Artesa Chardonnay and Barren Ridge Petit Verdot

Cheers from Vintage Connections!

Artesa Chardonnay
From the Carneros area of CA, Artesa Chardonnay is 100% hand-harvested chardonnay.  Fifty percent of the juice was barrel-fermented with sur lees stirring and aging and partially stainless steel fermented.  Half of the wine also underwent a secondary malolactic fermentation, giving it the buttery smoothness characteristic of malolactic fermentation.  It has aromas of lemon flowers, pineapple and green apple with a crisp fruitiness, vanilla, butter and toasted oak flavors.  There is a “tingle of crisp acid” on the finish.  

Artesa Winery is owned by the Ravent family originally from Spain.  The winery’s name means “handcrafted” in Catalan.  The winery itself, built in the early 1990’s, is situated on 350 acres and nestled in the hillside.  “With architecture that captures a series of Mediterranean themes, including water flowing along narrow channels, audible and silent fountains and the interplay of light and shade, Artesa is a reflection of the proud Spanish heritage upon which it was founded.” (from Artesa’ website).

Although we’re not normally big fans of California Chardonnays.  We found this chardonnay to be extremely drinkable and not too oaky.  Its crisp flavors, toasty aroma and balanced acid made it great to drink with food.  Next time you cook chicken on the grill you might want to try a bottle of Artesa Chardonnay.

PLCB product code is 8036 and is available for $19.99 at most PA Wine and Spirit Stores.  Alcohol is 14.3% by volume.

Barren Ridge Vineyards  Petit Verdot

Once again it's time for another road trip south.  This time not as far as Shelton Vineyards in NC, but an easy overnight trip into the beautiful mountains of Virginia.  There are over 150 wineries in Virginia.  We thought we’d introduce you to some of our favorites starting with Barren Ridge.  Barren Ridge Vineyards is located in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, just a few minutes from Interstate 81.

This Petit Verdot is a rich, deep purple almost black wine made from 100% petit verdot grapes.  It has rich aromas of ripe dark red fruits.  The flavor is full-bodied with hints of violets and leather.  The tannins are light and drinkable, though strong enough to lay this wine down for a few years to allow it to completely mature and become more complex.

Barren Ridge winery was originally the family apple farm.  Located in Fishersville, VA, the winery is owned and operated by John and Shelby Higgs.  The tasting room looks out over the gently rolling hills of Virginia and has only been open since 2008. 

Though Barren Ridge Petit Verdot is only available at the winery, we felt this wine was worth talking about.  It sells for $25 a bottle at the winery.  Alcohol is 13% by volume.

Up-coming Events

If you know of an up-coming local wine event, let us know and we will add it to our calendar.

Summer Solstice Festival at Manatawny Creek Winery  on June 19.

Bottle Shock Revisited!

Saturday September 18, 6:30 - 9:30 PMSeen the movie? Read the book?  Now try it yourself!
Blind tasting of USA vs. French wines. Appetizers included.


Benefits the American Wine Society Educational Foundation

$49 per person, $90 per couple, $350 per group of eight.

Perkiomen Valley Library, Schwenksville
See more about the Perkiomen Chapter of AWS.


Mom's House
Benefit Wine Dinner

Saturday, October 23

Five course dinner, each course paired with a different wine.  

Kimberton Arts Center  6:30 PM, $75 per person or $525 for a table of 8.  

For more information about Mom's House, click HERE

This Week’s Fun Fact  -Petit Verdot was originally used as one of France’s Bordeaux blend wine grapes.  It was used to add dark color and complexity to the wine.  Since it ripens a good deal later than the other Bordeaux grapes, winemakers have stopped using it so that their wine can be made that much sooner.