Originally, we were going to rank our top 10 (from # 1 to #10), but after reviewing our list almost all of them tied for first place. So, the top 10 are NOT in any particular order.
The top 10 are all different varieties, are from different wineries, and are from the USA and around the world.
These are all wines we've written about during 2010. We've updated information about availability in Pennsylvania and costs for those that are still available.
Give us feedback, telling us which (if any) of these were your favorites and if we left any of your favorites off of our list.
Trapiche Sparkling Extra Brut
We only mentioned this wine in passing in our November 10 newsletter and blogs but used it several times at wine tastings and dinners. It has become our favorite dry sparkling wine in 2010.
This sparkler is a blend of Chardonnay (70%), Semillon (20%) and Malbec (10%) and is from Mendoza, Argentina. It rested "on the lees" for 120 days so picked up that yeasty, toasted bread aroma and taste that is characteristic of much more expensive sparkling wines.Amazingly, this wine is widely available at PLCB stores but usually only in small quantities so buy it soon. We suspect it will disappear by New Year's Eve.
The product code is 7724 and is on sale now for only $11.99. This wine was a bargain at the list price of $13.99. Wow!
Sebastiani Pinot Noir
Our favorite Pinot Noirs this year is by Sebastiani. Many Pinot Noirs cost more than our usual price range but this Pinot from the Sonoma Coast is affordable and excellent. The 2007 vintage was the top wine in our Bottle Shock Blind Wine Tasting event this past September.
This wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir and is a multi-vineyard blend which creates fruit-forward wines "with richness and complexity". It has fresh cherry flavors with hints of maraschino cherries and "hints of oriental spice, vanilla and mocha". The color is rich crimson. The grapes were cold-soaked before crushing to prevent tearing, keeping the tannins low for early drinkability. It was aged in Hungarian and French oak barrels for 5 months giving it hints of toasty oak flavors. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume.
The current PLCB sale price is $15.99, up from $12.99 earlier in the year. Only the 2008 vintage may be available now, but because they blend this wine from Pinot Noir grapes from a wide geographic area of California, this wine changes very little year to year. The PLCB product code is 4985.
Spring 2011 Wine Classes and Gift Certificates
Wine Classes
We are changing locations and reducing the cost of our Wine Classes to $35 per person for the classes below.
Open Enrollment Classes Spring 2010
$35 per person, includes wine, cheese, crackers
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 PM - Location to-be-determined
March 24 - Wine Blending Bordeaux Style - Learn about and taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc individually, then blend them and experience how they complement each other and how blending produces a more complicated aroma and flavor.
March 31 - Wines of the Finger Lakes II - Learn about and taste wines from the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Famous for Reisling, the Finger Lakes region also produces other excellent whites and in good years, excellent bold reds.
April 7 - Surprising Wines under $15 - It's often difficult to find a good wine priced under $15, but some are very good and reliable in this price range. Learn about very affordable wines and taste a few of our favorites.
April 14 - Wine Gems from Our Cellar - "Someday we're going to drink this!" Tonight's the night! We'll pull some of our favorites from our cellar, taste them and talk about wines that should be aged or not, and the effects of time in the bottle.
Home Schoolin'
Wine Classes and Educational Tastings
· In your home, at your business (within 15 miles of Pottstown**)
· $250 for up to 8 people. Includes wine, cheese, and crackers
· Add $200 for an additional 8 people*
* Additional discounts available for more than 16 people.
** Additional distance may require a travel charge.
Sample classes - Many other options are available.
Wine for Beginners Basic Red and White Wines of the World
Wines of the USA Wines of the Finger Lakes
Wines of Pennsylvania What's in a Name
Blending Wine Bordeaux Style Surprising Wines under $15
OR - We'll design a CUSTOMIZED CLASS FOR YOU (costs may var
Gift Certificates for Spring 2011 Wine Classes
What a unique and fun gift! Give the gift of a wine class.
$35 for a seat in any of our open enrollment Vintage Connections Wine Classes listed above.
$250 for a Home Schoolin' Wine Class as described above, for up to 8 people, provided in your home, business or other appropriate location (within 15 miles of Pottstown - other locations may require a travel charge).
For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, email us at Vintageconnections@comcast.net or call us (Dean or Lisa) us at 610-469-6164 or 610-310-9942.
Checks and cash only.
Weak Knee Home Brew
We've heard of this new beer and wine-making supply store in Pottstown for several months, but only recently visited and talked with Bill and Karen, two of the owners.
Wow! We are impressed with their stock of beer and WINE-making supplies, kits, and books. Sample a few of the beers and wines, talk with the owners, even take a class about beer-making or wine-making. Visit their website, visit their shop, make and drink home brew, and have fun!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Vintage Connections Spring Wine Classes
See feature article in this issue.
Wine and Beer Classes at Weak Knee Home Brew
January 11
Wine Making Class
January 18
Beer Making Class
January 25
Wild Game and Beer Pairing Dinner
Contact us to register for classes, to schedule a wine class or wine event in your home, at your business, or for your organization, or to buy a gift certificate.
Fun Fact!
Why a "Champagne Breakfast?"
Because the effervescence of sparkling wine complements the soft texture of egg dishes.
We even think it pairs well with hot dogs!
There will be another quiz someday!
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