Wine Tips of the Week - Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Brandywine Wine Trail

 

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are providing one Wine Tip and Wine In Depth about the Brandywine Wine Trail.

This Week’s Wine Tips!

Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - From Marlborough, New Zealand.  We are constantly looking for good Sauvignon Blancs and those from Marlborough seem to be consistently good.  The Brancott Reserve is no exception.   

 

As the chief wine maker Jeff Clarke states about the 2008 vintage “the flavors are bold, ripe and zesty, exactly what you’d expect from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc”.  Light straw color with slightly green highlights, the aroma is full of tropical fruits and grapefruit.  The flavor is full of fruit and has well-balanced acidity for a long and lingering finish.  Brancott feels that this wine could be cellared for 2 to 3 years to develop its complexity.  Alcohol is 13.2% by volume. 

Brancott Wines is celebrating their 30th anniversary of making Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.  A monument was dedicated in 2009 in Marlborough that states “Wines from here will become world famous”.   When the first Sauvignon Blanc vines were planted in 1973, Sauvignon Blanc wines were an “unheard of variety from an unknown country”.  Look how things have changed!  Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are the most consistently good sauvignon blanc wines available. 

This vintage of Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc was grown in the southern Wairau and Awatere valleys.  The juice was allowed to stay on the skins for a few hours to extract as much of the distinctive flavors as possible, then gently bagged pressed to maintain “the fresh, clear, elegant juice”.  The juice was then allowed to ferment slowly at low temperatures.

PLCB product code is 9326 and is currently on sale for $16.99.  Available a most PA Wine and Spirit Stores.

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail - Consisting of eight wineries in the Chester County area of PA, this is a wine trail worth the trip.  Each of the eight wineries has something unique to offer.  From the brand new Black Walnut Winery to the well-known Chadds Ford Winery, there is something for everyone in the Brandywine Valley.  All but Patone Cellars offer tastings throughout the year in beautiful settings at unique and tasteful tasting rooms.  

As the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail website states about themselves: “Eight wineries. Beautiful estate vineyards in the rolling hills of Chester County, PA. Charming tasting rooms and barrel-aging cellars filled with premium wines that showcase our unique terroir. This is what you'll find along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. We invite you to gather some friends, pack a picnic lunch, and come visit for a tour, tasting, or one of our great activities!” 

Just in time for trips to ease the winter “cabin fever”, the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail is having their annual Barrels on the Brandywine wine tasting during the month of March.  A passport, good for tastings at all eight wineries, is available on-line for $25 per person and at the wineries.  Only a limited number of passports are sold, so we recommend calling your closest participating winery to make sure they still have passports available.  Order by Tuesday on-line for delivery before the following weekend.

With a Barrels passport, visitors may taste the newest vintages and experience many special features at each winery.  The eight participating wineries are Black Walnut Winery, Chadds Ford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyards, Paradocx Vineyard, Penn’s Woods Winery, Stargazers Vineyard, Twin Brooks Winery and, Patone Cellars (open only for the Barrels on the Brandwine). 

Brandywine Valley wineries’ hours of operation and tasting fees vary.  Check their websites or give them a call for details.

 The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail website is http://www.bvwinetrail.com/

You can link to all eight of the wineries’ websites and find their phone numbers from there.

So get out there and experience the Brandywine Valley and all they have to offer.

 

Up-coming Wine Events in the Pottstown 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.

Wine Making and Tasting Appreciation, sevens Wednesdays, March 31 through May 19, 6:30-8:30 PM (no class April 21).  Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, $189 per person.

Additional information about these classes is available at    

http://www.mc3.edu/Media/Website%20Resources/pdf/coned/brochure.pdf

Register for these classes by going to the College's website at  

http://www.mc3.edu/workforceDevelopment/register.aspx

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 at  http://www.galleryonhigh.com/wineafter5.html

Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner, Saturday, October 23.  Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

Wine Tips of the Week # 15 - Wishing Tree Shiraz and Grape Leaves

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are providing one Wine Tip and Wine in Depth about grape leaves. 

This Week’s Wine Tips!

The Wishing Tree 2006 Shiraz

Named for a beautiful old oak tree in a park that owner John Larchet used to play in as a child and would make wishes under, this 100% shiraz (syrah) wine is from Western Australia and embodies all the best characteristics of a good Australian Shiraz.   It has the “classic notes of black pepper and leather” with rich red and dark berry flavors.  With a smooth, almost sweet finish, this dry ruby red wine exhibits almost no tannins and is ready to drink now.  It is one of the Australian Premium Wine Collections.  Great with lamb dishes. 

Alcohol is 14% by volume.  PLCB code is 10536 and cost is $10.99.  We found this wine at the PA Wine and Spirits Store at Berkshire Mall West.  Check your local stores and if they do not have it, ask if they can get a bottle for you (at the $10.99 price). 

Wine in Depth - Grape Leaves

Now that spring is nearly upon us and the grape vines will soon be budding, we thought we would give some thought to the grape’s leaves. 

Okay, so grape leaves aren’t wine, but where would the grapes be without their leaves?  It’s the leaves that collect the sunlight to nourish the grapes and protect the grapes from too much sun and heat. 

Did you know that leaf shapes and sizes vary from grape to grape?  They all have the same general shape, but many are deeply lobed and some barely lobed at all.  Some leaves are quite large while others are fairly small.  

The leaves of the sauvignon blanc grape are deeply lobed whereas the leaves of the chardonnay grape look more like a red maple leaf.  The leaves of the pinot noir grape are larger than the chardonnay grape leaf. 

Many viticulturalists use leaf identification to ascertain whether they are planting the correct wine grape in their vineyards.

And of course, there is the delicious custom that most middle eastern countries have of stuffing grape leaves and eating them.  The grape leaves for this tasty treat are usually purchased at your local store already brined, but many purists want the fresh leaf for their recipe. 

I remember my aunt always looking for wild grape leaves for her stuffed grape leaf recipe.  

If you find yourself wanting to try this, just be sure the leaves you choose have not been sprayed and are completely organic, or you’ll end up with toxins in your stuffed grape leaves.  Also, be sure to check with your local vineyard before you start clipping leaves.  Some leaves need to be left on the vine and the vineyard owner will know which ones can be safely clipped and which ones not.


Up-coming Wine Events in the Pottstown Area

Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown. Begins promptly at 6:30 PM.  Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner.  Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD.  Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

Wine Tips of the Week # 14 - J. Lohr Syrah and The American Wine Society Perkiomen Chapter

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

This week we are providing a tip about J. Lohr Syrah and a tip about the American Wine Society - Perkiomen Chapter, a wine-tasting group we participate in that you can join if you are interested.  

This Week’s Wine Tips!

J. Lohr South Ridge Paso Robles Syrah

We've enjoyed this wine several times and recommended it to friends who have enjoyed it as well.

This remarkably well-balanced Syrah is made from 2 clones: French Chapoutier and Australian Shiraz #2 grown in the Estrella Hills area of Paso Robles, CA.  With aromas of black cherry and blackberry, it is rich, dark and fruity with a light toasted oak flavor.  It underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel, then malolactic fermentation in French and American oak barrels for 14 months.  A great wine with grilled meats.  The J. Lohr Syrah is available at most PA Wine and Spirit stores for $15.99.  PLCB product code is 6311. Alcohol is13.5% by volume.

J. Lohr Vineyard was first started in Monterey’s Aroyo Seco region of California.  Jerry Lohr then bought land and started a vineyard in San Jose` and finally moved into Paso Robles.  His wines are divided into different series:  the Cuvee` Series which is his “artistic” approach to wine-making; the Vineyard Series which is his “luxury” wine; the Estate Series which is his line of estate produced varietals; Cypress Vineyards which is his series of everyday wines; Painter Bridge series which he considers “entry level” wines, and the Aerial series of non-alcoholic wines.  If you ever visit J. Lohr Vineyards in California, you may even get a guided tour of the winery by Jerry himself. 

American Wine Society - Perkiomen Chapter

The American Wine Society (AWS) was created in 1967 as a non-profit organization to promote wine education, wine-making and wine appreciation.  Its first meeting was held at Dr Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. 

AWS membership is open to the general public and attracts members from all aspects of the wine community, from educators to wine-makers to just those of us who like a good glass of wine and would like to know more about what we’re drinking. 

There are many local AWS chapters in Pennsylvania.  Some chapters have very formal tastings while others are very relaxed.  Most chapters have a visitation policy where you can visit a wine tasting to see if their style suits your needs.  All chapters promote wine education.  Attending wine tastings allows members and visitors a chance to sample various wines and to learn a little more about each wine. There is usually a tasting fee that helps with the costs of the wine.  Some wine tastings are all the same type of wine, but from different vineyards while other tastings may be different wines from a particular wine region.  Many chapters meet in individual members’ homes.  It is often up to the host of the tasting to choose the wines and the theme of the tasting. 

The local chapter that we attend and fits our needs is the Perkiomen Valley Chapter.  This group is informal.  Between 20 and 30 of us gather on the 4th Sunday of each month at 3:30 PM at someone's home, taste 4-5 wines and some snacks that the hosts have paired with the wines.  Guests can attend up to three tastings before joining.   If you are interested in attending a tasting, let us know.  We are hosting a tasting at our home on Sunday, April 25.  Tastings are usually $15 per person.

The AWS website is http://www.americanwinesociety.org/

The Perkiomen Valley Chapter's website is   

http://sites.google.com/site/americanwinesocietyperkiomen/  

If you want more information about the Perkiomen Chapter, please email us.

Up-coming Events

March Madness is sold out according to the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website   http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/

Many wineries may still allow regular tastings but most wineries will be very crowded on week-ends during March.  If you don't have a ticket, we recommend you don't go to Lehigh Valley wineries on weekends in March.  Check each winery's website for their weekday hours of operation.  Some are open seven days a week while others are only open on the weekends.
Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown,
6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown,

6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown.
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM.  Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner.  Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD.  Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections

Lisa and Dean Foster

Wine Tips of the Week - St. Supery Moscato and "What to Drink with What you Eat"

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

So far, our Wine Tips of the Week have been recommendations about wines that we have liked.  This week we are changing things a bit and providing one tip about wine and one tip about a wine-related book we think is outstanding.  Periodically, we'll provide some tips about wine-related books, wine trails, and other topics that we think will be interesting to wine lovers.

This Week’s Wine Tips!

St. Supery Moscato 2008

Made from 100% muscat blanc grapes, St. Supery's Moscato is a still wine from the Napa Valley.  It is “deliciously floral, yet delicate with wonderful stone fruit aromas and flavors."  The acidity balances its slight sweetness and makes it light and crisp with a long lasting floral finish.  Great as an aperitif or with desserts.  Serve slightly chilled.  It is not a "dessert wine" but is a great accompaniment to dessert.  We've had it several times and especially liked it with yellow cupcakes this weekend and look forward to having a refreshing glass on the patio this summer. 

Currently, St. Supery’s 2008 Moscato and their Virtu 2006 Meritage are Chairman Selects.  The Moscato is selling for $11.99 and its PLCB product code 18314.  The Meritage is selling for $15.99 and its PLCB product code 17972.

St. Supery Winery and Vineyard is owned and operated by the Skalli family, originally from France.  Known mostly for its cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and its Elu and Virtu blends. 

The Moscato is more widely available than the Meritage, sometimes in large quantities at some Specialty Stores.  But, not all specialty stores have either so check the PLCB Product Search webpage, and maybe call, before making a special trip.

What to Drink with What you Eat  by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page

Our friend, Frank, loaned this book to us at a recent AWS wine tasting event.   

He thought we would find it interesting.  Interesting?  We fell in love and immediately ordered it for ourselves.     

This is a great reference book for any kind of dinner or entertaining.  For the novice to the expert, it has all sorts of information on what to drink with what you eat and what to eat with what you drink.  We had a great time looking up what to drink with what we were having for dinner that night,  and then deciding what cheese to have with the wines we were planning to share with some friends on the weekend.  It’s not just wines and cheeses. There is an alphabetical listing of all sorts of beverages from tea to vodka, and foods from cheese to rabbit and beyond.  It is fun and educational to just sit and read besides being a “must have” reference volume.  

Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page are a husband and wife team.  Andrew is a former restaurant chef and Karen a Master Sommelier.  They have used their expertise to create an invaluable book.  What to Drink with What you Eat  is the winner of the “Georges Duboeuf Wine Book of the Year” award. 

Up-coming Events

March Madness

This extremely popular event at the Lehigh Valley wine trail wineries takes place during the month of March and at most of the wineries is truly madness.  “Discover wine’s East Coast valley! The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is home to nine family-owned vineyards and wineries that have brought home the Governor’s Cup for eight out of the last nine years and won countless regional, state, national and international awards, including more than 50 for wines made from Chambourcin, its signature grape. 

Designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2008, the Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest growing wine region. The fertile farmlands of the area provide an ideal growing environment, and the area’s close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City make the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail a beautiful and easy escape for wine lovers across the Mid-Atlantic region.”(excerpted from the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/

 

Each participant must purchase a March Madness passport for $30.  This gains you admission to each of the wineries on the trail where they will have special wine and food pairings on each weekend during the month of March.   

Passports have sold out at many of the wineries, so check the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website for more information and to see if you can still get tickets on-line.   

Just so you know, this event gets extremely busy at all the wineries and you may need to wait for space at the tasting bar.  

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website is http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/


Pottstown Mercury Blog Site
The Pottstown Mercury is publishing our Wine Tips of the Week on-line in The Grapevine, a blog you can access through the Mercury's on-line edition at http://www3.allaroundphilly.com/blogs/pottstown/grapevine/blog.html  

Please check out this blog and make a comment about our Wine Tips of the Week.

We'd really like to get some wine discussion going on about the Wine Tips of the Week.  Did you try them, like them, not like them?  What are YOU drinking?


Additional Upcoming Wine Events in the Pottstown Tri-County Area

Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown.
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM.  Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner.  Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD.  Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections provide  

* Wine Appreciation Classes and Seminars

* Customized Educational Wine Tastings in your home or at your business

* Wine Consulting

* Benefit Educational Wine Tastings for non-profit organizations

 
Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

Wine Tips of the Week # 12 - Clos Reissier Pouilly-Fuisse` and Vynecrest's Lemberger

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

Thanks to those of you who participated in Wine after Five with Chocolate on Saturday night.  Special thanks to Cathy, Erika, and Julie at the Gallery School, to Chef Steve O'Donnell for the wonderful chocolate desserts, and to Betsy Chapman for her romantic interludes on her harp.  It seems like everyone had a wonderful time.

This Week’s Wine Tips!

Clos Reissier Pouilly-Fuisse` - From the village of Chaintre`, France.   100% Chardonnay - "the" white wine of Burgundy.  Wine in France is named after the region in which it is grown and made, not the grape variety.  Since this chardonnay is grown and made in Pouilly-Fuisse` rather than Burgundy, it's a Pouilly-Fuisse` not a Burgundy. 

This chardonnay is rich and full-flavored.  Lovely straw-colored, it has a pleasant fruity flavor, is lightly oaked and has a pleasantly long finish.  Clos Reissier Vineyard is one of the most famous vineyards in the Pouilly-Fuisse` region.  We’ve had other chardonnays from the Pouilly-Fuisse` region, but this was the best wine so far, in our opinion.  Alcohol is 13% by volume.   PLCB code 22292.  At the time of this writing, it was available at PA Wine and Spirits stores in Lionville Shopping Center, Collegeville and Limerick at  $17.99 per bottle.  Check the PLCB website for availability near you, or ask your local store to order it for you.

Vynecrest Lemberger – This is a full-bodied dry red, also known as Blaufrankisch in Austria and Kekfrankos in Hungary. It is a German varietal and is deep red in color.  It's distinctive flavor makes this wine an interesting alternative to the usual red table wine.  Lemberger can be either very bold or gently light.  The Vynecrest Lemberger tends to be more boldly flavored.  It has good tannins so that it can be cellared for a few years, but is also great to drink now.  It has a long finish.  Alcohol is 13% by volume and is available at the winery for $14.99. 

Vynecrest Winery is located in Breinigsville, PA.  John, the owner and winemaker, has a PhD in Chemical engineering.  He and his wife Jan began their journey into viticulture in 1972, purchased the farm in Breinigsville and began doing research into winemaking and planting their first vines in 1974.  They have since expanded their farm and their vineyards to encompass nearly 35 acres.  Their son Sam has joined the business as well.

Vynecrest makes a large variety of excellent wines, from luscious whites like Dry Riesling and Pinot Gris to wonderful reds like Lemberger and Chambourcin to the ever popular sweet wines.   Not too long ago, they opened the Vyneskeller where you can sit and enjoy a glass of their wine, have a small snack and maybe hear some live music.   Their website is http://www.vynecrest.com/

Up-coming Events

March Madness

This extremely popular event at the Lehigh Valley wine trail wineries takes place during the month of March and at most of the wineries is truly madness.  “Discover wine’s East Coast valley! The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is home to nine family-owned vineyards and wineries that have brought home the Governor’s Cup for eight out of the last nine years and won countless regional, state, national and international awards, including more than 50 for wines made from Chambourcin, its signature grape.

Designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2008, the Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest growing wine region. The fertile farmlands of the area provide an ideal growing environment, and the area’s close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City make the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail a beautiful and easy escape for wine lovers across the Mid-Atlantic region.”(excerpted from the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/

Each participant must purchase a March Madness passport for $30.  This gains you admission to each of the wineries on the trail where they will have special wine and food pairings on each weekend during the month of March.  Passports are available at most of the wineries, though Amore, Blue Mountain, Clover Hill and Franklin Hill, Vynecrest and Galen Glen are already sold out.  Passports are also available on line.  Check the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website for more information.  Go to the winery, get your passport stamped and enjoy a special wine and food pairing.  Just so you know, this event gets extremely busy at all the wineries and you may need to wait for space at the tasting bar. 

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website is http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/


Pottstown Mercury Blog Site
The Pottstown Mercury has started publishing our Wine Tips of the Week on-line in The Grapevine, a blog you can access through the Mercury's on-line edition at http://www3.allaroundphilly.com/blogs/pottstown/grapevine/blog.html  and make a comment about our Wine Tips of the Week.

Thanks to those of you who have posted comments on our blogs.  Please take a look and post some comments of your own.  We'd really like to get some wine discussion going on about the Wine Tips of the Week.  Did you try them, like them, not like them?  What are YOU drinking?


Additional Upcoming Wine Events in the Pottstown Tri-County Area

Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown.
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM.  Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner.  Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD.  Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections provide  

* Wine Appreciation Classes and Seminars

* Customized Educational Wine Tastings in your home or at your business

* Wine Consulting

* Benefit Educational Wine Tastings for non-profit organizations

 
Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster

Wine Tips of the Week # 11 - House Wine and Calvaresi Reisling

"Cheers" from Vintage Connections
Dean and Lisa Foster, Wine Educators and Consultants

Last chance to register for Wine after Five with Chocolate at the Gallery School of Pottstown this Saturday, Feburary 13 at 6:30 PM.

Go to the Gallery’s link for more information and to register for this Valentine Day’s treat.  http://www.galleryonhigh.com/wineafter5.html

View the video of our last Wine after Five tasting at the Gallery.     

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNxdudt7SSI

This Week’s Wine Tips!

House Wine 2006 - From The Magnificent Wine Co. in the Columbia Valley, WA.  This was a pleasant surprise.  Don’t let the rustic label fool you into thinking you will be tasting someone’s first try at homemade wine.  A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, this wine has great flavor at a great price.  Rich deep red in color, the flavor is bold and complex with soft tannins.  It has flavors of dark berries.  Alcohol is 13.9% by volume.  On sale at many PA Wine and Spirits stores for $10.99 (regularly $12.99).  PLCB product code 5656.  Always check your local store's inventory for availability at the PLCB Product Search page at

http://www.lcbapps.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_Management/psi_ProductDefault_inter.asp

Just enter House Wine in the top line and hit "search" at the bottom of the page.  You can then sort by county.

Calvaresi Riesling 2008 - From Calvaresi Winery in Bernville, PA.  This is one of our favorite Rieslings.  It is full of fresh floral aromas, citrus flavors and well-balanced acidity.  Even though it has 2% residual sugar, the acidity balances it so well that it doesn’t taste sweet, just wonderfully floral and citrusy.  As Tom Calvaresi says himself “Rieslings are one of my pets” and year after year he makes an exceptional Riesling.  Available only at the winery for $12.95.  Alcohol 12% by volume.  Great with spicy Asian food or all by itself.  It won a silver medal at the PA Wine Competition. Check out Tom's other wines and hours of operation at his website http://www.calvaresiwinery.com/


Up-coming Valentines Events

Wine after Five with Chocolate!  Wine and food pairing seminar. Five wines paired with five chocolate desserts prepared by Chef Steve O'Donnell.
At the Gallery School of Pottstown
Saturday, February 13, beginning promptly at 6:30 PM

(snow date, Saturday February 20)

Begin with Manatawny Creek Winery's Sparkling Raspberry and White Chocolate Mousse.
End with Bogle's Phantom, a wonderful rich red blend, and decadent dark chocolate dessert.
$120 per couple, $65 single, $55 per person for Gallery members.

For more information and to register, go to the Gallery's website at

http://www.galleryonhigh.com/wineafter5.html

Berks County Wine Trail, Wine and Chocolate Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14

For more information, go to the Berks County Wine Trail website at
http://www.berkscountywinetrail.com/

Cookies and Wine for Valentine's Day at Galen Glen Vineyard and Winery

Saturday, February 13.  For more information, go to  http://www.galenglen.com/

Pottstown Mercury Blog Site
The Pottstown Mercury has started publishing our weekly wine recommendations on-line in The Grapevine, a blog you can access through the Mercury's on-line edition at http://www3.allaroundphilly.com/blogs/pottstown/grapevine/blog.html

Thanks to those of you who have posted comments on both sites.  Please take a look and post some comments of your own.  We'd really like to get some wine discussion going on these two blogs.


Additional Upcoming Wine Events in the Pottstown Tri-County Area

Thursday, April 22, Wines of the USA, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Thursday, April 29, Wines of the World, one night wine seminar at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus in Pottstown, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, $52.

Wednesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, wines from Spain, Chile, and Argentina at the Gallery School of Pottstown.
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM.  Cost TBD.

Saturday, October 23, Mom's House Benefit Wine Tasting Dinner.  Location, Time and Cost TBD.

Many other events are TBD.  Contact us to schedule an event in your home, at your business, or for your organization.

Vintage Connections provide  

* Wine Appreciation Classes and Seminars

* Customized Educational Wine Tastings in your home or at your business

* Wine Consulting

* Benefit Educational Wine Tastings for non-profit organizations

Vintage Connections
Lisa and Dean Foster