BoingBoing.net links to research that suggests the meal being consumed in Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting was not bread or lamb, as previously believed.

“Instead, [John Varriano] writes in a new article in Gastronomica that the 1997 cleaning & restoration of the fresco revealed plates of grilled eel garnished with orange slices.”

The question is: What wine (other than the blood of Christ) would you serve at The Last Supper of grilled eel garnished with orange slices?

This is the 14th of a many-part series aimed at learning more about the fermented grapes we all enjoy in our wine glasses.

Background & history: Winemakers began laying groundwork for this unique varietal in Tallahassee, Fl., in about 1560 when French religious expatriates settled in the area of the Mision San Luis.

Viticulture: Blanc du Bois withstands heat and humidity & is very Pierce disease resistant.

So what does it taste like? Blanc du Bois is often called elegant, spicy & citrusy, with touches of honeysuckle. Some winemakers treat it like Chardonnay, applying different layering techniques with delicious success. There are sweet Muscat-like versions, along with Reisling & crisp, dry styles.

Recommended brands: I don’t know. Most Blanc du Bois is sold at wineries & never hits the stores or wine bars.

aubrieslobbery:

I usually don’t like products that are purposely misspelled, but Bouke Wines is forcing me to reconsider.

This white table wine is an interesting blend of 40% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Gris, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Gewurtztraminer. Hailing from the North Fork of Long Island, Bouke (pronounced “bouquet”) has got it going on.

I have to admit that when I popped this press sample while still super cold, it was a bit unyielding. Luckily my worry subsided as it inched ever closer to room temperature and opened up quite a bit. The label touts the orange blossom, lychee, and pear aromas. Check, check, and check!

This one’s crisp and paired nicely with a simple dinner of fish and chips. Don’t let its easy drinkability fool you though - this one has plenty of structure & a nice finish. Well done!