By Austyn Ellese Mayfield

As a self-proclaimed pacifist, an invitation to a courthouse riot is not likely to make it onto my events-to-attend list. But if, per chance, said riot happens to be associated with copious amounts of vino, then who am I to take for granted my right to public assembly?

“Bring it on!” seemed to be the general sentiment last week-end at round two of Wine Riot at the John J. Moakley Courthouse, presented by Boston-based wine magazine The Second Glass. Two days, two floors of vendors, over 250 tasting options from regions around the globe, delectable food pairing…

The first pour of my day ended up being one of my overall favorites. I began with a 2008 Seven Terraces Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand.  Very aromatic with rich flavors of red and black fruits and light, almost sweet spices, the Seven Terraces is a Pinot Noir’s Pinot Noir. It’s distinctive in an approachable way, and reminded me all over again why I love the varietal. 

Other standouts were the Prima Perla Prosecco with its flavors of pear and melon with a light creamy finish; the 2007 XYZin10 Zinfandel with its flavor play of berries, plum, and chocolate; and the 2007 Columbia Winery Cellar Master’s Riesling that almost steps into port territory with honey-drenched floral aromas.

But perhaps just as remarkable as the flavors of the wines featured at the Wine Riot are the stories behind the vineyards and the wines themselves. Winemakers like Yellow+Blue poured artisanal-quality wines that boast certified eco-friendly and biodynamic production. 

XYZin produces three different zinfandels, preparing each one differently based on the age of the vines used. 

Farnum Hill Ciders unapologetically focuses it’s energies on reviving the American tradition of ciders, because they are passionate that apples are just as important to the wine enthusiast landscape as grapes are. Each bottle had its own mini-narrative and provided for an experience that went beyond just scoring great wine.

Attendees may have left a little tipsy, but they definitely left well-informed.

The Wine Riot’s atmosphere  held true to The Second Glass’s stance that wine knowledge is power and that wine, in general, is pretty damn awesome. Bacchus himself would have been proud…and maybe even taking a few tasting notes!