resident Barbara Kovalsky said she has known Randy Burke for many years.

“I come to these events because Randy has been going around the world learning about wines. He is so good about supporting Sparta and the county,” Kovalsky said.

Feuereisen led the presentation on how popular Chilean wines have become in the past 20 years for their taste and varietals, notably for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and for the retail value ranging from $12 to $22 a bottle.

“In Chile, we have an excellent climate and conditions for wine production. The different soils that are around the country from the Pacific Ocean and the Andes range allow for great soil to grow grapes,” Feuereisen said.

The Santa Carolina Winery dates back to 1875. It is located in Santiago. The wines known as the Reserva collection come from specific valleys in the region.

“We are trying to educate people and bring different vendors. Chilean wines are great because they do the vinyards like the French and also offer a good value,” Burke said.

Glenn Knight said he has gone to a few wine events over the past year.

“There is a good variety here. I know their wines, and I enjoy what Randy offers,” Knight said.

The evening was a win-win for everyone involved. The library has been focused on offering diverse community events and the wine tasting has grown in its popularity.

“We love doing this event. We make a little money, and we get to give people a bang for their tax dollars," Boutilier said.