Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

It’s a legitimate question, really. Why, after all, is an understanding of wine so important? No one ever really thinks of increasing their Brussel’s sprout knowledge, or whole milk tasting abilities, or aptitude in teasing out all the complex nuances in spearmint chewing gum. So why wine–and why Wine 101?

Because it’s all around us. Because it is one of the very few things in life that can provide both infinite immediate pleasure and a direct link to our past. Because the range of experience possible in a single glass of wine is so great that you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to extract as much pleasure from it as you deserve.

Plus, the more you know about wine, the more adeptly you can wade through all those “myths that are too often bandied about”–in other words, wine pretense. A solid understanding of the major grape varieties, of their aroma and flavor characteristics, of what to pair them with and why we do all those strange rituals like swirling and slurping–all of this will ultimately enrich your life in ways you likely never imagined, because it will make your wine-drinking more enjoyable.

An item posted today in the excellent Din’s World blog addresses a number of questions that I suspect most people have about wine. Which, it seems to me, is itself a good answer to the question. So: Why Wine 101? Because the amount of pleasure a solid understanding of wine will bring to your life, and the way it will make every sip that much better, is nothing short of miraculous.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Tuesday, May 13 Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Classroom 101 The Sommelier Smackdown Sommelier To Be Announced Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20
Imagine two of the city’s top wine professionals competing to create the perfect food & wine pairing… and all for you! We pit one of Philadelphia’s top sommeliers against one of our top wine educators. Those attending try each of the food & wine pairings, and get to choose the winner. The sommelier competing this evening will be announced, but past participants have included Christophe Tassan of Le Bec-Fin, Ryan Davis of Rae, Jeff Bloom of Oceanaire, Christophe Guillot of Brasserie Perrier, and Ryan Margolis of 707 Restaurant & Bar. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $73.99 Price: $53.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Tuesday, May 27th
Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm
Classroom 101

Wine 101: Intro to Wine

Part of the Wine 101 Series

Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Saturday, May 17th
Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Classroom 101

Wine 101: Intro to Wine

Part of the Wine 101 Series

Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20

The smart & fun class that over two thousand people have attended since 2001, and still sells out every week! The premise of this class is to introduce the most important building blocks of wine knowledge. Come with an open mind, because we will also dispel many of those wine myths that are too often bandied about.

List Price: $53.99

Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Friday, May 16th Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Classroom 101 The “Philly Uncorked” Class A Special Class with Keith Wallace and Maria Valetta! Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20
For the first time ever, Keith and Maria, co-hosts of Philly.com’s popular “Philly Uncorked” show, will co-teach this special class. They will discuss strategies for getting the best bang for your buck at the wine shop, pairing wine with food, and the most exciting up-and-coming regions in the wine world today. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Tuesday, May 6th Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm Classroom 101 Spanish Wine and Cheese Event Co-Hosted by Di Bruno Bros. Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20
Some of the most exciting wines and cheeses in the entire world come from Spain. The problem is knowing what to buy–the choices are dizzying! But tonight, we will dig deep into Di Bruno’s cheese cave and the Wine School’s cellar to create five of the most memorable pairings you’ve ever tasted. From Priorat to Rioja to Galicia, we will criss-cross Spain in search of the best pairings the country has to offer! Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $73.99 Price: $53.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Friday, May 9th Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Classroom 101 Director’s Cut: Legendary Wines of Italy and France A Special Director’s Cut Class Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20
Italy or France–whose wines are better? Tonight, we will attempt to answer this question. From Chianti to Piedmont and Bordeaux to Burgundy, this will be an evening of spectacular wines from two of the greatest wine-producing countries in the world. The wines for this evening will be pulled from our Director’s personal cellar, so bring your taste buds–this class promises to be a blockbuster!  Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $73.99 Price: $53.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Wednesday, May 21st Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm Pinot Boutique in Old City The Barbecue and Wine Pairing Class Part of the How-To Series of Classes Tickets (or Seats) Available: 18
Barbecue season is finally here! For most people, that means tubs of cold beer and soft drinks. But there are tons of wines available right now that pair even better with burgers and dogs than bottles of beer do. Tonight, we will discuss pairing strategies for all your spring and summertime picnics and barbecues, and taste 8 wines that compliment everything from spare ribs to potato salad. Prepare to be amazed!  Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Tuesday, May 20th Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Classroom 101 Learn Your Personal Wine Style Part of the How-To Series of Classes Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20
Have you ever stared at the shelves in the wine shop and had no idea what to buy? Most people have. So tonight, we will give you the tools to not only know what to purchase, but to ensure that the wines you bring home pair perfectly with your own palate. Think of this class as a getting-to-know-you evening between you and your taste buds. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Saturday, May 17th Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm Pinot Boutique in Old City Great Italian Wine Regions Part of the Great Wine Regions of the World Series Tickets (or Seats) Available: 18
Italian wines are loved by American connoisseurs. At this point, more premium Italian wines are drunk in the USA than in Italy itself. In this class, we offer a gustatory map of the major wine regions. From Apulia, to Chianti, to the Piedmont, this class offers an overview of the important regions. Just as importantly, this class will highlight some of the wine regions with the best quality-to-price ratios. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Friday, May 2nd Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Classroom 101 The Wide World of Beer! Part of the Barley and Hops Series Tickets (or Seats) Available: 14
Is there really a difference between a lager and an ale? What’s malt anyway? And do we really need to care about hops? There are more great beers available now than ever before, but understanding them is confusing, to say the least. In this class, we’ll demystify beer, discuss the classic styles, and taste some delicious examples from around the world. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Kir-Yianni “Petra” 2005, Florina (GR)

Vina Godeval “Cosecha” 2006, Valdeorras (SP)
Porta do Fontelo Dao 2004, Dao (PORT)

Battistoti Marzemino 2001, Trentino (IT)
Ballast Stone Petit Verdot 2003, McLaren Vale (AU)

Pavlou-Kagas “Klima” Xinomavro 2005, Macedonia (GR)
Quinto da Cortezia Touriga Nacional 2004, Estremadura (PORT)

Dehesa de Rubiales Prieto Picuda 2005, Castilla y Leon (SP)

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Triple Crème—Barthe René 2005 Muscat, Alsace (FR)
Selles sur Chere—Marc Deschamps 2005 Pouilly-Fumé “Les Porcheronnes,” Loire Valley (FR)
Morbier—Saint Cosme 2006 Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc, Rhone Valley (FR)
Beaufort—Faiveley 2003 Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy (FR)
Roquefort—Chateau Bastor-Lamontagne 2003 Sauternes (FR)

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

First Flight
1. Etienne Daulny 2005 Sancerre “Le Clos de Chaudennay,” Loire Valley (FR)
2. Domaine Philippe Gilbert 2005 Menetou-Salon, Loire Valley (FR)

Second Flight
1. Chateau La Garde 2001 Pessac-Leognan, Graves (FR)
2. Chateau Haut Nadeau 2005 Bordeaux Superieur (FR)

Third Flight
1. Cave de Saumur 2005 Saumur Champigny “Lieu-dit Les Vignoles,” Loire Valley (FR)
2. Domaine de Nizas 2004 Carignan “Vieilles Vignes,” Vin de Pays de Caux (FR)

Fourth Flight
1. Chapelle-St.-Arnoux 2003 Gigondas “Cuvee Non Filtree,” Rhone Valley (FR)
2. Heart of Darkness 2003 Madiran (FR)

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Date: Saturday, April 26th Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Classroom 101 Wine 101: Intro to Wine Part of the Wine 101 Series Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20
The smart & fun class that over two thousand people have attended since 2001, and still sells out every week! The premise of this class is to introduce the most important building blocks of wine knowledge. Come with an open mind, because we will also dispel many of those wine myths that are too often bandied about. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?
	List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

First Flight
1. Gunderloch 2005 Dry Riesling, Rheinhessen (GR)

Second Flight
1. Spy Valley 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (NZ)
2. Cousiño-Macul 2006 Chardonnay “Antiguas Reservas,” Maipo Valley (CH)

Third Flight
1. Coldstream Hills 2006 Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley (AS)
2. Falesco 2006 Sangiovese, Umbria (IT)

Fourth Flight
1. Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 Garnacha, Catalyud (SP)
2. Graham Beck 2001 Syrah “The Ridge,” Robertson (SA)

Fifth Flight
1. Falesco 2005 Merlot, Umbria (IT)
2. Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch (SA)

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by ChiefWino

Wine Country is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Arizona. But a growing number of vineyards and wineries are popping up and churning out vintages that rival those from some of the best known regions. And why not? Arizona boasts a climate of near desert-like conditions and high elevation sites (3000-4000 feet above sea level). Sounds not unlike Mendoza, Argentina, which has risen to fame for its bottlings of Malbec.

Wine grape growing in Arizona dates back some 400 years to the days of the Missions. Today, over 20 wineries dot the Arizona landscape and are located in three main areas: Sedona (Verde Valley), Sonita/Elgin (southeast of Tucson) and Willcox (east of Tucson).

A recent visit to Arizona wine country led me up to Sedona where I visited three small wineries: Page Springs, Oak Creek and Echo Canyon.

Specializing in Rhone style wines, Page Springs Cellars is the brainchild of Eric Glomski, who worked in California under noted winemaker David Bruce. Most of Page Springs’ current offerings are produced from California fruit while they await their estate vineyard to reach maturity. Since the estate vines were planted in 2003, the 2008 harvest should result in sizable amount of fruit.

The standout wine in my tasting was the 2005 El Serrano–a blend of Mourvedre, Syrah and Cabernet Pfeffer, produced from Central Coast fruit. Rich and brooding dark fruit aromas, jammy plum, cassis and pepper notes with a velvety texture. Medium/full bodied.

An interesting note: Page Springs also produces wine in conjunction with Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the band TOOL. The label is called Caduceus and the story can be found at caduceus.org.

Oak Creek Vineyards
Just up the road from Page Springs, lies Oak Creek, which is also owned by a veteran of the industry, Deb Wahl. Deb grows Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel and Chardonnay.

My fav wine was by far Deb’s Petit Verdot, which offers rich and brooding aromas of coffee and cedar followed by gamey/leather and cassis notes. Full bodied with a lingering black plum finish.

The final stop on my journey up Page Springs road was Echo Canyon Vineyard & Winery. Accessing Echo Canyon is not for the faint of heart–down an unmarked, one lane dirt two-track that traverses the side of a steep canyon. An advance appointment is necessary as Echo Canyon does not have a public tasting room. But the trek is worth the effort, as Jon Marcus makes some of Arizona’s best bottlings.
Utilizing organic and biodynamic viticulture, Marcus produces a range of reds that will knock your socks off.

The 2003 Triad–a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon–bursts with ripe red fruit flavors with silky smooth finish. Loads of black cherry, strawberry, a hint of blueberry and vanilla spice.

Marcus’ 2003 Cabernet Franc is also a winner with black cherry, black currant, pepper spice and a velvety texture.

In my next Arizona wine country installment in June, I will explore Arizona’s southern regions, including Dos Cabezas Wineworks and Callaghan Vineyards. Stay tuned!

For more information on Arizona Wine and to plan your wine country escape, visit www.arizonawine.org.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

A white wine from Spain or Italy with the octopus…had been suggested. Well..no Spanish white in my cellar..and I am not going to open my last bottle of my favourite Sauvignon Blanc from Italy… Vie di Romans ‘Pierre Sauvignon’ 2004….yet.

Say Condrieu to the ‘normal’ wine drinker..and he may not know what you are talking about.It is a small area in the Northern Rhone that produces some of the most exotic wines of the world…but..I should add..the wines are never cheap. On my visits to Portugal..a stop in Condrieu at the Hotel-Restaurant ‘Le Beau Rivage‘..was part of the ordeal I had to endure passing through France..a wonderful view over the mighty Rhône..the sun shining..a one-star restaurant..and a wine-list full of Condrieu from all the top growers.

That was my first experience of the grape known as Viognier. You never got to taste it anywhere else back then…not in any quality that is…and..once bitten..nothing would ever be the same again.

Calera Viognier Mount Harlan 2006
California, U.S.A.
This wine was once described as ‘Dolly Parton Viognier‘…but I believe they are trying to tone it down over recent vintages. Ripe, exotic fruits…melon and orange-peel……on the palate..citrus fruit…and nice balance of acidity at the finish. Sounds OK..well.. yes it is..but here is where we started out.This costs 25 Euros…it will impress new wine drinkers..but if you wanna treat yourself….splash out…pay double…and get the real thing.You’ll be bitten as well.
Points 16

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

The first photo was taken 200 metres below the ocean..with my Polaroid camera… I just held my breath long enough( what!..you don’t believe me..OK..prove it ain’t true!!!)..the second photo is in our sink after washing..no matter how we arranged it..it still looked like a bad hair-do!Photo number three is showing better..cooking in the pot..and a half hours……and the last click of the camera..was after it had been marinated…
Hans Christian Andersen wrote a story about an ugly duckling turning into a lovely swan…almost applies here.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

I have tried this wine a couple of times..and have given it high marks…even though friends thought I had overdone it. So..after the successful Pinot Tasting still in my mind..I decided to try it again.
Fritz Waßmer Spätburgunder ‘R’ 2004
Baden, Germany
This is the most ‘French Burgundy’ German wine I have ever tasted..reminds me of the old days..and this grower learned his trade over the border..lovely ripe, smoky aroma..perfect balance..sweet fruit..no heavyweight….just strawberry heaven..what else would a lover of the grape wish for?…
Points 18…..and I’m sticking by it.

Easter means…coloured eggs!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

A new venture..the owner, Riccardo Re, had been ‘maître d‘ at another Italian restaurant we used to frequent…but the owner there was never ’simpatico’..and the food never constantly good.
This was annoying as Riccardo Re was the star…perfect service..and had a love for wines.
He recently took over a restaurant and has renamed it ‘Ristorante Ambiente Italiano‘..so the birthday boy(me)..took the family along. It was an excellent choice Barry!
Lovely open restaurant..light and friendly…excellent service…super food..and a young wine-list that will be expanded…we had a really enjoyable evening.

Lageder Pinot Grigio 2006
Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
I would order Pinot Grigio when visiting restaurants that had, maybe, only 5 wines on the list..without vintage and grower details. We have all been there.It would never knock me out..but saved me drinking the other four on offer!

However…from a top grower..it is definitely worth trying..and as I didn’t want a ‘heavyweight’ to start the evening..this fitted nicely into the plans.

Straw yellow with a green shimmer… flowery aroma..peaches and somewhat spicy notes..
complex fruit flavors..with the usually mierally crispness.

Points 15.5

The two reds were recommended by Riccardo…..and were excellent choices.
Mauro Molino Langhe Nebbiolo 2005
Piedmont, Italy

This is a young version of Barolo..made entirely from the Nebbiolo grape..it offers red and black cherries..some oak..smoky..lovely balance..has style..and the chalky tannins that tell you it is Italian…earthy..and sweet fruits..drinking nicely now..and a good food wine(as are most Italians)

Points 16

San Fabiano Calcinaia Cerviolo 2003
Toscana, Italy
This is a ‘Super Tuscan’
40% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
A wine to work with..complex aromas of spices, tobacco & coffee…and vanilla popping it’s head round the door….then a whiff of blackberries..all this led to a well-balanced wine with rounded tannins….there is a freshness…really enjoyable..
Points 17

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Holger Koch Pinot Noir ‘R’ Special Selection,
Baden, Germany

My guess is…everyone in the world..be you German
speaker or not..knows what Bratwürst is
(you only get the dots over the ü.. on a German keyboard…it’s called an Umlaut..end of lesson).
Simply fried in the pan…some toasted dark bread…and..well..usually a normal mustard..but I have a secret..I use the Bavarian mustard only used when eating Weisswürst(white sausage..eaten by the Bavarians BEFORE midday..end of second lesson).
The mustard is a touch sweet..gorgeous with good Bratwürst!..
What better ‘marriage’..than something soft and sweet..wine that is…a Pinot matches perfectly.
This one is from Holger Koch..and is a special selection for the merchant..

Pale colour…what else..docile at first..needed a good whiff of air..quite a complex aroma of black berries..this follows on to the palate..spicy…see..perfect Würst wine…minerals hover in the background..this is still young..and is in the mid-price range…so it gets a

Points 16 +

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

My brother made these over the weekend and they were amazing. The little addition of the honey at the end is a nice flavor twist.

Take 6 potatoes with skin on and cut into small cubes.
In a pan, use the drippings from 6 pieces of bacon along with a 1/4 stick of butter over a medium-high heat.
Cook the potatoes until they start to look crispy.
Season with salt, pepper and parsley.
Once the potatoes look pretty much done pour a little honey over the top and mix together well.
Serve

Makes 4-6 servings

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

2 cups thin green beans, lightly steamed
1 small red onion, chopped fine
8 cherry tomatoes, halved

Dressing:
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, crushed
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt & pepper, to taste

Mix together the salad ingredients in a bowl.  Next, mix together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.  Toss and serve.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

A vineyard founded in 1990. Albrecht Schwengler only does RED wines! The grapes grown are: Zweigelt, Lemberger, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah.

These cuvees are produced.
‘Beryll’ which consists of Zweigelt & Lemberger
‘Granat’..Zweigelt, Merlot & Cabernet Franc which spend 24 months in new oak..
and
‘Saphir’..Zweigelt, Merlot & Syrah..new
and used barrels.
Albrecht Schwegler Saphir 2004
Württemberg, Germany

Deep dense colour…animal aromas..sweet, treacle..Syrah..almost port-like..and this follows into the flavour..dry opening..bold tannins..power wine….if I had tasted blind..I would have said..

Douro Portugal..never Germany..
and certainly not Württemberg…
it needs food…which it got..
although maybe a steak would have
been better (I wasn’t sure what
was in the bottle).

I tried it again the next day..the nose has lost some of it’s fullness..but the tannins had softened…and it was more forthcoming. My tip now..decant at least 3 hours before drinking..or lay it down. It is not cheap( 35 Euros)…but as you’ll never get to buy it
(very little produced)..you can only dream folks.

Points 17 …
but this will be marked higher in 3-4 years…

PS..Food..Chicken in thyme with tomatoes & potatoes..all from the oven..looks good..tastes good..and by golly..does you good.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.