Sauvignon Blanc Season
Finally, it seems, winter has loosened its grip on us. Or, to be more accurate, we’ve finally been treated to something resembling springtime weather: Yes, this past week, we experienced not …
classic
Getting schooled at the Philly Beer School
“Philadelphia is to beer what Sonoma is to wine,” says Keith Wallace to anyone who’ll listen. Considering the source, the proclamation, perhaps incendiary outside Pennsylvania, might sound outright puzzling within city limits. That’s because in 2001, Wallace, a winemaker, wine columnist, and author of two upcoming wine books, founded and still runs Philly’s best-known vinology school. So why is he extolling his territory’s beer lust at the expense of its pursuit of viticultural knowledge?
Because, acknowledging a craft revolution, he’s invited beer to take a permanent seat at The Wine School‘s table.
Wallace’s partner, a burly bald man named Dean Browne, asserts the alliance as he introduces himself to a group assembled in one of The Wine School’s classrooms on an early March night.
Mauro Molino Barolo, 2000, Piemonte
What makes a Barolo truly great? Or how does one make a great Barolo? Two sides of the same coin in the ongoing debate among the “modernists” and “traditionalists” of Piemonte, …
Our First Wine Reviews
Some of our first wine reviews. Check out the pricing! Ravenwood 2002 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley$17.99 in PA ($25 outside PA) PLCB Code 13804A definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. …
Pieropan 2004 Soave Classico, Veneto.
Thirty or forty years ago, Soave, as was the case with its Tuscan cousin Chianti, suffered the ignominy of becoming a “brand” name, a generic term for mass-produced, easy-drinking Italian white …
Lagar de Pintos Albarino, 2005
Not that they needed it, but the recent infusion of Mediterranean-themed “small plate” menus on the local dining scene has opened palates to the quality and value of Spanish wines. However, …
L’Oca’s Anchovies
This past week, we held the second Sommelier Smackdown catered by L’Oca, the delicious Italian restaurant across the street from the school. Also, for the second time, they provided us with …
Torre dei Gesuiti 2004 “Sarrocco” Puglia
From the inky purple-black pigment to the balanced and slightly herbal finish, this is a mouthful of wine. Substantial and juicy at the same time, with layers of dark berries and …
Cusumano 2004 “Benuara”, Sicily
Nero d’Avola has slowly gained credence as THE red grape of Sicily, combined here with Syrah to produce an interesting IGT wine that tones down the sometimes jammy, chewy quality of …
Niepoort 2001 Vertente, Douro (PR)
The wines of Niepoort exemplify how much potential northern Portugal has, and the Vertente’s seamless integration of native grape varieties with a decidedly New World sensibility is nothing short of magical. …
Le Printemps 2006 Rose, Mendocino County
Though the blend is pinot noir (80%) and syrah (20%), both of them play together beautifully on the nose, which is rich with aromas of game, earth, damp leaves, roses, and …
Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez
This is a serious P.X. for a song–less than $20 for a 350ml bottle. A profound nose of dried apricots and figs leads to a mid-palate of rich, almost haunting notes …
Wine Gift Recommendations
These wines will make great gifts and will be enjoyable by a wide range of wine enthusiasts.You can find these wines using the Wine Finder. If you live near Philly, a …
Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch
A brick-like color leads to a nose of pure graphite and green pepper–quintessential cabernet sauvignon. That green quality follows through on the mid-palate, but it’s softened by some herbal tea and …
Prince Michel of Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon NV
Sure, the wine was overoaked and a bit melodramatic, but it was, nonetheless, surprisingly tasty considering its provenance. Super-ripe raspberry fruit on the nose and deep aromas of coffee and vanilla …
Der Kufs 2005 Spatburgunder QbA
I could spend all day sniffing a glass of this stuff–the nose is a beautiful combination of wild strawberries and rose petals, yet it’s in no way cloyingly perfume-y. The palate, …