This week, learn a little about wineries and wine from what might be some unexpected places.
Wines of the USA 102 (or part II)
Almost every winery in almost every state produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and many wineries in many states produce Riesling and Pinot Noir. In this class, we’re going to sample and learn about what may be unexpected wines from unexpected places.
Georgia. Hot, muggy, clay soil, not an ideal climate or environment for wine grapes (vinifera grapes anyway). But in the North Georgia mountains, spanning from Dahlonega to Clayton is the North Georgia Wine Highway. Fourteen wineries produce the expected wines, but they also produce some unexpected wines including Seyval, Riesling and even Chambourcin.
During early April, we’re traveling the North Georgia Wine Highway (There’s Wine in Them, Thar Hills)and will return with something a little bit different to share with you, and to learn about, in this Wines of the USA class.
North Carolina. You’ve got to be kidding! No! The Yadkin Valley is the northern most part of North Carolina, right where Interstate 77 heads south from Virginia. The elevation and terroir (don’t get us started) provides an excellent environment for excellent wines. Really. Some of our favorite wines are produced in the Yadkin Valley and we’re shopping for something special to taste and share in class.
Virginia. Yes, Virginia, there is good wine here and it is getting a reputation for producing some wonderful wines. Wine Spectator even featured Virginia wineries. And, most Virginia wineries produce excellent Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and other traditional viniferous wine you’d normally expect. But, Virginia also produces some signature wines, especially Viognier and Norton (also know as Cynthiana). We’ll return to Pennsylvania and the Wines of the USA class with something a little different from Virginia.
Maryland. Now we’re getting closer to home. One of our all-time favorite wineries is Fiore, just outside Pylesville, Maryland, only a two-hour drive from home, the Pottstown area. Michael Fiore, was the cellar master of his family’s winery in Italy, moved to Maryland and started his vineyard and winery so he could be creative and craft wonderful wines without the constraints of Italy’s wine laws. Wow! He produces some wonderful wines. What will we be bringing home from Fiore? Join us in class and let’s savor something a bit different, together.
Pennsylvania. Yes, we’re biased toward good Pennsylvania wine. We’ve visited more than 60 of Pennsylvania’s 100+ commercial wineries, and PA wine makers produce some wonderful wines. Excellent, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Reisling, wonderful “Bordeaux-type” blends, and some surprisingly good hybrids like Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin. We have some older vintages of these aging in our cellar (OK, a closet in the basement). The tannins have softened, the complexity has been developing, and we’re ready to share one of our treasures with you. What will it be?
Madison Lee Red Table Wine - 2006
From Shelton Vineyards, founded in 1999, in North Carolina, this easy drinking red table wine named for the Shelton brothers two grandfathers, is a Bordeaux style blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvginon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. We often suggest this wine to our friends who aren’t sure if they like red wine. It is medium-bodied, rich deep red in color. It has aromas of ripe red fruits and flavors of berries, vanilla and a hint of spice. This uncomplicated wine is great with anything from burgers to pizza to barbecue. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. Available only at the winery for $11.99.
Shelton Vineyards is the largest family owned winery in the Yadkin Valley, and is located just outside of Dobson and Mt. Airy, NC. When you drive up to the winery, impressive gates stand open to welcome you into the beautifully landscaped grounds. You will drive between rows and rows of grapevines to the 33,000 square foot winery building.
When we first drove up to Shelton Vineyards we wondered what kind of reception we were going to get. We were warmly greeted and treated like old friends. No waiting for more people to make up a tasting here. Friendly staff immediately begin each new arrival with their own individual tasting. Tours are available and they do wait to get a good sized group together before beginning the tour. Standard tasting and tour costs $5 and a reserve tasting, scheduled for specific times and days, is available for $20.
So if you find yourself driving south down Interstate 77, we recommend getting off at exit 93 and taking the short drive over to Shelton Vineyards.
Upcoming Wine Events in the Tri-County Area
Wines of the USA, Thursday, April 22. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown.
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52 per person.
Wines of the World, Thursday, April 29. A one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.
Additional information about these classes is available on page 30 of
this brochure.
Register for these classes by going to the College's non-credit registration
webpage.
Cinco de Mayo, Wednesday, May 5. Wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown. Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. $45 per person.
Register for Cinco De Mayo by going to the Gallery School's
website.
American Wine Society Educational Foundation Wine Tasting and Appetizer Pairing, Saturday, September 18, at the Perkiomen Library in Schwenksville. Time and Cost TBD.
Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner, Saturday, 6:30 PM, October 23 at the Kimberton Arts Center. $75 per person or $525 for a table for eight.
Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.
Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster
Ready to drink now, it pairs exceptionally well with pasta dishes with red sauce. Try it also with lamb or with calf’s liver.
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