tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276243037503667642024-02-19T08:02:59.749-05:00The GrapevineWine recommendations and comments from Dean and Lisa Foster, Vintage Connections Wine Educators and Consultants. Most wines are available in Southeastern Pennsylvania and are priced between $10 and $20. Up-coming "wine events" available in the Pottstown Tri-county area are listed.Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-41230497781928138132012-11-16T17:38:00.000-05:002012-11-16T17:40:18.007-05:00Beaujolais Nouveau - Recommended this Year<span style="color: maroon;">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Beaujolais </b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Nouveau </b></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>(Georges Duboeuf) 2012</b></span><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The 3rd Thursday in November is (was) Beaujolais Nouveau Day. So,
yesterday and today, people have been asking us "should I buy it this
year?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>OK, go ahead and buy it this year. </b> It's
good, not great, but then we didn't expect it to be a classic. The 2012
is deep purple, fruity on the nose, has more body than last year, and
is a little peppery. Chill it though, to about 55 degrees (in the
fridge for an hour or so, or after it's all the way cooled down, out of
the fridge for about 20 minutes.) <br /><br /><b>The Duboeuf is on sale at PLCB stores for $9.99 through Saturday, November 17.</b> On Sunday, the price goes up to its usual retail price of $12.99 ($23.99 for 1.5 L). Drink it by New Year's (this New Year's, not the next one). </span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">The Georges Duboeuf is the only 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau
available off the shelf in PLCB stores. It's PLCB code is 5877, but you
won't have to ask for it by number. There is usually (always?) a
display at the front of the store, at least for the next few days. A
few others brands of Beaujolais Nouveau are available by special order,
but Duboeuf is king.</span></div>
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<div style="color: maroon; font-size: 12pt;">
<b> A Little History</b> </div>
In the 1970's, Georges Duboeuf popularize</span><span style="color: maroon;"><img align="right" alt="Nouveau Beaujolais 2012" border="0" height="257" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs162/1103063443079/img/176.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="292" /></span><span style="color: maroon;">d
this local celebration (in Beaujolais) to globally market cheap, new
wine, produced from Gamay grapes in this small sub-appellation within
Burgundy (France, just in case you didn't know). <br /><br />This wine is from the new vintage (2012), with these grapes being harvesting only 6-10 weeks ago.</span><br /><br />Nouveau
Beaujolais is always young, fruity, low in tannins and a little sweet.
But the wine can change noticeably year-to-year because of the weather
in Beaujolais. In 2010, we recommended buying it, bought several
bottles ourselves and shared it with friends. In 2011, we recommended
against buying it because it was especially thin and bitter. This
year, it really is OK. Don't expect a Bordeaux or Burgundy or big
California red. It's a light, fruity, fun wine.<b>Go ahead and buy a bottle and let us know what you think. </b><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Other Beaujolais Wines</b></span> </div>
The
Beaujolais region produces some finer (red) wine made from the Gamay
grape and a few whites (mostly from Chardonnay). "Villages" is a step
up from Nouveau (which is classified as just plain "Beaujolais"), and
"Cru" is a step up from Villages. Last night, to "not celebrate"
Nouveau Day, we went to a tasting of 6 Beaujolais Cru wines, including
two whites. Today, along with the 2012 Nouveau, we bought two Villages,
a 2010 from Deboeuf and a 2011 from Jadot (Villages and Cru are
expected to age well for a few years). Maybe we're just looking through
Nouveau-colored glasses this year, or maybe we're just peasants at
heart, but we like this year's Nouveau more than the Cru wines we
sampled last night and the Villages we bought today. Between the two
Villages, we preferred the 2010 Deboeuf and actually disliked the 2011
Jadot (just as we disliked the 2011 Nouveau last year, so it's probably
the vintage, not the producer). <br /><br />ENJOY, we hope. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Up-coming Event</b></span></div>
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<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT139"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Don1vFMYF5CKuSZPDDC1UXupe31ezFaiKgSeVhjyYz8Qr3nAJMRun2LlEjr7eS8aXuq4LQ7Sj4WNlP6EbnFbfyanpKFAYeoUbWsRys2ClqwOxaHygyF3VRSmkPrzNJFQkoe0l54FMOA=" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span> </b></div>
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT140"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Don1vFMYF5DO2qex-bPmQb79CAcbkF56g3cbcEXfhh8q5IBhsFKuqgeJ5DM2H9DZXx21aZxA77kbZSdOPgh_3fD3xmIGzPKoupgWrr4cXDVbC3JCRt-T8Igx_qs95DAGiTgwD0FqacM_YjIlZzPpLfyUkPDxaXV-" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nouveau Weekend</a></span></div>
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November 17 and 18<br />
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Sample new releases, some from the 2011 vintage, buy March Madness Passports, and ENJOY!<br />
<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT141"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Don1vFMYF5AEQJOoqasEziLU179sSgH-D4_rup3C67rkmrlJ-2pHZ9rZftc2IIRan7kMlQUnlxd6wHXjQVADI_S-v-v9nFxCYbsn6vqj0EW6RtumpyKpjw==" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span> produces a Nouveau made from Gamay grapes, one of the few traditional Nouveau wines produced in the US. </div>
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Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-14329754022956422252012-10-25T09:52:00.001-04:002012-10-25T09:52:36.813-04:00Award Winning Finger Lakes Wines Chosen for Mom's House Benefit Dinner<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">
<b><i>Lisa and I have chosen and will present Award-winning wines from the Finger Lakes for Mom's House Benefit Wine Dinner, Friday, November 9, starting at 6 PM at Columbia Station (Robert Ryan's Catering) in Phoenixville.<br /><br />Support Mom's House! To reserve your seats, go to the<span style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT78" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001GBGVWCgn1n4wRKLDIg9i78qN6XOnPIKzuZMx41ekyrQkCFM3Ww8btJDihEKUQgQkBqGLnqAIM1MxSltRI1u69uM6MjgyLkdDJMeSpOfFa9_Q7b6iXnYRzD30XxA15cqk" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House Website</a></span><span style="color: blue;">. </span><br />Wonderful Silent Auction too!<br /><br />Please
promote this worthy and WONDERFUL Dining and Wining experience. And,
of course, please try to participate yourself and bring your family and
friends.</i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Mom's House</i></span><i>
is a not-for-profit organization that provides free day care in
Phoenixville for single parents who are enrolled full-time in high
school or college. See their </i></b><i><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT79"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001GBGVWCgn1n4wRKLDIg9i78qN6XOnPIKzuZMx41ekyrQkCFM3Ww8btJDihEKUQgQkBqGLnqAIM1MxSltRI1u69uM6MjgyLkdDJMeSpOfFa9_Q7b6iXnYRzD30XxA15cqk" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">website</a></span></i><b><i> for more information about Mom's House and its operations.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="color: red;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><b>
</b></i></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mom's House Benefit Dinner</span> </b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><b>
Friday, November 9, 2012, starting at 6 PM.<br />Robert Ryan's Columbia Station, 4 Bridge Street, Phoenixville</b></i><i><b>Help Mom's House three ways.</b><br /><b>1. Reserve your seats for the Benefit Wine Dinner.<br /><br />2.
Encourage your family and friends to attend as well. You can reserve a
table and enjoy the evening together by following this <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT80"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001GBGVWCgn1n4wRKLDIg9i78qN6XOnPIKzuZMx41ekyrQkCFM3Ww8btJDihEKUQgQkBqGLnqAIM1MxSltRI1u69uM6MjgyLkdDJMeSpOfFa9_Q7b6iXnYRzJXIS8ZNlIgX7UQuvZN82YY=" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">link</a></span> or calling Mom's House soon at 610-935-7711.<br /><br />3.
Donate to the Silent Auction. Own a vacation home? Donate a week and
help raise Big Bucks. Own a business? Donate a basket or gift
certificate or service. Call Mom's House at 610-935-7711 to make
arrangements.<br /><br />Seats cost $85 per person and include a wonderful
five-course dinner, each paired with a carefully selected wine, in the
beautifully-restored Columbia Station.<br /><br />Register and pay using this <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT81"><a href="http://momshouse-phoenixville.org/events" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">link</a></span>. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://www.lakewoodvineyards.com/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.lakewoodvineyards.com/" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Lakewood Vineyards</a> 20th Anniversary Brut Sparkling, 2005</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://www.lucasvineyards.com/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.lucasvineyards.com/" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Lucas Vineyards</a> 30th Anniversary Sparkling </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://www.drfrankwines.com/index.cfm" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.drfrankwines.com/index.cfm" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Dr. Konstantin Frank</a> Semi Dry<span> Riesling 2011</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://ravineswine.com/welcome/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://ravineswine.com/welcome/" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Ravines Cellars</a> Chardonnay 2010</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> </span></div>
<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://kingsgardenvineyards.com/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://kingsgardenvineyards.com/" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">King's Garden</a> Cabernet Franc 2008</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> </span></div>
<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://prejeanwinery.com/prejeanstore/index.php?main_page=page&id=3&chapter=1" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://prejeanwinery.com/prejeanstore/index.php?main_page=page&id=3&chapter=1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Prejean</a> Tiger Lilly </span></div>
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<div _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #ff0000;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a _mce_href="http://www.foxrunvineyards.com/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.foxrunvineyards.com/" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Fox Run</a> Ruby Port</span></div>
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Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-29939847611073680942012-10-20T09:01:00.000-04:002012-10-20T09:01:28.701-04:00Mom's House Benefit Wine Dinner<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #ea9999;">
<strong><em>Several
readers and friends have asked for dates, costs, etc. about this year's
Mom's House Benefit Wine Dinner. The event is on Friday, November 9,
starting at 6 PM.<br /><br />More info is provided below. To reserve your seats, go to the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT34" style="color: red;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ReEJavNlNQl2hAMt1q5LcHd7LjQ2DjZg0WsuAA8yMAMcP4xkTdmG_gPBHHbxyYN1ZOLNu70zZSqSj2rezhJBM0QBzDth9nrAcg7aVXPegE4tvgN3VVAY8Q==" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House Website</a></span><span style="color: red;">.</span><br /><br />Please
promote this worthy and WONDERFUL Dining and Wining experience. And,
of course, please try to participate yourself and bring your family and
friends.</em></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><em>Mom's House</em></span><em>
is a not-for-profit organization that provides free day care in
Phoenixville for single parents who are enrolled full-time in high
school or college. See their </em></strong><em><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT35"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ReEJavNlNQl2hAMt1q5LcHd7LjQ2DjZg0WsuAA8yMAMcP4xkTdmG_gPBHHbxyYN1ZOLNu70zZSqSj2rezhJBM0QBzDth9nrAcg7aVXPegE4tvgN3VVAY8Q==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">website</a></span></em><strong><em> for more information about Mom's House and its operations.</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span><div>
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 12pt;"><em style="color: #660000;"><strong>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mom's House Benefit Dinner</span> </div>
Friday, November 9, 2012, starting at 6 PM.<br />Robert Ryan's Columbia Station, 4 Bridge Street, Phoenixville<br /></strong></em><em><strong style="color: #660000;">Help Mom's House three ways.</strong><br style="color: #660000;" /><strong><span style="color: #660000;">1. Reserve your seats for the Benefit Wine Dinner.</span><br style="color: #660000;" /><br style="color: #660000;" /><span style="color: #660000;">2.
Encourage your family and friends to attend as well. You can reserve a
table and enjoy the evening together by following this </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT36" style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ReEJavNlNQl2hAMt1q5LcHd7LjQ2DjZg0WsuAA8yMAMcP4xkTdmG_gPBHHbxyYN1ZOLNu70zZSqSj2rezhJBM0QBzDth9nrAcg7aVXPegE7CLbjHGy_Dk_CH1FZnc24g" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">link</a></span><span style="color: #660000;"> or calling Mom's House soon at 610-935-7711.</span><br style="color: #660000;" /><br style="color: #660000;" /><span style="color: #660000;">3.
Donate to the Silent Auction. Own a vacation home? Donate a week and
help raise Big Bucks. Own a business? Donate a basket or gift
certificate or service. Call Mom's House at 610-935-7711 to make
arrangements.</span><br style="color: #660000;" /><br style="color: #660000;" /><span style="color: #660000;">Seats cost $85 per person and include a wonderful
five-course dinner, each paired with a carefully selected wine, in the
beautifully-restored Columbia Station.</span><br style="color: #660000;" /><br style="color: #660000;" /><span style="color: #660000;">See additional details on the poster below.</span><br style="color: #660000;" /><br style="color: #660000;" /><span style="color: #660000;">Register and pay using this </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT37" style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://momshouse-phoenixville.org/events" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">link</a></span><span style="color: #660000;">. </span></strong></em></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></strong></em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7egs6_LqkQXBjRohZA9lPZq09MAUEkqxvSSZfeD5t9tQ1K3PNzjt5rwvK0A_GdHOkUqxXs29cyXgR4tW6nls1GGGKunb8ebn5vMR1_kDoV2ZI9HN_FGlW9NUPMIOfpZuLe8_VEoJkTUw/s1600/MHPostcardFront+2012+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7egs6_LqkQXBjRohZA9lPZq09MAUEkqxvSSZfeD5t9tQ1K3PNzjt5rwvK0A_GdHOkUqxXs29cyXgR4tW6nls1GGGKunb8ebn5vMR1_kDoV2ZI9HN_FGlW9NUPMIOfpZuLe8_VEoJkTUw/s640/MHPostcardFront+2012+%282%29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></strong></em></span></div>
</div>
Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-68307047320842901952012-07-29T08:40:00.004-04:002012-07-29T08:40:39.582-04:00Wine Tips of the Week - In SEARCH for Chardonnay and NC Wineries<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div>
<h3 align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<strong><em>In this issue, we'd like your recommendations about Chardonnay! </em></strong></h3>
<div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">
<div style="font-size: 14pt;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>In SEARCH of Chardonnay </strong></em></span></div>
</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chardonnay is the best selling
white wines in the world and grows well in most grape-growing regions.
It's easy to find, so why go "in search of Chardonnay?"</span><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because
Chardonnay grows in many different conditions, and because it is
influenced by the terroir and affected so much by winemakers' decisions
about style, Chardonnay is a chameleon, taking on many different aromas
and flavors. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Many wine drinkers have only tasted "oaked"
Chardonnay, and many people who "don't like Chardonnay" have only tasted
strongly oaked, high alcohol styles. But Chardonnay can be crafted to
be a more delicate, subtle wine as well. French White Burgundy, which
is 100% Chardonnay, is often made with a softer (French) oak influence
and with lower alcohol than the "big" Chardonnays from California,
Australia, and other similar climates. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some Chardonnays are
"naked," made in stainless steel with no oak. These Chardonnays display
more of the fruit of the vine, but lack the vanilla and toasty aroma
and flavor imparted by oak (even in subtle ways). They can be delicious
and dry, we think with more aroma and flavor than many other whites.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So,
why go "in search" of Chardonnay? First, because different Chardonnays
display so many different aromas and flavors, it's fun (and
educational) to try different styles, comparing the differences and
"searching" for a few favorites. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Secondly, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">because it is so common, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">we
take Chardonnay for granted ourselves, rarely write about it, forget
how much we enjoy it, and often forget to buy it as we are searching for
something a "little different." So, we've gone to the wine fridge and
our wine closet in the basement, searching for Chardonnay, only to find
we have NONE! Oh, that roasted chicken was craving a lightly oaked
Chardonnay with hints of vanilla and toast, and the cupboards were
bare. Oh NO! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, we're asking our readers to go "searching for
Chardonnay" and tell us what you find, what you like, and what you don't
like. We'll report back after we've heard from a few (or more,
hopefully) readers. If you want to remain anonymous, let us know and
we'll respect that. Otherwise, we'll list your favorites and identify
you by first name (or alias if you prefer).</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: maroon;">GET
TO IT!!! Go search and taste and describe some Chardonnays (and French
White Burgundies), tell us what you smell, taste, feel, and like and
dislike. Please write to us at</span></b><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT214"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><b> </b>vintageconnections@comcast.net</a></span> <span style="color: black;">by Monday, August 13</span></strong> (that gives those of you who - sadly - only drink wine on the weekends TWO weekends to do some experimenting).</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">READY, SET, GO!!! </span></b></i></div>
</div>
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="background-color: #660000;">
<div>
<h2>
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 14pt;"><em style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">On the Road Again - North Carolina Wineries</span></strong></em></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 14pt;"><em style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong></strong></em></span></h2>
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 14pt;"><em style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></em><span class="ccFontUpdated" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We've
written about North Carolina's Yadkin Valley AVA wineries and wines in
the past. Yes, good wine is made in North Carolina,
especially in the Yadkin Valley. Because of its (high) elevation, the
temperatures and growing season enable vineyard managers and wine makers
to grow and produce some excellent viniferas and a few good
French-American hybrids.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recently, we made the trip south again
and by the time we reached the VA/NC border on Interstate 77, we
couldn't resist the craving and temptation to stop at a few Yadkin
Valley wineries. Besides, we needed wine for our week away from home
and were craving Chardonnay (hmmm). Why buy from a liquor store when so
many wineries are inviting you to visit (highway signs aggressively
promote wineries in VA and NC)?</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This trip, we only stopped at
three wineries, although in the past we have stopped at MANY wineries in
VA and most of those in northern NC, the Yadkin Valley AVA, along I-77. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First across the border heading south, we stopped at </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT215" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001HceMMyNhJoHVu5SLTLKxTRlER0vWa_fWL29p4qHo6nQ_jM67tMEuHGq4Xj9EDIJ98sIhxf9M_jVsLPT7Orbf_V0_H5B2o5o7V60q7s4hmNY=" shape="rect" style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Round Peak Vineyards</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">.
Round Peak has become one of our favorites. Good wine, very friendly
tasting staff (usually one of the owners, husband and wife), and they
are DOG FRIENDLY with a cute "dog yard" next to the winery, providing a
shady spot for Rohan, our doggie companion.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Round Peak produces a
line of dry whites and reds which we have enjoyed and purchased over
and over. They often sell out (see their website for a painful
illustration), so we've often missed some of their best. But, we've
always found a few wines worth taking with us. They also produce a line
of sweeter wines, using the Skull Camp label, for those who like their
wine on the sweeter side. And, just recently they've started BREWING
BEER and putting two on tap at a time. We really enjoyed a sample of </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT216" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001HceMMyNhJoHVu5SLTLKxTRlER0vWa_fWL29p4qHo6nQ_jM67tMEuHJOm4zHzPG21tyh229QYbT4FS1WBpEWnMuO0zEy53HOHIzfTkAbTgbTGjsmyucLy_3HspOkYm2hiCWHkAx7LlgAJcgvI-uI-yQ==" shape="rect" style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kolsch-style</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
beer. Regrettably, they had not received their shipment of growlers yet
so we had to go on our way without the beer. However, we were
satisfied (very) with a few wines including a wonderful Chardonnay, a
tasty dry rose (made with Cabernet Franc). Usually, Dean doesn't like roses, even the better dry ones, but this Cab Franc Rose was excellent. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next down the road is </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT217" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001HceMMyNhJoHVu5SLTLKxTRlER0vWa_fWL29p4qHo6nQ_jM67tMEuHJOm4zHzPG21oKEZW3uyu81mSdbX2W9mwASpWcvJeUSfwR1URWWDnu2tn8fE1TpTQQ==" shape="rect" style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Shelton Vineyards</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">.
Shelton is a big name in NC, and this is a huge wine operation. The
tasting room has to be one of the largest on the East Coast. But,
despite their size, they produce good wines and employ a friendly
staff. And, there is a very nice restaurant on the property (too often,
we forget to eat while on our wine trips). </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yep, we bought
another Chardonnay for our trip. Too bad we don't like sweet Riesling.
Cases of their "American Riesling" were on sale for $6 per bottle.
Unheard of. Several years ago we lucked out and bought a case of mixed,
dry, excellent reds for about $10 a bottle. While not usually this
inexpensive, Shelton has about the most reasonable wine prices we've
found at any winery (on the East Coast).</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our last (but not least) stop this trip in the Yadkin Valley was </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT218" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001HceMMyNhJoHVu5SLTLKxTRlER0vWa_fWL29p4qHo6nQ_jM67tMEuHJOm4zHzPG21oKEZW3uyu81bfunthCcIFWibRkTHV7eke-the9eF59N5fu6shZRqLg==" shape="rect" style="color: #f2ee79; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Dobbins Creek Vineyards</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">.
Dobbins Creek is one of five vineyards/wineries within the Swan Creek
Association (a sub-area of the Yadkin Valley AVA) all within five miles
of each other. We've stopped at all of these wineries at one time or
another and have several favorites among them. This trip, we favored
their dry Riesling, Chardonnay of course, and the wonderful, dry Hemric
Mountain Rose made from Cabernet Franc. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, the view from the
front porch is AMAZING. Even if you don't drink wine, take drive up the
mountain and take a look over the valley. WOW! </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enough already. Time for a glass (or two) of wine! </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="ccFontUpdated" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="background-color: #660000;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div style="background-color: #660000;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
</span></h2>
</div>
<h2 style="background-color: #660000;">
<strong><em></em></strong><span style="background-color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Fun Fact</span></h2>
<div style="background-color: #660000;">
<span style="background-color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #c27ba0;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here's
an easy one. Burgundy is a wine-producing region of France. In most
of France, wines are named by their region, not grape variety. Red
Burgundy is 100% Pinot Noir. White Burgundy is 100% Chardonnay. NO
OTHER WINE in the world should be named Burgundy. If it's not from
Burgundy, it isn't Burgundy. </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-46777716956454401822012-07-12T07:47:00.003-04:002012-07-12T07:47:24.993-04:00Wine Tips of the Week - Sauvignon Blanc and Reader Feedback<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Thanks for feedback from some of our regular readers and wine friends. See our responses to your feedback below.</i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Please let us know what topics you would like to read about and please provide feedback on our content and the wines we describe so we can better meet your needs.</i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Reader Feedback</strong><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc;">
Thanks
to Frank who said it is frustrating to read about wines he cannot find
locally. Each week we'll try to describe a wine you can find in the
Tri-county area (Berks, Montgomery, and Chester counties). This may be a
wine from a PA winery (visit them for a tasting or order on-line) or a
wine available at PLCB stores within the three counties. But, we'll
also describe wines (wineries, wine trails) outside the area that you
may want to visit while away from home. </div>
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc;">
Last time we described three white wines from <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001W3OiauhSL8CAfhlHtNJ2JFZ2QRqSg76ofDBmxBKpasnKn4oz20isfL0A8yA_ps6FILJoPnLkyPav0-XwivwSMHeXbP92u59n8tQP-NjkZ70=" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a>
Winery near Andreas PA. Yes, it is a long (but beautiful) drive for
most readers, but you can order their wines on-line. See each PA
winery's website for ordering information and costs. </div>
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc;">
<strong>More Reader Feedback </strong></div>
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Again, thanks to Frank for reminding us about Morse Code</span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 12pt;"> Shiraz Padthaway</span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">, </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 12pt;">Australia. This is </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">a wonderful and very affordable ($9.99) bold red. PLCB code 19975 but as of yesterday, according to the </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001W3OiauhSL8CAfhlHtNJ2JFZ2QRqSg76ofDBmxBKpasnKn4oz20isfL0A8yA_ps6FILJoPnLkyPbynXMrg4Ad3ZN639KHj3FHpNoG24UEdGxwZT76mL2V7MRPVuYihU7IcKyCPivp9GA4LJJ8cohoY8lv_Ww9iEyDamx7CIMt99INNFy4Oavw6QoXzEJrGMqs" shape="rect" style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">PLCB product search page</a><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: red;">), </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">only the Lionville store (Chester County) had any (8) bottles left.</span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Betsy
wrote that she just enjoyed a bottle of TRIO, a bold red blend jointly
produced and sold by Manatawny, Pinnacle Ridge, and Allegro.</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Also "thanks" to other readers Sarah and Rob for their emails welcoming back our newsletter. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>Wine Tip(s) of the Week </strong></em> </span><span style="color: #f2f200; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;">Sauvignon Blanc</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;" /><br style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;">Here's a great wine bargain that is widely available in PLCB stores.</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;" /><br style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;">We
often write about Sauvignon Blanc and for those of you who are already
fans of this wonderful wine, we apologize for the reminder that
Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing summer wine that pairs well with a wide
variety of food. It is one of the only wines that pairs well with
salads, especially vinaigrette dressings. We prefer the style produced
most often in Marlborough, New Zealand with its grassy, herbal, and
grapefruit aromas and flavors. But, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from
Loire Valley (France) and many white Bordeaux are also wonderful.
California sauvignon blancs are also excellent (and are usually named
fume blanc when they have some oak aging). Buy bottles from several
parts of the world and compare!</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;" /><br style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;">An easy-to-find and reasonable
Sauvignon Blanc is Monkey Bay (Marlborough NZ), now on sale for $9.99,
PLCB code 9396. Or, using the </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001W3OiauhSL8CAfhlHtNJ2JFZ2QRqSg76ofDBmxBKpasnKn4oz20isfL0A8yA_ps6FILJoPnLkyPbynXMrg4Ad3ZN639KHj3FHpNoG24UEdGxwZT76mL2V7MRPVuYihU7IcKyCPivp9GA4LJJ8cohoY8lv_Ww9iEyDamx7CIMt99J51a9Rf34gMXTtSP1Pe9tp" shape="rect" style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">PLCB search page</a><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;">,
search on sauvignon blanc and scan to your heart's delight. Better
yet, just go to a local PLCB store and scan the shelves for New Zealand,
California, France, and Australia. New York's Finger Lakes wineries
are now producing some excellent Sauvignon Blancs as well (but you
cannot find them locally or ship to PA from NY). </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #f2f200; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;"> </span></span><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; border-bottom: 1px dotted rgb(51, 0, 0); border-color: rgb(51, 0, 0); color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<b>An "Old" Chardonnay </b><br /><br />Friends found a 2001 Chardonnay from <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001W3OiauhSL8CAfhlHtNJ2JFZ2QRqSg76ofDBmxBKpasnKn4oz20isfL0A8yA_ps6FILJoPnLkyPZVpqtALZkxWws2sExtK-AWeUqFjPs7HjA=" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Heron Hill</a>
(Finger Lakes) in their cellar and figured it had gone bad. So, they
served it to us. Well, it was wonderful. Oaked Chardonnays sometimes
cellar well because the oak acts as a preservative. The oak influence
also fades leaving a more clean aroma and flavor. Good white Burgundies
and Champagnes (traditionally a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) age
well because of the oak (and careful processing by the winemakers).
This Chard from Heron Hill aged wonderfully. Don't expect an aged Chard
to taste like a new, oaked Chard, but do expect a treat if you find
one.<b> </b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fun Fact<br /><div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">White
Bordeaux is usually a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The Sauv
Blanc provides acid and floral, herbal, and/or mineral notes (depending
on the source of the Sauv Blanc). The Semillon provides body and some
sweetness (which varies depending on the source and the amount of
Semillon in the blend). <br /><br />Sauv Blanc predominates in less
expensive blends, while Semillon predominates in the more expensive
blends. Compare to a straight Sauv Blanc and smell and taste the
difference! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #f6b26b; color: black;">See our previous post for links to some of our favorite wineries, wine trails, and wine spots. </span></span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-76051598271587395082012-07-04T13:09:00.004-04:002012-07-04T13:09:43.092-04:00<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>We've
taken off a few months but now we're back! We expect to publish our
simplified newsletter and blog once every few weeks. Please let us know
what topics you would like to read about and please provide feedback on
our content and the wines we describe so we can better meet your needs.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>Wine(s) of the Week</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Stone Cellar Gewürztraminer</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Stone Cellar Riesling</strong></div>
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<strong>Stone Cellar Grüner Veltliner</strong> </div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
all crafted by Sarah Troxell, winemaker </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
at <a href="http://www.galenglen.com/index.html" style="color: black;">Galen Glen Winery</a>, Andreas, PA </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Lehigh Valley AVA </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="right" alt="Galen Glen Gewurtztraminer" border="0" height="238" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/173.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="180" /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What to write about after taking off three months from our newsletter and blog?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So,
we looked in our wine fridge to see what we had ready to drink on
these hot summer days, and voila, we have three award-winning and
acclaimed Galen Glen whites ready to enjoy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All
three whites are dry, with the Riesling and Gewurtztraminer displaying aromas
that you might mistake for sweetness, but don't be fooled. These are
dry, award-winning wines (in California competitions). Sarah, the
winemaker, won "best woman wine-maker" for her Gewurtztraminer at the Women's
International Wine Competition in CA. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Grüner
Veltliner is rare, especially in the USA. We love it because it is
different from more common whites and we enjoy the difference. So did
the Mark Squires' Bulletin Board in <a href="http://erobertparker.com/" shape="rect">eRobertParker.com</a> (87 points). </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>All
three of these wines are available at the winery for $14. We stocked
up at the beginning of summer, but need to make another trip to the
winery soon.</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">See <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GpVY_nEGLMY5kTCGdzwu3mCUge_dPq9dkJ-F4Yl7Hp2Jw==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen's website</a> for more details about these and their other wines, news, and events.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>Quick Trip</strong></em></span><br /><br /><div>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYS63iAISE8GQBRY5g7mWlHaIjeNkOvfPjdvz-BoR9rfnTQrDWDgdpHA==" shape="rect" style="color: yellow; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail</a> </div>
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<div>
<span style="color: yellow;">We took a little vacation in June and had the opportunity to explore wineries and taste wines along the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYS63iAISE8GQBRY5g7mWlHaIjeNkOvfPjdvz-BoR9rfnTQrDWDgdpHA==" shape="rect" style="color: yellow; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail</a>.
This wine trail is mostly on the middle peninsula southeast of
Washington DC and northeast of Richmond. We had especially great
tastings and conversations at the Dog and Oyster, Jacey Vineyards, and
General Ridge Vineyard. Jacey is new and, regrettably, in early June was still
waiting for the Virginia ABC to approve their labels. So, we couldn't buy
any of their wines, including a wonderful Zinfandel.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Links</strong></span><br /><br /><div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">These are a few of our favorite wine-related businesses and organizations.</span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">Wine Trails</span></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GpglIJo7h5Rq2QpMvzjc4EIvjqd83EeGn3FINIjALMFyw==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a> <br /><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GqXRah_N3W2fPSJU3i7_fmJ64iR88thhd1mGqsr0DxcVA==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a><br /><div>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GoGjV9qIgjYxpn3Y2tVLpgJkwIv7u8TL5A=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Brandywine Wine Trail</a> </div>
</span><div style="color: red;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Wineries</span> </span></b></div>
</div>
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<span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2Gr-ZuhotwX2POp-yKDEZzYf-vbeMwsc7Sg=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GpBrDJTsmd0RjmjB_g0ZUVQbQwa6T8dv9nxn8edCFv6uw==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Manatawny Creek</a> </div>
<div>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2Gq1XGv3w42YzfQb3OGUUGlZp3AlAjiNzqs=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair</a><br /><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GrYbr2T-buAnVRhYEXSxMezXkLDBmFLre1DZLy7RAkXVw==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Calvaresi</a><br /><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GpaEMZpU5eee8O8lypWcK081HOAdMQJnQQ=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GpVY_nEGLMY5kTCGdzwu3mCIk8Qw-pS8oI=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Wine Bars (and restaurants)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GoXMPS5p9xJY7FFvVEAOgWK1RkjxOePQhI=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winedown</a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYTOX2ZgtxqgNyP3NXZUsFnYhAmklwKOcbC_F_rU_Dl3M=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar</a> </div>
</div>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fun Fact<br /><div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are now over 140 wineries in Pennsylvania, most organized into 11 wine trails. See the<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-mYZE25TlHJHeXD_UPD8bdHQasob6Dm8v4Ku-LCS0-fdVmbfTXgfZMDl1UdXMAxYCIxpve7c2GoDEPp-Ntuepyq4iZhoS9zckfgfG3QLknuROMbkGB8NFw==" shape="rect" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">PA Winery Association website</a> for MORE and MORE information. </span></div>
</span></div>
<span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 14pt;">Vintage Connections</span><span style="color: #9900ff; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><span style="color: #990000;"> Lisa and Dean Foster<br />Wine Educators and Consultants<br />Members of the American Wine Society </span></span></span></div>
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<div>
Vintage Connections
provides Wine Education and Consulting Services including wine classes
and seminars, food and wine pairings, and wine tastings. In our
newsletter and blogs we provide information and recommendations about
wine, wine events, and the world of wine, primarily in the Montgomery,
Berks, and Chester Tri-County Area of Southeastern Pennsylvania. We
focus on affordable and accessible wines, mostly priced under $20 and
available at PA Wine and Spirits stores or at wineries located in
Eastern Pennsylvania.<br /> Contact us at <a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net?" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintageconnections@comcast.net</a></div>
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</tbody></table>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-21712241050395226012012-03-15T09:29:00.000-04:002012-03-15T09:29:22.585-04:00Wine Tips of the Week - Finger Lakes Ravines Cellars and Prejean<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span></div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A few week ago we made a quick trip to the Finger Lakes. So, this week we're reviewing two of our favorites from that trip.</span><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span></em></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></em></div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <div><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Ravines Sauvignon Blanc, 2010</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <img align="right" alt="Ravines Sauv Blanc" border="0" height="283" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/171.png" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="189" /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This excellent dry sauvignon blanc comes from the Finger Lakes region of New York. Ha! Bet you thought this was going to be another New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! But no, Ravines Vineyard sits on a hillside above Keuka Lake. We tasted (and bought) this wine while on a recent visit to the Finger Lakes for a few days. Surprisingly, its style is very much like the Marlborough, New Zealand sauvignon blancs that we love so well. It is light lemon yellow in color and has wonderful herbal and citrus aromas. Grassy flavors blend with light minerality and with balanced acidity to make this a wonderful food friendly wine. Alcohol is 12% by volume. Priced at $17.95 at the vineyard makes this well worth the trip north. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We had a great tasting at Ravines. Beautiful view of Keuka Lake, great tasting room with Abel, brother-in-law to the winemaker Martin, presenting the wines for tasting. He was energetic and full of information, friendly and helpful. Ravines has many great wines, both whites and reds. A definite "must stop" if you are in the area. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Prejean Reserve Chardonnay 2009 (Pronounced pray-jon)</strong></span></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prejean was one of our first "favorite wineries" in the Finger Lakes when we first started visiting there 15 years ago. </span></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img align="left" border="0" height="200" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/172.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="54" /> </span></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We do not very often find a chardonnay that we BOTH really like (Dean likes them medium oaked, Lisa likes them naked), so when we tasted this excellent dry chardonnay while in the Finger Lakes region of New York, and both loved it, we were very pleasantly surprised. </span></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pale yellow in color, this full-bodied wine has aromas of apples and pears. The flavor of apples abounds in each and every sip. It is well-balanced and has a long-lasting finish. Aged in French and American oak, the flavor of toast and oak are subtle and pleasant. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. It sells for $12.99 a bottle at the winery. </span></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prejean Winery is located on a gentle slope above Seneca Lake. It was a wild and windy day, with white caps on the lake, but pleasantly warm and relaxing in the tasting room with Troy treating us to an excellent tasting. Another "must stop" while in the area. </span></div></span></div><span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Up-coming Events </strong></span><span> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT44"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR0KKaM-PwAUQsNQR3zqhVbuUm_b1lM8mimh64rT0m9iWzvHTCl9S8vknBWRFyvN9RWG_yNCdOdFW_SLOO6Nwj5TE_ZQzowVagQTB8kWiASDN-M2E9WMz0KsSZ5qQNo0kHA=" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">March Madness on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span> Call your first winery to check on availability of tickets! Week-ends through March 25. Busy busy, especially on Saturdays.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT45"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR0w6R2nHRi8u2OSMp3tgmot4Capq7YFE2axqCBj9RGV714lMchgLei5SePzDKL6JlyhbtrnkGNp5_whuEhzVEYDzs-iGJtz9cyo_2KrWVyMig==" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Brandywine Wine Trail "Barrels on the Brandywine"</a></span> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Week-ends March 3 through April 1. See their website for details. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT46"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR3bnzzzxxr9jTlAU9xirHijJvbRE5W3dnKBbw9wKQyLUXVrbrWAfAmHZafWFbSiLhKy1NzB_3LsH9V9TZFw6rV1wbwqK56Xpx_qeo0cqULgJw==" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair Vineyards</a></span><br />
<span>Winemaker's Dinner- Saturday March 25th. </span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Call 610-683-8463 for menu and reservations.<br />
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<strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT47"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR28QfHonrHLGLV4YGOySaNg1YdclcmFfvfXtZJVjyTspOoE9c5agicpf0nQk_Gc5D4Ma7joajSovV2w6CYQL0REihHIAoCQvAIlA1zyfj83NaDt7bFVFWab" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecr</a></span></strong><span style="color: red;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT48"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR28QfHonrHLGLV4YGOySaNg1YdclcmFfvfXtZJVjyTspOoE9c5agicpf0nQk_Gc5D4Ma7joajSovV2w6CYQL0REihHIAoCQvAIlA1zyfj83NaDt7bFVFWab" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">est Wine</a></span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT49"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR28QfHonrHLGLV4YGOySaNg1YdclcmFfvfXtZJVjyTspOoE9c5agicpf0nQk_Gc5D4Ma7joajSovV2w6CYQL0REihHIAoCQvAIlA1zyfj83NaDt7bFVFWab" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">ry</a></span></strong></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Music in the Vyneskeller Saturdays 1:30-4:30, March 31 and April 7.<br />
</span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT50"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR04GmfvmJZ3TfFXNq5EbsTZGjdvCx4gSpiG_YA12LhphxwJ6PhjQSdLpe5_OC6qXuO-r6MdLXgLkRBALL-XnqBdmQbtRi_nVCAwnFryV746QEFCTP6LtQdIxPJoPqqovvM=" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Tastes Around the World, a Berks County Wine Trail</a></span> event, April 21-22. Noon to 5 PM. Additional details not posted on their website yet.</span></span></div><div><span><br />
</span><span> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fun Fact<br />
<div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are seven lakes that comprise the </span></div><div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT63"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109512920079&s=1&e=001oYQHIx8QUR1XHe9uIdaHWFR2MuNDY1gmJZAevPoWKO00bsLDoe1FNU-CZoz9k6zBbUUn6MFNKnAuB8XjekVg7pJ1AO-3-3qYXZ40adIlCZHyR_fks9wwNkROmmoFMWi-" shape="rect" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Finger Lakes Wine Region.</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Of the three largest and well-known winery lakes, Seneca is the largest and has the most wineries, followed by Cayuga and Keuka. Of the other four lakes, one has no wineries, two lakes have one winery each, and one lake has 5 wineries. </span></div></span><span> </span></div></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-19289217456822409122012-02-18T10:52:00.000-05:002012-02-18T10:52:02.281-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - Food Lover’s Guide to Wine and White Bordeaux<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Today is National Drink Wine Day!<br />
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Cheers! </span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>Congratulations to <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--dL8Pqkb-T9LRV-SiMymY0rAqBHk-krHzo=" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span> for winning the </em></span><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>2012 </em></span><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>Wine Excellence Award from the PA Wine Society for their 2010 Chambourcin (sold out already) </em></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>and to </em></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--ez1qfITolkOMrZXIUY3zg6fX-9YXsu3N8=" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a></span><span style="color: red;"> <span style="color: purple;">f</span></span>or winning a Double Gold and Best Vinifera for their 2010 Pinot Noir (not sold out) at the 2012 PA Farm Show! </em></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">The Food Lover's Guide to Wine</span></span><br style="background-color: yellow;" /><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span><div> <div style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">by Karen Page with Andrew Dornenburg-authors of "The Flavor Bible" and "What to Drink With What You Eat." </span> </div><img align="right" border="0" height="206" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/169.jpg" style="background-color: yellow;" vspace="5" width="154" /><br style="background-color: yellow;" /><div style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">You may remember a while back that we told you about the wonderful resource book "What to Eat With What You Drink". Well, this is Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg's latest contribution to the world of wine. A "Must Have" resource book for wine-lovers. This excellent book references 250 wines from around the world, many were wines we'd never even heard of or had a hard time finding out about. </span><br />
</div><div><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia,Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">It starts with a time-line about important and interesting wine facts, moves on to tips about how to enjoy wine, to (the important part for us) an alphabetical listing of wines with information about where they come from, grape, color, weight, volume, whether dry or sweet, acidity, tannin, primary flavors, texture, what temperature to serve it at, some pairing ideas and what countries produce the wine. <br />
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There are many interesting facts about wine and some beautiful pictures by Tom Kirkman as well. This book is an invaluable resource for those of us who want to know more about the wines we drink. </span><br style="background-color: yellow;" /><br style="background-color: yellow;" /><div style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here's the</span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT55"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--c6rwTVCL4MkbNUasMxV5YA_69qNxvxKENXsRL4yAjWRKVZNsczMsITN4-51guGanE07SYCLS7Gvg==" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> link to the book on Amazon.</a></span> </div><div><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: 12pt;"> ($16.28 worth far more than that!)</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span> </div><div><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Chateau Graville-Lacoste 2010</span></span><br />
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This wonderful medium-bodied white Bordeaux is a blend of 60% Semillon, 35% sauvignon blanc and 5% muscadelle from the Graves appellation in Bordeaux, France. <br />
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<img align="right" border="0" height="150" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/170.jpg" vspace="5" width="200" />Most (affordable) white Bordeaux are typically more sauvignon blanc than Semillon, but wine-maker/owner Herve` Dubourdieu prefers his white Bordeaux heavy on the Semillon and it is priced to buy! <br />
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It is very light yellow in color with aromas of melon and citrus. It has a crisp clean herbal flavor with well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and refreshingly satisfying. Great when paired with fish, poultry or even spicy asian cuisine. <br />
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Alcohol is 12% by volume. PLCB product code is 36015 and sells for $16.99 at many PA Wine and Spirit stores. Check the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT56"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--eF0j1jeWN66YIn6Z6lG5zj4Ysem12sMaA5MgDMKFMe9opzHqCOldUvRlYD7MQX6IEZDyBhSCcwKp2mB1YCYCpZTfNOjUDfVvi-cRHSENnLEBRGxTNmP7fc" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">PLCB product search website page</a></span> to find the store nearest you that carries this excellent wine. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun Fact</span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Saturday, February 18 is National Drink Wine Day!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: maroon;"><strong>Up-coming Events </strong></span><span> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="color: maroon;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT38"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--fuPVntBfkpPR99KFzmkgyGw174PPsOU3t1RjyqBGccu_o-S5LE3mFvyPm41V5ZjbUkGLIsSGE1xQ==" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span> </strong>Wine and Chocolate Weekend<br />
Saturday and Sunday, February 18-19, noon-5 PM</span></div><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="color: maroon;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="color: red;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT39"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--dL8Pqkb-T9LRV-SiMymY0reQH0TZncoXAU45bRgVbDlQ==" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest Winery</a></span></strong></span></div><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"> Music in the Vyneskeller Saturday 18 and 25, 1:30-4:30 and jazz on Sunday the 26th.</span><br style="background-color: #d5a6bd;" /><br style="background-color: #d5a6bd;" /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT40"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--cGwJBWdhc84bIOkkSSu17o6Cf1HSTLtVzuoIQXZ3oE0WdUXXr99uEz" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair</a></span></div><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">Winemaker's Dinner- Saturday February 25th, 6pm $75/person. Call 610-683-8463 for menu and reservations.</span><br style="background-color: #d5a6bd;" /><br style="background-color: #d5a6bd;" /><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"> <div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT41"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109331989431&s=0&e=001hzrzYNddOjnaQDTIob-FYvBV9rNuUmfAKIHnJ5V7bYKzbRQAzyZuoMEN2gXH4qW5deZl6DtV--esjR1RNX2mLLplyHRyKnDFg1Srs_6GRjERmwH5yfFUdwfzkqgTmMKiagE153t7Bwc=" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail </a></span></div>March Madness, every weekend in March. </span></div><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span> </span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">See our previous blogs for a list of web links. </span></span></div></span></div></div></div></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-41758248515564101542012-02-03T10:18:00.000-05:002012-02-03T10:18:20.818-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - Blair Syrah and Pinnacle Ridge Cab Franc<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Some of PA's Best!<br />
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Cheers! </span></div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div><div align="center" style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT74"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXE1vGO4w_qkjD4KZAElfDpYeRE1E-hKQqM=" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair Vineyards</a></span> 2010 Syrah </span><br />
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<div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This delicious bold red wine will be released this weekend at Blair Vineyards. It is deep dark red in color with hints of purple . The aroma is richly satisfying, with hints of smoke and spice. Flavors of smoke, blackberry and pepper linger long on the palate making this easy to drink slowly by itself or pair with food. $19.99 per bottle. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10% off for case discounts.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> This wine is young and will improve with age, so think about buying a case!</span> <br />
<img align="right" border="0" height="170" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/167.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="147" /> </div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We were lucky to be able to participate in a comparison tasting this past weekend of the Blair Vineyard's 2010 Syrah with a 2008 Elizabeth Spencer Sonoma Coast Syrah from California (selling for $21.99 at PA Wine and Spirit stores - PLCB product code 36979) and a Crozes-Hermitage 2009 Silene from Rone, France (selling for $28.99 - PLCB code 21111). <br />
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The comparison tasting was meant to demonstrate that Blair Vineyards' syrah compares favorably with other world class, even more expensive, syrahs, and it did! <br />
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Each wine was distinctive from the others. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Color, aromas and flavors were all quite excellent as far as we were concerned. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The California was higher in alcohol, the Rhone was a bit rounder, and the Blair had an edge that some will prefer. The Blair will age well with that edge softening over time. We really look forward to enjoying the bottles we bought and seeing how the wine changes and matures over the next few years.<br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We recommend trying this excellent wine, this weekend or at the upcoming Berks County Wine Trail Wine and Chocolate weekend February 11-12.</span> </div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT75"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXHuVsMVGR6U7BA1ukZ818n6YjTrip1pPkI=" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a></span><span style="color: #5e0069;"> 2</span>010 Cabernet Franc</span><br />
</span>Another excellent 2010 dry red wine. Clear, garnet red in color, it has aromas of tobacco, cedar and fresh raspberries. The flavor is smooth and rich with delicate hints of the characteristic green bell peppers. The finish is long-lasting and extremely satisfying. Great when paired with beef, lamb and hearty pasta dishes. We paired this wonderful wine with pork fried rice, and it was great! Sells for $16 only at the winery. <table align="right" class="imgCaptionTable" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 197px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="imgCaptionImg" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" width="197"><img alt="Brad and Pinot" border="0" height="262" hspace="0" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/139.jpg" vspace="0" width="197" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="imgCaptionText" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #4c0171; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;">Brad checking the 2010 Harvest.</td></tr>
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We have been eagerly anticipating the release of the 2010 red wines. So far they have exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to trying many more 2010 varieties and will let you know how we liked them!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun Fact</span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Syrah is believed to have originated in Southern France, in the Rhone region from two parent grapes; Dureza (the father) and Mondeuse Blanche (the mother). </span></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: maroon;"><strong>Up-coming Events </strong></span><span> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><span><span><span style="color: maroon;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT61"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXEpVBSP0bcjJD66ABHKiHbFZUSTXuP5ZTXCrbsv7h-VN_EDfjojlzPD" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span></strong></span><br />
<strong>Chocolate & Wine Pairing Event Weekend</strong></span><span><br />
<span>Saturday February 11th & <br />
Sunday February 12th, 2012<br />
<span>(noon to 5 pm both days)</span></span></span></span>. No fees for these pairings but some wineries charge a modest fee for additional tastings. See website(s) for details.<br />
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</div><div><span style="color: maroon;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT62"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXGtF68tZgycoqqF1wOsp6PqNeKIEnn2MC8cRoHrNnC5cA==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest Winery</a></span></strong></span></div>SuperBowl Chili February 4. Music Saturdays again beginning February 11, 1:30-4:30in the Vyneskeller. See website for details.<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span><span style="color: red;"><strong>If you would like an up-coming (wine-related) event listed</strong></span> in</span> our Vintage Connections Wine e-newsletter and Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury, please email a short summary of the event including the name of your event, name of your winery or organization, short description of the event, date, time, location and cost, at least two weeks in advance to us at </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT63"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net?" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintageconnections@Comcast.net</a></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We will copy and paste your information into our newsletter and blog. We reserve the right to edit as we deem necessary and to not list or publish information at our own discretion.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We plan to publish our newsletter and blog two times a month but may do so more or less often, so be sure to send information to us as far in advance of the event as possible.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Links</strong></span></span><br />
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<div><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">These are a few of our favorite wine-related businesses and organizations.</span></div> <div><span style="color: red;">Wine Trails</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT64"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXEpVBSP0bcjJD66ABHKiHbFZUSTXuP5ZTV0zaLvPefzrQ==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span> <br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT65"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXEp5egVwV4scnFbk5HzD3PJg_da_cPUe_9ALAymx7Jvog==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span><br />
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<div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wineries</span> </div></span></div><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT66"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXHuVsMVGR6U7BA1ukZ818n6YjTrip1pPkI=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT67"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXGOmoT38dF7UX1XZFkx0wXgARKdzs7YdtxdwKaa-Owj6Q==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Manatawny Creek</a></span> </div><div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT68"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXE1vGO4w_qkjD4KZAElfDpYeRE1E-hKQqM=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT69"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXHGkSI0mj8Drx5uhJUSA2PI1ne0UR4r-5isWMpMOXJZTg==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Calvaresi</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT70"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXGtF68tZgycoqqF1wOsp6PqEk4ijlIa0UA=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT71"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXFVG5owif8hsMxw-HanZ01t2l0ktIcWB3c=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wine Bars (and restaurants)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT72"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx3XpCOlPVmXHLR5VUFv5dHkRg42jlcL6c7RyDa1A4c6o=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winedown</a></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT73"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109214990995&s=0&e=001T4Xjn4H7vwfNnvvpt_LRsy9Y_RWeSB-e9KanAmm6udv98ykCadR_70Aquo9g3Fkx_gRxSD2-Wi55LjS73rW6JRs5jVR9C0RxhkqqCjlIAME=" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar</a></span> </div></div></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div></div></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-10931058230285909532012-01-19T09:09:00.000-05:002012-01-19T09:09:43.512-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - Lingenfelder Shoy and Domaine des Carteresses<div style="color: red; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers! </span> </div><div style="color: red; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div><div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Wine Educators and Consultants </span> </i></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i></i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bet you've NEVER heard of these two wines!</span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lingenfelder Shoy 2009</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This wonderfully aromatic dry Riesling-type wine comes from the Lingenfelder Estate in the Pfalz region of Germany. <br />
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<img alt="Lingenfelder" border="0" height="120" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/165.jpg" vspace="5" width="201" /><br />
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Shoy (short for Scheurebe-[shoy-ray-beh]) is a cross between Riesling and Silvaner. It is a full-bodied white wine very light yellow in color. It has aromas of fresh flowers and black currants, with crisp well-balanced acidity. Light flavors of black currants are gently accented with light flavors of apricots. A truly surprising wine with a lovely finish! We thoroughly enjoyed it with Spicy Indian Chicken bites. <br />
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Alcohol is 11% by volume. PLCB product code is 12536 and is available at a limited number of PA Wine and Spirit stores, but it is findable.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino;">Domaine des Carteresses 2010</span></b></span><br />
</span></div><div><div></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino;">This dry rose` wine comes from the Tavel appellation in the southern Rhone region of France. <br />
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<img align="left" alt="Tavel" border="0" height="300" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/166.png" vspace="5" width="200" />Lovely bold pink in color, it is a blend of 50% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 13% Clairette, 12% Picpoul and 10% Syrah. It has lush aromas of red summer berries with flavors of red berries, tobacco and spice. It has a strong and pleasant finish. Great when paired with roasted pork. <br />
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Alcohol is 14% by volume. PLCB product code 29339, sells for $12.99 a bottle and is available at a limited number of PA Wine and Spirit stores, but it is findable.</span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Up-coming Events </b></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like an up-coming (wine-related) event listed in our Vintage Connections Wine E-newsletter and Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury, please email a short summary of the event including the name of your event, name of your winery or organization, short description of the event, date, time, location and cost, at least two weeks in advance to us at </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT225"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net?" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintageconnections@Comcast.net</a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: small;">We will copy and paste your information into our newsletter and blog. We reserve the right to edit as we deem necessary and to not list or publish information at our own discretion.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">We plan to publish our newsletter and blog two times a month but may do so more or less often, so be sure to send information to us as far in advance of the event as possible.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT226"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8ED3YYVhdMy5S7i9cP-BzWMBwReBT7qAR1hjq3fxsdZOg==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair Vineyards</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Happy Hour</b><br />
Fri, January 20, 5:30pm - 8:30pm <br />
Food from Divine Dining, wine, and great music. Tapas Package is $25, which includes your choice of 3 tapas. Reservations are required. See website for details.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Syrah Release</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jan 28 - 29, $15 per person to taste Blair's Syrah, another from California and another from Rhone (France). Reservations not required. See website for details.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT227"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACQ1I6O2gsBjRhsN-r613m_YJwoRNlIgTNtDrNiAuAS2r" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest Winery</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Music</b> in the Vyneskeller Saturdays beginning January 28, 1:30-5 PM (SuperBowl Chili February 4, no music scheduled). See website for details.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT228"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACWS1AkRqq5J6H8Ku0SvJO0KNukxes3HYB-leccCUMXNYyEq26U-P6vUwIBmnCoLOgw==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span></b></span><br />
<b>Chocolate & Wine Pairing Event Weekend</b><br />
Saturday February 11th & <br />
Sunday February 12th, 2012<br />
(noon to 5 pm both days)</span>. No fees for these pairings but some wineries charge a modest fee for additional tastings. See website(s) for details.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span>Fun Fact</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><br />
The Picpoul grape (also known as Piquepoul) is a white grape grown primarily in the Rhone and Languedoc regions of France. There are both a dark (Noir) and light (Blanc) varieties. Often blended with Clairette because of the high acidity of Picpoul grapes. </span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Links</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">These are a few of our favorite wine-related businesses and organizations.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Wine Trails</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT229"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACWS1AkRqq5J6H8Ku0SvJO0KNukxes3HYB-zNMcFXFNk8" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span> <br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT230"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACXXXCCIqz31OT8QQ9OC2JnzsCBOp4SOulPJkTIKAuImb" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b><span>Wineries</span> </b></div></span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT231"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACRVgw6xCjGX0ipEfVokIqUoGIHf3u7jXIQ==" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a></span> </span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT232"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACfyoPQa5M3Z_99ZerL2TPQ146i1vNCGo41BSJDWiRLMX" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Manatawny Creek</a></span> </span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT233"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACRjgabyfABvagq79pvE-QxG0d1_vg9CXUoPH3bDNu9yS" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT234"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACQC0aziJvLi49hp8HbHMr2IIpcJPpW8qlCuiaNVbirbN" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Calvaresi</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT235"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACQ1I6O2gsBjRhsN-r613m_YDvki7o_O6ZQ==" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT236"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACTXzKWSlHmhadLOpkgeWy1hGDnbW09AK_g==" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Wine Bars (and restaurants)</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT237"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FDeTV5CSyACaYyUojT4-CRWgnq6hlvCiowRZ3t2JxqZQ==" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winedown</a></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT238"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109106274359&s=0&e=001R0UsFdzERRNFDgjp9zHP162uh7nUiG9FxqyUQKPEHHa_KiBMH4HCCfVt_PIgv3LlCvYM5jFxb8FWks2xDYwTouh31wRN-0zX3uXCQjrYxFNlV0cMt1_NAw==" shape="rect" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Seasonal Harvest Grill</a></span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #990000; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Vintage Connections</span></b> provides Wine Education and Consulting Services including wine classes and seminars, food and wine pairings, and wine tastings. In our newsletter and blogs we provide information and recommendations about wine, wine events, and the world of wine, primarily in the Montgomery, Berks, and Chester Tri-County Area of Southeastern Pennsylvania. We focus on affordable and accessible wines, mostly priced under $20 and available at PA Wine and Spirits stores or at wineries located in Eastern Pennsylvania. Contact us at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT239"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net?" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintageconnections@comcast.net</a></span></div></div></span></div></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-81623615319757701002012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T10:00:33.987-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - First Tip of 2012 and Last of our Top Ten in 2011<div style="color: #990033; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">CHEERS!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: #990033; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em></em></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">First New Wine Tip for 2012<br />
<br />
Playmates Fetish Wines 2008 <br />
Barossa Valley</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Our friends Steve and Lori introduced us to this wine. We bought a few, gave one as a gift, and REALLY enjoyed some more ourselves.<br />
<img align="left" alt="Playmates" border="0" height="321" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/164.gif" vspace="5" width="160" />This excellent dry red wine comes from the Barossa Valley in Southern Australia. It is a Rhone-style blend of 80% Shiraz, 10% Mataro and 10% Grenache. <br />
<br />
This dark red dry wine has aromas of fresh dark red fruits and flavors of cherries and plums. The three varietals blend beautifully and are well-balanced with a long-lasting finish. Excellent when paired with duck and red meats. Try it with your next pot of beef stew! Also extremely drinkable by itself. <br />
<br />
Alcohol is 14.5% by volume. PLCB product code is 32224. Currently a Chairman's Select it sells for $12.99 at many PA Wine and Spirit stores.</span> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Five Top Picks from 2011</span></b><br />
</span><span class="ccFontUpdated" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">We sense that many readers aren't really interested in last year's wines, in part because they can't find them any longer (PLCB wines, especially Chairman's Selects come and go, sometimes quickly). However, most of these remaining wines are still available, so buy them fast! <br />
<br />
<strong>Neil Ellis 2008 Pinotage:</strong> PLCB product code 19133, sells for $17.99. This Pinotage is still available at a few PA Wine and Spirits stores, including the Pottstown store. <br />
<br />
<strong>Dourthe Le Grande Cuvee 2010 Bordeaux Rose:</strong> PLCB product code 29350, sells for $11.99. This dry Rose is still available at a few PA Wine and Spirit stores. <br />
<br />
<strong>Gemtree Vineyards McLaren Vale Tadpole Shiraz 2008:</strong> PLCB product code 22914, sells for $13.99. This shiraz is limited in availability locally, closest store is at the Berkshire Mall. <br />
<br />
<strong>Rocca Dei Sanniti Vino Spumante Sparkling White Wine 2009:</strong> PLCB product code 13604, sells for $13.99 and is still a Chairman's Select and is available at many PA Wine and Spirit stores. <br />
<br />
<strong>Blackstone Reserve Chardonnay Sonoma 2008: </strong> PLCB product code 32349, sells for $9.99, is also still a Chairman's Select and is available at many PA Wine and Spirit stores including the store at Suburbia Shopping Center. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span><span class="ccFontUpdated" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span><span class="ccFontUpdated" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span><span class="ccFontUpdated" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><strong><span style="color: maroon;">U</span><span style="color: maroon;">p-coming Events</span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like an up-coming (wine-related) event listed in our Vintage Connections Wine E-newsletter and Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury, please email a short summary of the event including the name of your event, name of your winery or organization, short description of the event, date, time, location and cost, at least two weeks in advance to us at </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><strong> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT45"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net?" shape="rect" style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintageconnections@Comcast.net</a></span></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><span><strong>We will copy and paste your information into our newsletter and blog. We reserve the right to edit as we deem necessary and to not list or publish information at our own discretion.</strong></span></div><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;">We plan to publish our newsletter and blog two times a month but may do so more or less often, so be sure to send information to us as far in advance of the event as possible.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /></strong></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><strong>We're not purposefully scouring winery newsletters, websites, etc. to find events, but we opened Blair's recent newsletter and wanted to share these up-coming events with you.</strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <table style="width: 184px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT46"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQsHDIQL-uT3w3ytYcufTB43dVoRHcTz3W7TxvcNANdbl" shape="rect" style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair Vineyards</a></span></b><br />
<br />
<strong>Winemaker's Dinner</strong><br />
<strong>Sunday January 15th, 6pm</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> <div><span style="font-size: small;">This four course meal prepared by Chef Ben Smith is priced at $60 per person. Seating is limited. Contact the winery at 610-683-8463 for menu details and to make your reservation. .</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Happy Hour & Tapas</strong><br />
<strong>Friday, January 20th</strong><br />
<strong>5:30 to 8:30 pm</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> <div><span style="font-size: small;">Join the chefs from Divine Dining for another fabulous Happy Hour. Reservations are required, so please contact the winery for details and to save your spot. Music.<br />
Tapas plate $25. Wine may be purchased by the glass or by the bottle. Please no tastings during the event. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>2010 Syrah Release! <br />
January 28th & 29th</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"> We are releasing our 2010 Syrah at the end of January! We will be offering tastes of our 2010 Syrah, as well as a French Rhone & California Syrah side by side to compare the wines across the regions. For $15, you will receive 2 ounces pours of each of the three Syrahs, as well as chocolate pairings. Reservations are not needed for this event. However our 2010 Syrah will only be available for tasting and purchase this weekend if you take part in this event. The release for the general public will take place the following weekend. </span> </div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4c0171;"><span><span class="ccFontUpdated"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><div><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span>Fun Fact</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><br />
The varietal Mataro is also known as Mourvedre in most of Europe and the US and also as Monastrell in Spain. Often blended with syrah and grenache to add an interesting complexity to the Rhone-style blend. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Links</span></strong></span><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">These are a few of our favorite wine-related businesses and organizations.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Wine Trails</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT47"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQoaBOXCWQKb7TXIDWScv5mbRBJx_ZLFsAJZmco4Zq2HL" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span> <br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT48"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQrMYnHkO027rQjYMC2cK5mbkgNA-jr9dJs_t3MfzzKSg" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span><br />
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<div><b><span style="color: red;">Wineries</span> </b></div></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT49"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQn0--CTypAhdo-JWjGY1fXpozuwKlBgvvA==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT50"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQp5vv8EjDODNVyi2nvGEl56y_s8y7JE-mS_YJH8b1Cfz" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Manatawny Creek</a></span> </div><div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT51"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQsHDIQL-uT3w3ytYcufTB43dVoRHcTz3W7TxvcNANdbl" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT52"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQgUqUxOWUcGDiZ-Qna4yA-5LUL_f3a6eTRiDFjo537nX" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Calvaresi</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQnNa34gGCEfCpJlFJ71ryBk8j6A18MSu6g==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQvPZxCfth0uBPdRCnIG9nKVgL_8yY9mY3A==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Wine Bars (and restaurants)</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT55"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPRYuHpHVDmYQpR7R5Nd8qArCJDDSF2-ONyKQW0-iE1kRA==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winedown</a></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT56"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109045964612&s=0&e=0018R6wQ4sFCVOyS6-0AqzydH0fLSeCWAc2xOIdGOW-O8KnmkoncEtxl5WQJF_k4d7i6TjeDcU_nPR4fmfWldEd0LmOVVk7ekU6AcEvUBmufaG7Nk8lpBrk_w==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Seasonal Harvest Grill</a></span> </div></div></span></span><span><br />
</span></div></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-47809695221448459582011-12-29T09:40:00.000-05:002011-12-29T09:40:20.044-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - Another Two of Our Top Ten of 2011<div style="color: #990033; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Happy Holidays!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: #990033; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections <br />
Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>TWO MORE OF OUR TOP TEN OF 2011</em></span></b></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em> </em></span><span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Trapiche Oak Cask Pinot Noir 2009</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you enjoy a good French Burgundy, you will enjoy this pinot noir from Mendoza, Argentina. <br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" height="182" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/97.jpg" vspace="5" width="160" />It is a light, clear ruby red in color with aromas of black cherries. The flavor of fruit is light and subtle with notes of toasted bread and vanilla. Aged for nine months in French oak barrels, this wine is well-balanced with a pleasant finish. <br />
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Alcohol is 13% by volume. The Trapiche Oak Cask pinot noir is available at many PA Wine and Spirit stores sells for $11.99. PLCB product code is 5439.<br />
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Trapiche Winery is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Grapes for the Oak Cask pinot noir are gathered from various vineyards at different elevations creating a more complex wine. </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span> </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c0171; font-size: 14pt;"><span>2007 M. Cosentino Cabernet Franc<br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This excellent dry red wine comes from the Napa Valley in California. This cabernet franc is actually a blend of 83% cabernet franc and 17% merlot. It is garnet red in color, softening to almost pinkish at the edges. It has great aromas of red fruit and green pepper, so characteristic of cabernet francs. <br />
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Though high in alcohol (winemaker says 15.5% by volume), it did not taste hot as so many California wines do, but was pleasantly balanced. <br />
<img align="right" border="0" height="217" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/106.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="255" /><br />
We felt the addition of the merlot helped to give this wine a roundness that perhaps a California cabernet franc may otherwise be missing. We were pleasantly surprised by this wine. We tasted it at an Indian Valley Chapter of AWS tasting. We also felt that it was exceptional when paired with the homemade cream of mushroom soup. <br />
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Unfortunately, this is still not available in PA, except by ordering it through <em>Wine Access</em> or <em>Wine Express</em>, but we felt it was such an exceptional wine that it deserved to be brought to your attention.</span> </div><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fun Fact</span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Pinot Noir wines should be served slightly chilled (around 50 degrees) for younger Pinots to cool (around 60 degrees) for older Pinots. </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="color: maroon;">U</span><span style="color: maroon;">p-coming Events</span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>We're not purposefully scouring winery newsletters, websites, etc. to find events, but we opened Blair's recent newsletter and wanted to share these up-coming events with you.</strong></span></div><table style="width: 232px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> <table style="width: 184px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Blair Vineyards</strong></span><br />
<strong>Winemaker's Dinner</strong><br />
<strong>Sunday January 15th, 6pm</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> <div>This four course meal prepared by Chef Ben Smith is priced at $60 per person. Seating is limited. Contact the winery at 610-683-8463 for menu details and to make your reservation. .</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><strong>Happy Hour & Tapas</strong><br />
<strong>Friday, January 20th</strong><br />
<strong>5:30 to 8:30 pm</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> <div>Join the chefs from Divine Dining for another fabulous Happy Hour. Reservations are required, so please contact the winery for details and to save your spot. Music.<br />
Tapas plate $25. Wine may be purchased by the glass or by the bottle. Please no tastings during the event. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><strong>2010 Syrah Release! <br />
January 28th & 29th</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> <div>We are releasing our 2010 Syrah at the end of January! We will be offering tastes of our 2010 Syrah, as well as a French Rhone & California Syrah side by side to compare the wines across the regions. For $15, you will receive 2 ounces pours of each of the three Syrahs, as well as chocolate pairings. Reservations are not needed for this event. However our 2010 Syrah will only be available for tasting and purchase this weekend if you take part in this event. The release for the general public will take place the following weekend. </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you would like an up-coming (wine-related) event listed in our </span><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vint</span>age Connections Wine E-newsletter</em> and <em>Grapevine</em> blog in the Pottstown Mercury, please email a short summary of the event including the name of your event, name of your winery or organization, short description of the event, date, time, location and cost, at least two weeks in advance to us at <br />
<div><span><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT109"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net?" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintageconnections@Comcast.net</a></span></strong></span> </div> <div>We will copy and paste your information into our newsletter and blog. We reserve the right to edit as we deem necessary and to not list or publish information at our own discretion.</div></span><span style="color: maroon;"><br />
We plan to publish our newsletter and blog two times a month but may do so more or less often, so be sure to send information to us as far in advance of the event as possible. </span></div><div><span style="color: maroon;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Links</span></strong></span><br />
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<div><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">These are a few of our favorite wine-related businesses and organizations.</span></div> <div><b><span style="color: red;">Wine Trails</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT110"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jZ9OjvIT0VUq3_AXiLGfKuoVsryGO_zPUbzMusvzInnv" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span> <br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT111"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jfFIe4iMuEsi47l9m4-epWKcZSeFZrecnrne5rPmAXeC" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span><br />
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<div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wineries</span> </div></span></div><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT112"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jQOqBx0kGo1jGW_z8Q3dD-meQbUoQ8NmaA==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinnacle Ridge</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT113"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jbpA9G9dJeCycSaF8B0eqRRlOOfSxnYxBlcFBC_EGNWF" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Manatawny Creek</a></span> </div><div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT114"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jZC0pVStTxvGTJcQazi2KCdeeSnbt8aES1_82EojRiFr" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT115"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jdnG3QralPZxdWpAyUkVaK4ASqr9K8s9Kl-t04hGbwIk" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Calvaresi</a></span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT116"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jQEpZgpbu8Ljk0KZk5qT8H9Zcnbj4lDppg==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT117"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jd3rH6jUh2VlRCGbbx4QN2sGIQCUS1vFDQ==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Wine Bars (and restaurants)</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT118"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyX2v0XEud5jZBC3MvnPd_1UgMwD3GwgpZK9uBYgF2_LA==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winedown</a></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT119"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1109019428261&s=0&e=001KU-dFPfRJ94a1jAFMZwN-Hpf8odObgf4wDW7N9r2RbonaUrBDHgepU4zNDTTnXImIOeMWsOKLkyF8HvJUYodrnjM1owcCIQx4TzvD9u9yQSnfgiF1ENk2w==" shape="rect" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Seasonal Harvest Grill</a></span> </div></div></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><br />
</span></div><div style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-13291813222641149902011-12-22T16:50:00.002-05:002011-12-22T16:52:15.433-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - Two More of Our Top Ten of 2011<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">from Vintage Connections </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Dean and Lisa Foster </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Wine Educators and Consultants </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">TWO MORE OF OUR TOP TEN OF 2011</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000; font-size: large;">Clos LaChance Hummingbird Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000;">This dry red wine from the Central Coast of California is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to make up the last 7% of this Bordeaux style blend.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000;"><img align="right" alt="clos lachance" border="0" dfsrc="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/156.jpg" height="256" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/156.jpg" vspace="5" width="65" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000;">It is deep dark ruby red in color and has aromas of dark red berries and anise. Flavors of black currants and plums are gently subtle. It is best to allow this wine to sit open for about one hour previously to drinking. It has well-balanced tannins and a long-lasting finish. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. PLCB Product code is 32236 and is currently a Chairman's Select. This is a great bargain at $7.99 a bottle. (quoted at $18.00 a bottle). This is, unfortunately nearly sold out in the area, but as of 12/21 here is 1 bottle (according to the PLCB website) at the Suburbia Shopping Center and a few in Collegeville. Someone is sure to get there before we do!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">Llai Llai Chardonnay 2009 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #7f6000;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #7f6000;">This 100% Chardonnay wine comes from the Bio Bio Valley in Chile. It is light yellow in color with light aromas of fresh flowers and delicate oak.<img align="left" alt="Llai" border="0" dfsrc="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/157.jpg" height="150" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/157.jpg" vspace="5" width="82" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #7f6000;">It is able to ripen slowly in the climate of the Bio Bio Valley which allows the fresh tropical fruit flavors to come through with a light minerality. It has a long and pleasant finish. Alcohol is 13.3% by volume and residual sugar at 2.6 g/L. PLCB product code is 18797 and sells for $12.99. There is still some of this available at area PA Wine and Spirit Stores.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun Fact</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The tradition of toasting "to your health" originated in Greece where the host would sip the wine before his guests to prove that the wine was not poisoned or drugged and their "health" was not threatened by that particular host.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></span></span>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-50890132661600472372011-12-14T16:30:00.004-05:002011-12-14T16:34:04.436-05:00Wine Tips of the Week - Blackstone Reserve Chardonnay and Top Ten of 2011<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Cheers from Vintage Connections</strong> </span><br />
Dean and Lisa Foster <br />
Wine Educators and Consultants <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Blackstone Reserve Chardonnay Sonoma 2008</strong></span><br />
We were recently served this Chairman Select chardonnay at our friends Steve and Lori's home as an aperitif to an evening of wine, dinner and catching up with friends. What a delightful surprise. <img align="right" alt="Blackstone Chard" border="0" dfsrc="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/163.jpg" height="180" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/163.jpg" vspace="5" width="180" /><br />
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This California chardonnay was not the typical over-oaked chardonnay we've come to expect from California. It was deliciously smooth and buttery. Created at Blackstone's Kenwood Winery, this blend of 97% chardonnay and 3% muscat is pale yellow in color with fresh aromas of sweet apple pie and butterscotch. Flavors of lemon peel and lime along with fresh apples and pears are balanced by crisp acidity. This wine is full-bodied with a long-lasting pleasant finish. Great when paired with shrimp or salmon. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. PLCB product code is 32349 and sells for $9.99 at most PA Wine and Spirit stores. <br />
A GREAT VALUE! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>2011 Top Ten Favorites</strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This year we are once again going to look back through all the wines we've tasted this year and try to pick 10 of our favorites, though it is hard to pick just ten! We will list them in no particular order. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>90+ (Ninety Plus) Shiraz/Viognier Lot 4 2008</strong></span><br />
This surprising blend of shiraz and viognier comes the McLaren Vale in Australia. <img align="left" border="0" dfsrc="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" height="251" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="185" /><br />
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Though a blend of white and red grapes, this wine is not a rose`! The addition of the viognier to shiraz adds a delightful complexity. It is medium-bodied, deep dark red in color. The shiraz and viognier are co-fermented and then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. It has aromas of dark red fruits and just a hint of black pepper, with flavors of juicy dark berries and well integrated oak. The finish is long and savory. Alcohol is 14% by volume. PLCB product code is 3732 and sells for $13.99 a bottle. This wine is still available at some PA Wine and Spirit stores but could prove hard to find. Though a one time buy, this wine is also available as an SLO PLCB product code 510571 and sells for $14.79.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fun Fact</span><br />
The term "reserve" is often seen on a bottle of wine. But what does it really mean? If you are buying a French wine, it means you are probably getting the best that that winery has to offer. There are many rules and restrictions in France controlling the quality of a "reserve" wine. But in the US it actually doesn't mean anything. Anyone can put the term "reserve" on any wine, even the worst. Most reputable wineries though, will use<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Up-coming Events</span><br />
If you would like an up-coming (wine-related) event listed in our Vintage Connections Wine E-newsletter and Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury, please email a short summary of the event including the name of your event, name of your winery or organization, short description of the event, date, time, location and cost, at least two weeks in advance to us at <br />
<a href="mailto:Vintageconnections@Comcast.net">Vintageconnections@Comcast.net</a> <br />
We will copy and paste your information into our newsletter and blog. We reserve the right to edit as we deem necessary and to not list or publish information at our own discretion.<br />
We plan to publish our newsletter and blog two times a month but may do so more or less often, so be sure to send information to us as far in advance of the event as possible the term for what they feel is their best wine, or the wine-makers favorite. <br />
advance of the event as possible. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Links</span><br />
These are a few of our favorite wine-related businesses and organizations.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wine Trails</span><br />
<a href="http://www.berkscountywinetrail.com/">Berks County Wine Trail </a><br />
<a href="http://lehighvalleywinetrail.com/">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wineries </span><br />
<a href="http://pinridge.com/">Pinnacle Ridge</a><br />
<a href="http://www.manatawnycreekwinery.com/">Manatawny Creek </a><br />
<a href="http://blairvineyards.com/">Blair</a><br />
<a href="http://www.calvaresiwinery.com/">Calvaresi</a><br />
<a href="http://vynecrest.com/">Vynecrest</a><br />
<a href="http://galenglen.com/">Galen Glen</a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wine Bars (and restaurants)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.winedowncafe.net/">Winedown</a><br />
<a href="http://harvestseasonalgrill.com/">Seasonal Harvest Grill </a>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-71806490323349448522011-11-23T13:15:00.000-05:002011-11-23T13:15:05.020-05:00Quick Wine Tips for Thanksgiving<span style="color: maroon;"> <div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Thanksgiving Wine Tips</strong></span><br />
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We know these tips may be late, but hopefully "better late than never" for at least some of our readers.<br />
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Pairing wine with Thanksgiving dinner is difficult because of the variety of flavors and sweetness levels traditionally on the table. We recommend serving several wines with Thanksgiving dinner and finding out what you, your family and friends, like best.<br />
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Light reds like Gamay, light Pinot Noir, and dry rose (semi-dry depending on your taste) go well with turkey. Light reds and dry roses also stand up to dressings and many side dishes, although cranberries and sweet potatoes (especially with brown sugar and marshmellows) may make the wine taste a little too light and maybe a touch bitter.</span><span style="color: black;"> Vynecrest produces a Nouveau Beaujolais made from 100% Gamay and Pinnacle Ridge produces a Chambourcin Rose, both of which should pair well with turkey. </span><img align="left" border="0" height="120" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/162.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="120" /><br />
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Some whites also pair well with turkey but too often whites will be overwhelmed by cranberries, sweet potatoes, and some stuffings. A light white with touch of sweetness, rather than a heavy, oaked chardonnay, should work well.<br />
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We especially like dry and semi-dry white and rose sparklings with turkey and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes. <br />
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<div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What We're Drinking</span></div><br />
This Thanksgiving we're drinking a dry rose from Barren Ridge (one of our favorite Virginia wineries), Brut Rose from Pinnacle Ridge (a very dry, light, sparkling rose made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes), and Trapiche Extra Brut Sparkling from Mendoza, Argentina, which we've reviewed several times and have used at several large wine tasting events. We also highly recommend Manatawny's Blanc de Blanc sparkling, especially if you like your sparkling with just a touch of residual sugar (sweetness) and Pinnacle Ridge's Blanc de Blanc if you like even a touch more sweetness to your sparkling. Vynecrest has produced a sparkling Chambourcin, but we have not tried it.<img align="right" border="0" height="154" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/50.gif" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="175" /><br />
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More about Sparkling</span></div><br />
Pinnacle Ridge's Brut Rose and Trapiche Extra Brut are very dry and so may be too dry for some readers. The Brut level of sweetness (dryness) is more popular and many readers will prefer a semi-dry level of sweetness in their sparkling wine. Both Manatawny's and Pinnacle Ridge's Blanc de Blancs are good bets in this medium range (with Mantawny's being a bit drier than Pinnacle's). Extra Dry sparkling is a little sweeter than Brut and Demi-Sec is clearly a sweet dessert-type sparkling. <br />
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Korbell produces a full line of sparklings (from naturel which is the driest to demi-sec which is the sweetest), with most of these usually available in most PLCB stores. Flexinet from Spain also produces several sparklings and is worth a try. <br />
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Let us know what you've been drinking and what you like !<br />
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<div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! </span></div></span></div></span>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-83447721795850561052011-11-18T13:29:00.000-05:002011-11-18T13:29:46.130-05:00Wine Tips of the Week: Don't Buy Beaujolais Nouveau This Year! And praising Malbec.<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Beaujolais Nouveau <span>(Georges Duboeuf</span>) 2011</strong></span><br />
<br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;">We've never directly recommended against buying a wine before (not in our newsletter or blog, anyway). Last year we recommended the Beaujolais Nouveau 2010, bought several bottles ourselves including the 1.5 L bottle, and took this wine to a party or two. Not this year. <br />
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Nouveau is released every year on the 3rd Thursday of November. This year that was Thursday, November 17. The <span>Georges Duboeuf</span> is the only 2011 <span>Beaujolais Nouveau</span> available off the shelf in PLCB stores. Others are available by special order.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
The <span><span>Georges Duboeuf</span> </span>is </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span>Beaujolais Nouveau </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">thin and bitter. We don't expect much of this wine in any year but this year, despite our low expectations, we were REALLY disappointed. </span><strong style="font-weight: normal;">But, don't take our word for it. Go ahead and buy a bottle and let us know what you think. </strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> It's currently available at all PLCB stores, product code 5877, for $12.99 (plus tax) per 750 ml bottle. 1.5 L bottles are also available for $23.99 (plus tax). Most stores have big displays near the front of the store. </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Reuters news release says "Beaujolais seeks to burnish its image as a wine to celebrate the new vintage and dampen criticism that its popularity lies more in the marketing than in the quality of the wine." Judge for yourself. This year we think it's all about marketing. </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Beaujolais region, within the Burgundy region of France, produces some fine wine. Like Nouveau Beaujolais, other Beaujolais wines are made from the Gamay grape. Generally, wines made from Gamay are light and fruity and easy to drink. We've tasted (and bought) a few made in the USA and they have been good wines. </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nouveau Beaujolais is made differently from other Beaujolais and Gamay wines. It is made quickly, taking about 10 weeks from harvest to market. The juice spends almost no time on its grape skins and never sees oak, so it is light in tannin. The idea is to produce an inexpensive, light, drinkable wine quickly to celebrate the new harvest (and to help with cash flow). The wine and its release is highly celebrated and usually a lot of fun. But, we're not buying any more this year and aren't sure if the wine still in the bottle we opened yesterday will find its way to the glass, or just the kitchen sink. </span></span></span><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em> </em></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><br />
</em></span></div><span style="color: #4c0171;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></strong></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #4c0171;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Malbec </span></strong> <div style="color: #4c0171; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c0171; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <div style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Let's talk about some good wine. Last night we went to a Malbec tasting at the monthly meeting of the Indian Valley Chapter of the American Wine Society. <br />
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<img align="right" border="0" height="299" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/161.jpg" vspace="5" width="244" />We've been looking forward to this tasting for months and we were not disappointed. The hosts served six Malbecs including three from Argentina, two from France, and one from Washington State. Some were blends with Malbec composing less than half of the blend. In the case of Washington wine, only 4% we Malbec. But, we're fine with these blends because Malbec is often used as a blending wine to add color and complexity to other wines. Tasting the blends was interesting and educational. However, we're still fans of 1005 (or close) Malbecs from Mendoza, Argentina, and have been drinking, writing, and recommending several over the past few years. <br />
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Our favorite last night was Maipe Reserve from Mendoza. However, the surprise of the evening and the overall favorite of the group was Chateau Caminade Cahors "La Commnadery 2088 (Cohors, France). Although our hosts purchased all of their Malbecs from Wine.com, this favorite is available in PA as a special order, PLCB code 52318 for $21.89 per bottle with a minimum order of 12 bottles.<br />
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A Maipe Malbec is available at some PLCB stores, code 25616, for only $11.99 per bottle. This is NOT the reserve we tasted last night, but at this price, we're going to try it (the reserve from Wine.com was only $13.79 per bottle).<br />
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In our last blog and newsletter, we recommended Altivo Barrel Select Malbec, which we used at the <span style="color: #4c0171; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">benefit wine tasting at the Pottstown Regional Public Library</span>, which was very successful thanks to the 70 people who attended. We've repeated that past article below.<br />
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We've found that there are different styles of Malbec fruity, powerful, and complex. We prefer the complex style, which is big, bold, and with a little less alcohol (13.5 % vs. 14.9%) than the powerful style. Overall, Malbec is usually lighter in tannins than you'd expect given its color. We like the sharper tannins, more complex and intense taste, which is why we probably preferred the Maipe over the Cahors and other four Malbecs last night.</div><div style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"> </div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c0171; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><span>Altivo Barrel Select Malbec</span></b><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This rich full-bodied dry red wine comes from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. </span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is made from 100% malbec grapes from one of the oldest estates at Altivo vineyards. Pleasantly aromatic, it features lovely aromas of boysenberries with a hint of basil. Flavors of rich dark fruits are well balanced with tannins and acidity. It has a long lasting finish. </span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> <img align="right" alt="barrel room" border="0" height="147" hspace="-1" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/7.jpg" vspace="5" width="197" /></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is one more of the wines we'll be featuring at the Pottstown Library Benefit Tasting on Saturday, November 5.</span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Alcohol is 13.5% by volume with residual sugar at 2.6 grams per liter. Great when paired with beef of lamb. PLCB product code is 19768 and sells for $14.99 at many PA Wine and Spirit stores, including the Pottstown store the last time we checked.</span></div></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c0171; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div> </div></span></span></span><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><strong>Up-coming Events</strong></span></span></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000;"> </span> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT68" style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT68" style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108667248928&s=0&e=001wLi4BT6XkfNxdDpzH5UItf0caxRk84RtmKI1pWWEutXX_pbgbQXs4HH4CwBBdakx-obW8L2pcXpVLcVjSHyeAlxZ6VR_u_V2CVWQ7r9okqsOfZUpjTAw0VK0woLQupYs" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000;"><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT69"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108667248928&s=0&e=001wLi4BT6XkfNxdDpzH5UItf0caxRk84RtmKI1pWWEutXX_pbgbQXs4HH4CwBBdakx-obW8L2pcXpVLcVjSHyeAlxZ6VR_u_V2CVWQ7r9okqsy0P4f79iPZ-Q0TS8hGR0wRvhGca2e8wTDB1nOIhu7Jbfpn6oDzlYu" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nouveau Weekend</a></span> </div><div><br />
November 19 & 20<br />
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(From the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail website) <br />
</div>This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. Nouveau wines are light, fruity and semi-dry to dry red wines.<br />
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It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.<br />
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<div>Tip: March Madness passports also go on sale this weekend. Get them before they sell out!</div> </div><br style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000;" /><table bgcolor="#000000" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: black;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c0171; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-27798332109022330592011-11-02T21:04:00.000-04:002011-11-02T21:04:42.643-04:00The Seeker Sauvignon Blanc and One Last Chance - Pottstown Library Wine Tasting<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em>WINES of the SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE</em></span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000090; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Call the Library at 610-970-6551</span><span style="color: #000090; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000090; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>before NOON on FRIDAY</span> to reserve your place </span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000090; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">at the Pottstown Regional Public Library Benefit Wine Tasting </span></div></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Saturday, November 5 </span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">at the <span></span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT38"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108454697695&s=0&e=001K4GMGGEx7JafFZm7DishV48Oo8PLzzBy3z2nkURBtwuqeh15YLPKOI3QuxED-meQ9ux3JgzkwhJ_K3uvfLs0SNbbZsI7C-yY" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Regional Public Library </a></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT38"></span>on High Street in Pottstown </span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffe599; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">$40 per person </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Seeker Sauvignon Blanc</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">This crisp, refreshing sauvignon blanc is typical of so many sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, New Zealand. Crafted from grapes from three premier vineyards in Marlborough, this 100% sauvignon blanc has aromas of fresh summer herbs with fruity flavors of nectarine and citrus. It has a long, pleasant finish with balanced acidity. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. PLCB product code is 3249 and sells for $12.99 at most PA Wine and Spirit stores. </span><br />
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<img align="left" alt="Seeker" border="0" height="200" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/159.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="135" /></span> <div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">This is one of the six wines we're featuring at the Pottstown Regional Public Library Wine Tasting Fund-Raiser on Saturday night, November 5. </span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;"><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; text-align: left;"><b style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Altivo Barrel Select Malbec</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br />
This rich full-bodied dry red wine comes from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. <img align="left" alt="barrel room" border="0" height="136" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/7.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="182" /><br />
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It is made from 100% malbec grapes from one of the oldest estates at Altivo vineyards. Pleasantly aromatic, it features lovely aromas of boysenberries with a hint of basil. Flavors of rich dark fruits are well balanced with tannins and acidity. It has a long lasting finish. <br />
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This is one more of the wines we'll be featuring at the Pottstown Library Benefit Tasting on Saturday, November 5.<br />
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Alcohol is 13.5% by volume with residual sugar at 2.6 grams per liter. Great when paired with beef of lamb. PLCB product code is 19768 and sells for $14.99 at many PA Wine and Spirit stores, including the Pottstown store the last time we checked.</span></b></div><br />
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<div style="background-color: #cccccc; border-bottom: 1px dotted rgb(51, 0, 0); border-color: rgb(51, 0, 0); color: #330033; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Wines of the Southern Hemisphere</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Support <a href="" shape="rect">the Pottstown Regional Public Library<br />
</a></span><span><span> <div><span> <div>Saturday, November 5, beginning at 6:30 PM<br />
at the Pottstown Regional Public Library<br />
500 East High Street, Pottstown.<br />
<br />
$40 per person in advance. </div></span></div></span><span> <div><span> <div>Call the Library at 610-970-6551 to register.</div></span></div></span><span> <div><br />
<div><span>Taste 6 wines, including this unique shiraz/viogner blend from Australia, each from a different country in the Southern Hemisphere. <span><br />
<img align="right" border="0" height="244" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="180" /><br />
Wine presentation and com</span></span><span>ments by <a href="" shape="rect"><em>Vintage Connections</em>, </a>Dean and Lisa Foster.<br />
</span></div><div><span>Each wine paired with an appetizer prepared by Jerry DeLena and his Magic Grillability.</span></div> <div><span>Music by Dillan Taylor, classic guitarist</span></div><div><span><br />
</span></div><div> </div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;"> <div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT36"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108454697695&s=0&e=001K4GMGGEx7JafFZm7DishV48Oo8PLzzBy3z2nkURBtwuqeh15YLPKOI3QuxED-meQJpK_YkYC_QlgjU6zVa5jLSHEBdhTuugYEV1pSkZVOQ8vzXuFObUw7MQFTos-zaDy" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT37"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108454697695&s=0&e=001K4GMGGEx7JafFZm7DishV48Oo8PLzzBy3z2nkURBtwuqeh15YLPKOI3QuxED-meQJpK_YkYC_QlgjU6zVa5jLSHEBdhTuugYEV1pSkZVOQ_3HBRfRbRAJ2yC8vAP2e9nCHU3Y5rGEipZa-bFDhfTI4IMv4A4x2oh" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nouveau Weekend</a></span> </span></div><div><br />
November 19 & 20, 2011<br />
</div>This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. Nouveau wines are light, fruity and semi-dry to dry red wines.<br />
<br />
It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.<br />
<br />
<div>Tip: March Madness passports also go on sale this weekend. Get them before they sell out!</div></div><table bgcolor="#000000" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table></div></span> </span></span></b></div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-78843556465936603972011-10-27T11:30:00.001-04:002011-10-27T11:31:27.552-04:00Last Chance to Register for Wines of the Southern Hemisphere to Benefit Pottstown Regional Public Library<div style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: white; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">from Vintage Connections </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="background-color: #d0e0e3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Wine Educators and Consultants </i></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Register NOW for the Pottstown Regional Public Library </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Benefit Wine Tasting </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>WINES of the SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE</i></span></div></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">to be held on </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Saturday, November 5</span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">beginning at 6:30 PM </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">at the </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108351045523&s=0&e=001i0QO0Voz2tBIPLmupfU5SB3ifBPknQIggzBw04cFZEwLN6zg8oCVg02kV8ZscTHDTJTU4b-4q_h14XWClr9E-GlYMp_paKzr" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Regional Public Library </a> </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">on High Street in Pottstown </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To register, call the Library SOON at 610-970-6551</span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">$40 per person </span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><b>Taste 6 wines, each from a different country in the Southern Hemisphere. <br />
<br />
Wine presentation and com</b></b><b><b>ments by <a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect">Vintage Connections, </a>Dean and Lisa Foster.<br />
</b></b></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><b>Each wine paired with an appetizer prepared by Jerry DeLena and his Magic Grillability.</b></b></div><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b> </b> </b><div style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><b>Music by Dillan Taylor, classic guitarist.</b></b></div><div></div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: maroon;"> </span></div></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br style="background-color: #cfe2f3;" /></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: maroon;"><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">90+ (Ninety Plus) Shiraz/Viognier</div></span></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: maroon;"> <div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="right" border="0" height="190.8" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="140.4" /> </div></span><span style="color: maroon;"><b>One of the six wines to be featured at </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br style="background-color: #cfe2f3;" /><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon;"><b><i>Wines of the Southern Hemisphere</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon;"><b><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Wine Tasting Benefit for the Pottstown Regional Public Library</div></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"> <div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This surprising blend of shiraz and viognier comes from McLaren Vale in Australia. Though a blend of white and red grapes, this wine is definitely a red wine. </div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The addition of the viognier to shiraz adds a delightful complexity to the wine. 90+ is medium-bodied and deep dark red in color. The shiraz and viognier are co-fermented and then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. It has aromas of dark red fruits and just a hint of black pepper, with flavors of juicy dark berries and well integrated oak. The finish is long and savory.</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Alcohol is 14% by volume. PLCB product code is 3732 and sells for $13.99 a bottle. This wine is still available at some Chester and Montgomery County PA Wine and Spirit stores. Though a one time buy, this wine is also available as a SLO, PLCB product code 510571 and sells for $14.79.</div></span></span></div><span style="color: maroon;"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></div></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Up-coming Events</b></span> </div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: purple;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108351045523&s=0&e=001i0QO0Voz2tBIPLmupfU5SB3ifBPknQIggzBw04cFZEwLN6zg8oCVg02kV8ZscTHDD0I2WkEN0WHqcc5Xajcx_gCPP94yvIzRcqfqMBlBj7F3RAjIo46hmPZpL_tcmkYF" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108351045523&s=0&e=001i0QO0Voz2tBIPLmupfU5SB3ifBPknQIggzBw04cFZEwLN6zg8oCVg02kV8ZscTHDD0I2WkEN0WHqcc5Xajcx_gCPP94yvIzRcqfqMBlBj7GFcYFEszah00DuTw-dPihRCua7mJ5Uw5PeNjLaksgv5qk5EW6_KiX8" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nouveau Weekend</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
November 19 & 20, 2011<br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. Nouveau wines are light, fruity and semi-dry to dry red wines.<br />
<br />
It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.<br />
</span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: small;">Tip: March Madness passports also go on sale this weekend. Get them before they sell out!</span></div></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></div></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-46416711942878014052011-10-15T09:53:00.014-04:002011-10-15T09:58:17.936-04:00Last Chance to Register for Mom's House Benefit Wine Dinner<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">from Vintage Connections </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </i></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This weekend, October 15 and 16, is the LAST CHANCE to register for the Mom's House Benefit Wine Dinner</span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">to be held on </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Friday, October 21 </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT44"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcmzxojYEyOEkfjaItocbEyzGwtESjaL-N01DvrcxN_UZVqZl46L7oFUI=" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Columbia Station</a></span> in Phoenixville. </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT45"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcm5j3-d4gyPe741MHJ88xN6RCto_M2bVWKUdVZrSsvH6som7mCeGBJrdLACnYWdEf46ccdQEWS6LgztLNwY7B8N8=" shape="rect" style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Register on-line by clicking here. </a></span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT45"> </span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT45"> </span></div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #c27ba0; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #5e0069;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT46"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcm5j3-d4gyPe741MHJ88xN6RCto_M2bVWKUdVZrSsvH6som7mCeGBJrdRMUE49t5SZefzstzcrlYt" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House</a></span> Wine Dinner</span></b></span></div></span><b style="background-color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: #c27ba0; color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>LAST CHANCE to register is this weekend, October 15-16, <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT47"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcm5j3-d4gyPe741MHJ88xN6RCto_M2bVWKUdVZrSsvH6som7mCeGBJrdLACnYWdEf46ccdQEWS6LgztLNwY7B8N8=" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">on-line only</a></span>.</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
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</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Friday, October 21 at <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT48"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcmzxojYEyOEkfjaItocbEyzGwtESjaL-N0wjnB33FfiHUZIsVDeq5FqcU4-g9vj6TNg==" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Robert Ryan's Columbia Station.</a></span></b> Begins at 6:30 PM with an aperitif and appetizers while browsing over 50 silent auction items. Dinner begins promptly at 7:30 PM. </b></span></div><div style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Five course, sit-down dinner, each course featuring a specially chosen wine and food pairing. </div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b> <br />
Wine presentation and comments by <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT49"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGjKHsNXWf_ojTxz6Va5qj07x5Qx3eRHGXnpRyMYg-nBQsIV7UzFcJ8v" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintage Connections</a></span></b>, Dean and Lisa Foster.<b><img align="right" border="0" height="270" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/155.png" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="90" /></b></b></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b>Silent Auction featuring over 50 items.</b></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b>Support <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT50"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcm5j3-d4gyPe741MHJ88xN6RCto_M2bVWKUdVZrSsvH6som7mCeGBJrdRMUE49t5SZefzstzcrlYt" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House</a></span></b> and its Mission</b></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b>$75 per person, $525 for a table of eight.</b></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b>Reservations at 610-935-7711 or on-line at</b><b> </b></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT51"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGgFDqJptIqcm5j3-d4gyPe741MHJ88xN6RCto_M2bVWKUdVZrSsvH6s8LquqR1whCU=" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.momshouse-phoenixville.org</a></span></b><br />
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</div><div style="background-color: #ffd966; color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: maroon;">Another wine-tasting event!!<br />
<u><i>Wines of the Southern Hemisphere</i></u></span></span><br />
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<div style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b>Wine Tasting to benefit the<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT52"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGiK03XV5rs4iABD8f7ppAiwXcuQyRnFHTcpglzHv6qj2Q==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> Pottstown Regional Public Library</a></span></b> at the Library, 500 East High Street, Pottstown.</b></span></span></div><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><b><br />
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<div style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b>Taste 6 wines, each from a different country in the Southern Hemisphere. <b><br />
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Wine presentation and com</b></b></span><span style="color: maroon;"><b><b>ments by <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=0&e=0013Ua3nBCd900da_0ZsZCuxe6cjD4xIMHeycaSVnnW42qeFsuUwBBsjHdsjGXqQthKLlVTgIi3PGjKHsNXWf_ojTxz6Va5qj07x5Qx3eRHGXnpRyMYg-nBQsIV7UzFcJ8v" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintage Connections, </a></span>Dean and Lisa Foster.<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" height="238.5" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="175.5" /></b></b></span></span></div><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b>Each wine paired with an appetizer prepared by Jerry DeLena and his Magic Grillability.</b></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b>Music by Dillan Taylor, classic guitarist.</b></span></span><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><b><br />
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<div style="background-color: #ffd966;"></div><div style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, November 5, beginning promptly at 6:30 PM.<br />
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$40 per person in advance. <br />
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Tickets available at the Library or call at 610.970.6551. </span></b></span></div><span style="background-color: #ffd966; color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And yet another wine-tasting event!!</div></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Indian Valley Benefit Wine Tasting</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Saturday, November 5, 2011</b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div><span style="font-size: small;"><b>7:00 - 10:00 pm</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>$50 per person ($55 after November 1)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Featuring a sampling of fine wines (served in a souvenir etched wine glass), hearty hors d'oeuvres, coffee, and desserts. Includes a raffle and silent auction to benefit the library. Purchase tickets on the library website or in person. Tickets purchased online will be held at the door.<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=7Ki9MyakDRDU0ZS5b92N-nWgAon8RQkNdXuw2-9BtG-o-KLxn7QtDMph7pm&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081988562bf19d61623c669b34e5cd175ba4a" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Register on-line by clicking here.</a></span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Follow their <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT105"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1108140981580&s=1&e=0013Ua3nBCd902rsgcZcNLJYIoksCd-Im74uks41EfYXA4mVngYkthTm2pEWCXYADsXUUqiphfYpDKaW-GGNdRDSOK5bXEre3FTdMFLC2xknQ4AXC6ZXzqM3LkT5J8ekGmj" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Wine Tasting page on Facebook</a></span> for info on </span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: small;">participating restaurants, raffle/silent auction items, corporate sponsors, and even enter to win two bottles of wine!</span></b><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-78360377816538025662011-10-06T13:18:00.000-04:002011-10-06T13:18:04.089-04:00Wine Tips of the Week - Clos LaChance Cabernet and Llai Llai Chardonnay<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </i></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Please support <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT77"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prtnyYLdrxlrZsSGiyIC6TuB12KMMkAymnFxRg7U8IU4ujsWsWl4z8gDDV8UIEpGBdu_ql8q8RKQg==" shape="rect" style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House of Phoenixville </a></span>and the </span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT78"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZwDYwma6kSFre3lG1B9yLJXLuGulFY4lO" shape="rect" style="color: #000090; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Regional Public Library</a></span> through their up-coming wine tasting events. Basic information is available in the Up-coming events column of this blog. More information is available in our <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT79"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZZrETFVPfACMq59dIlu4x4es3s6n8UliCQ60CPt1HbxHLTYBQFp6M3Q==" shape="rect" style="color: green; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Grapevine</a></span> blog last week.</span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">We'll be presenting and talking about some very good wines that are available at many local PLCB stores. </span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Dean and Lisa Foster</span> </span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="background-color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wine Tip of the Week #1</b></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Clos LaChance Hummingbird Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007</b></span> <br />
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<div><span style="color: #590000;">This dry red wine from the Central Coast of California is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to make up the last 7% of this Bordeaux-style blend. </span></div><div><span style="color: #590000;"><img align="left" alt="clos lachance" border="0" height="256" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/156.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="65" /></span></div><div></div><div><span style="color: #590000;">It is deep dark ruby red in color and has aromas of dark red berries and anise. Flavors of black currants and plums are gently subtle. It is best to allow this wine to sit open for about one hour previously to drinking. It has well-balanced tannins and a long-lasting finish. Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. PLCB Product code is 32236 and is currently a Chairman's Select. This is a great bargain at</span></div></span></div><div style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino;"><span style="color: #590000;">$7.99 a bottle. (quoted at $18.00 a bottle). It is available at most PA Wine and Spirit Stores. </span> <br />
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<div><b><span style="color: red;">We will be pairing this wine with Carved Top Round of Beef at the up-coming fund-raising dinner for </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT80"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prtnyYLdrxlrZsSGiyIC6TuB12KMMkAymnFxRg7U8IU4ujsWsWl4z8gw4qAlghXWnhtyGxXvqLt2dO1HJ-cjV7l" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia,Palatino; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House in Phoenixville. Register by clicking on this link or call</a></span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prtnyYLdrxlrZsSGiyIC6TuB12KMMkAymnFxRg7U8IU4ujsWsWl4z8gw4qAlghXWnhtyGxXvqLt2dO1HJ-cjV7l" shape="rect" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia,Palatino; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> 610 935-7711.</a></b></div></span></div><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966; color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #351c75; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><b>Wine Tip of the Week</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> #2</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Llai Llai Chardonnay 2009</span></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #351c75; text-align: left;"></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">This 100% Chardonnay wine comes from the Bio Bio Valley in Chile. <img align="right" alt="Llai" border="0" height="150" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/157.jpg" vspace="5" width="82" />Llai Llai is light yellow in color with light aromas of fresh flowers and delicate oak. It is able to ripen slowly in the climate of the Bio Bio Valley which allows the fresh tropical fruit flavors to come through with a light minerality. It has a long and pleasant finish. Alcohol is 13.3% by volume and residual sugar at 2.6 g/L (which is still very dry). PLCB product code is 18797 and sells for $12.99 at many PA Wine and Spirit Stores. <b> </b></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>We will be using this wine at the up-coming<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><div><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT81"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZwDYwma6kSFre3lG1B9yLJXLuGulFY4lO" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Regional Library</a></span></b><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> fund-raiser. Register by calling </span></b>(610) 970-6551.</div></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><div><b></b></div></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Fun Fact</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a general guideline, Chardonnay is best served at 55 degrees. If served cooler, the fruit flavors are lost. At warmer temperatures the oak flavors become too strong and the wine begins to taste dull. To achieve the 55 degree optimum temperature for Chardonnay, chill in the refrigerator approximately 2 hours, in the freezer for 15 minutes and on ice for 5 minutes. This varies somewhat depending on the specific Chardonnay but it's easier to warm the wine a bit by cupping the glass in your hands than it is to cool it more after serving.</span></span><br />
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<div align="center" style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Up-coming Events</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"><div><span style="color: red;"><strong><strong><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prCchAY9_k7e8uMOrYqys1U-yRXfy0UtDHnQzlUxsCKxzN9Q2FzqG3K" shape="rect" style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Schuylkill River Festival</a></strong> Saturday, October 8, </strong></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><strong>11 AM - 4 PM </strong></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><strong>Riverfront Park in Pottstown</strong></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><strong>This is not a wine event but we will be there demonstrating geocaching. </strong></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><strong>Fun for the entire family.</strong></span></div></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT48"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4pq_nzu50yUhoCFzFCFVETHllts3i3zwUbGDyYC48OpOiQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Berks County Wine Trail Members are all participating in</a></span></b> </span></div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Artisan Wine & Cheese Pairing Weekend </b></div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>October 8th & 9th</b><br />
Noon to 5:00 PM both days!</div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT49"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4priwkbceqfTX62jyaWZMyV7O48GvSVPApU=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Pinnacle Ridge</a></span></b></span></div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=627624303750366764&postID=7836037781653802566" shape="rect">Jazz and Blues in the Barn</a> </div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=627624303750366764&postID=7836037781653802566" shape="rect">Sunday, Oct. 9</a> </div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT50"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4priwkbceqfTX62jyaWZMyV7N6tTU3uo2x7auCelAhxn8w==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span><b> </b></div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT51"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4ppGGEUZlWUH-C34TlvvwbEt7exH-HJ51TVEGYZABAWgQA==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Manatawny Creek Winery</a></span></b> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT52"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4porEZkPnYw8DRRbuKAQTdHsN41cajDmx7c=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Blair Vineyards</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZ8lB4WZO6uduu-9G978yqGj1fn92Ns_AFVe7NinREKmc=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Calvaresi Winery</a></span></b><br />
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<div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4ppJbErZ0AChn9wnd-9EaZHUAyPMSqP1TCKbbYpr-JAeOg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Vynecrest</a></span> </b></div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Music in the Vyneskeller every Saturday, 1-4:30 PM </div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT55"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4ppJbErZ0AChn9wnd-9EaZHU1GtNn36Auowisq95TfJcrg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span> </div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT56"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prXJaoqNj7ChRoIFzjme3l3Flm3gURs1hNvaIS6LLKadA==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span></b></div></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT57"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prtnyYLdrxlrZsSGiyIC6TuB12KMMkAymnFxRg7U8IU4ujsWsWl4z8gDDV8UIEpGBdu_ql8q8RKQg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House </a></span> </b><br />
Benefit Wine Dinner</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">at Columbia Station</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Robert Ryan Catering</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Phoenixville</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">(new location and food)<br />
<b>Friday, October 21</b><br />
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM<br />
$75/person<br />
$525 for table of 8</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT58"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZSbJvSEyY4prtnyYLdrxlrZsSGiyIC6TuB12KMMkAymnFxRg7U8IU4ujsWsWl4z8gDDV8UIEpGBdu_ql8q8RKQg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to website for reservations</a></span><br />
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</div><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT59"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107999572720&s=0&e=0016CovRgeoYvn2X26SMLNN3FMo58St8ZEkfYjHiCA9iTgrFItMqB8ja8MdfCfWcyvZwDYwma6kSFre3lG1B9yLJXLuGulFY4lO" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Public Library</a></span></b> <br />
Benefit Wine Tasting<br />
<b>Saturday, November 5</b><br />
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM<br />
$40 per person<br />
Call Library at 610-970-6551<br />
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT60"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Contact Vintage Connections</a></span> to arrange a customized wine seminar, wine tasting, wine and food pairing, or any kind of wine related event. </div></span></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-15162334323435123332011-09-28T13:06:00.000-04:002011-09-28T13:06:37.525-04:00Special Issue - Benefit Wine Tastings, Pottstown Library and Mom's House<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">from Vintage Connections </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dean and Lisa Foster </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </i></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This Special Issue features information about two upcoming Wine Tasting Benefits.</span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Friday, October 21 at Columbia Station in Phoenixville to benefit <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT208"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-fklU_eO63wQ1sfNqYoR3vWWKOLNUd64_5RtMmmc7W0ybxx_I5VxtCEdaTVJ6xbx-dYp-7lb4EYRklgjsSmwjHU" shape="rect" style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House of Phoenixville</a></span></span></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Saturday, November 5 at the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT209"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-due2ogYuFn5gzfuCNKZQIkPJpK5ExJiLbb15BLmGSsfQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Regional Public Library </a></span>to benefit the Library</span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">See below for detailed information. </span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #5e0069;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT210"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-fklU_eO63wQ1sfNqYoR3vWWKOLNUd64_5RtMmmc7W0ybxx_I5VxtCEdaTVJ6xbx-dYp-7lb4EYRklgjsSmwjHU" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House</a></span> Wine Tasting</span></b></span><br />
</div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"></b><div align="center" style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>Friday, October 21 at <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT211"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-fklU_eO63wQ6YPPxYSxR2wXhK8_EdLU__v23RNRTarw4ocUKR4ldK8l1d_eLQOBGeiCeb93cKT6A==" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Robert Ryan's Columbia Station.</a></span></b> Begins promptly at 6:30 PM. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>Five course, sit-down dinner, each course featuring a specially chosen wine and food pairing. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>Wine presentation and comments by <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT212"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-dIjQkhq8bua-wCeyDGIj9mlCNeVtMYGILy36IiOmxQf3T-t88M_KsK" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintage Connections</a></span></b>, Dean and Lisa Foster.<b><img align="right" border="0" height="270" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/155.png" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="90" /></b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>Silent Auction featuring over 100 items.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>Support <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT213"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-fklU_eO63wQ1sfNqYoR3vWWKOLNUd64_5RtMmmc7W0ybxx_I5VxtCEdaTVJ6xbx-dYp-7lb4EYRklgjsSmwjHU" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House</a></span></b> and its Mission</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>$75 per person, $525 for a table of eight.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #5e0069; font-size: small;"><b>Reservations at 610-935-7711 or on-line at</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT214"> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT214"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-fklU_eO63wQ1sfNqYoR3vWWKOLNUd64_5RtMmmc7W0ybxx_I5VxtCEeY7lzWGDEZg=" shape="rect" style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.momshouse-phoenixville.org</a></span> </b></span></div></div></span><br />
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</div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: maroon;">Wines of the Southern Hemisphere</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b;"><b> </b></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>Wine Tasting to benefit the<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT215"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-due2ogYuFn5gzfuCNKZQIkPJpK5ExJiLbb15BLmGSsfQ==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> Pottstown Regional Public Library</a></span></b> at the Library, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>500 East High Street, Pottstown.</b></span><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>Taste 6 wines, each from a different country in the Southern Hemisphere. <b> </b></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b><b>Wine presentation and com</b></b></span><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b><b>ments by <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT216"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107873753158&s=0&e=00184sf6LldqGDBtv0pKYKgpR83mIcpOVDZhZwzMRwZG2CXLFiQGWZL4pvYCzoAgd8tnutqdexeG-dIjQkhq8bua-wCeyDGIj9mlCNeVtMYGILy36IiOmxQf3T-t88M_KsK" shape="rect" style="color: #5e0069; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vintage Connections, </a></span>Dean and Lisa Foster.</b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b><b><img align="left" border="0" height="238.5" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="175.5" /></b></b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>Each wine paired with an appetizer prepared by Jerry DeLena and his Magic Grillability.</b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>Music by Dillan Taylor, classic guitarist.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>Saturday, November 5, beginning promptly at 6:30 PM.</b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>$40 per person in advance. </b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: small;"><b>Tickets available at the Library or call at 610.970.6551. </b></span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #990000;">Vintage Connections</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #9900ff; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"> Lisa and Dean Foster</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #9900ff; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #990000;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #9900ff; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #990000;">Members of the American Wine Society</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #9900ff; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /></span></div><div style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vintage Connections provides Wine Education and Consulting Services including wine classes and seminars, food and wine pairings, and wine tastings. In our newsletter and blogs we provide information and recommendations about wine, wine events, and the world of wine, primarily in the Montgomery, Berks, and Chester Tri-County Area of Southeastern Pennsylvania. We focus on affordable and accessible wines, mostly priced under $20 and available at PA Wine and Spirits stores or at wineries located in Eastern Pennsylvania.</span></div><div style="background-color: #f6b26b; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><span style="color: maroon;"><b></b></span></div></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div></div></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-67847578519328293182011-09-22T10:31:00.000-04:002011-09-22T10:31:58.589-04:00Wine Tips of the Week - Ninety Plus Shiraz/Viognier and Rocca Dei Sanniti Vino Spumante Sparkling<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </i></span></span></div></span><br />
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Dean and Lisa Foster</span> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We're publishing our newsletter and blog about twice a month. We still welcome contributions of wine reviews and other wine related information from guest writers. Send us your wine reviews, etc., we'll edit as needed and post in the newsletter and on our Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury.</span></span></b></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>90+ (Ninety Plus) Shiraz/Viognier </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Lot 4 2008</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This surprising blend of shiraz and viognier comes from McLaren Vale in Australia. Though a blend of white and red grapes, this wine is definitely a red wine.<img align="right" border="0" height="190" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/154.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="140" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The addition of the viognier to shiraz adds a delightful complexity to the wine. 90+ is medium-bodied and deep dark red in color. The shiraz and viognier are co-fermented and then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. It has aromas of dark red fruits and just a hint of black pepper, with flavors of juicy dark berries and well integrated oak. The finish is long and savory.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Alcohol is 14% by volume. PLCB product code is 3732 and sells for $13.99 a bottle. This wine is available at most PA Wine and Spirit stores. Though a one time buy, this wine is also available as a SLO, PLCB product code 510571 and sells for $14.79. We plan on using 90+ at the upcoming Pottstown Library Tasting in November.</div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b>Rocca Dei Sanniti Vino Spumante Sparkling White Wine 2009</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;">This delightful sparkling wine comes from the hills of the Sannio countryside near the ancient town of Benevento in Italy. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><img align="right" border="0" height="225" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/155.png" style="text-align: right;" vspace="5" width="75" /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;">This wine is a blend of 60% Falanghina, 20% Malvasia and 20% Trebbiano. It is not as sweet as an Asti, nor as dry as a Proseco, but falls pleasantly in between. Light straw yellow in color, the bubbles are tiny and plentiful. Aromas of light summer fruits abound with flavors of pears, apples and white peaches. The finish is bright and fairly long for a sparkling. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;">Alcohol is 9% by volume. This wine is currently a Chairman's Select at many PA Wine and Spirit stores. PLCB product code is 13604 and sells for $13.99. We hope to use this sparkling wine as the aperitif at the Mom's House Wine dinner in October. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Up-coming Events</span><b></b></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT137"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H16aJGSAwiDoMSrq_BCfQ8WWimVwY7uwSj6eGVH2DwYIw==" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Berks County Wine Trail Members are all participating in</a></span></b> </div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Artisan Wine & Cheese Pairing Weekend </div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>October 8th & 9th</b><br />
Noon to 5:00 PM both days!</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT138"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H390tTODzewnLsD5uJpn6HSHEndDco5ds8=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Pinnacle Ridge</a></span></b></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.do" shape="rect">Jazz and Blues in the Barn</a> </div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.do" shape="rect">Sunday, Oct. 9</a> </div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT139"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H390tTODzewnLsD5uJpn6HSHPcbka6F6mx7PUS1OmUouw==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span><b> </b></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT140"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H2pnUkJYjBx3r0GtfSY4Dr33SkgdoED0hwgvREKizgdsQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Manatawny Creek Winery</a></span></b> </div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT141"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H1FDG3NWo32Y4zYLelJ0AOSzU427EGrIUw=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Blair Vineyards</a></span></b><br />
Harvest Weekend<br />
September 24-25 <br />
Wine, food, music<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT142"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H1FDG3NWo32Y4zYLelJ0AOSR5H1lGstvYZsyak9JWzO-ktWEK1SxNi9" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT143"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfjNNlqKyRujZqHicKm-Tpl8ljoghYRyW1bwa61jDLS-Kw=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Calvaresi Winery</a></span></b><br />
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<div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT144"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H1LIR6w06ECihtA9UPhN--dK15_RXSsXVeEFScGQfkCig==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Vynecrest</a></span> </b></div><div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Music in the Vyneskeller every Saturday, 1-4:30 PM </div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT145"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H1LIR6w06ECihtA9UPhN--dQoOxe3I8GJcyDgGFkA1EEA==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span> </div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT146"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H15s6QS3c210O17aS_HYNhyuR7J5dlOXibfO0uKFs92Qg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span></b></div><div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Autumn Tours of Vineyard and Cellars </div><div style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sundays 9/25 and 10/2</div><div style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT147"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H15s6QS3c210O17aS_HYNhy5o10DBl44JDbd6NXh5YMWxvQqJzx4EWw-GEW-sJLz90=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span> </div></div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT148"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H17komylU9K52kkSg0pC3hbE31c0zTfF_syhLJUM01Os45boqJigFtPrp5jAAf7hccAw3HmTBDfXQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House </a></span> </b><br />
Benefit Wine Dinner</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">at Columbia Station</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">Robert Ryan Catering</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> Phoenixville</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">(new location and food)<br />
<b>Friday, October 21</b><br />
Begins promptly at 6:30 PM<br />
$75/person<br />
$525 for table of 8</div><div align="center" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT149"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfj46JLWsH31H17komylU9K52kkSg0pC3hbE31c0zTfF_syhLJUM01Os45boqJigFtPrp5jAAf7hccAw3HmTBDfXQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to website for reservations</a></span><br />
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</div><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT150"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfjXicblWxCB05kGkwa8ZwPe0l9b8vTL-Fv" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Public Library</a></span></b> </div><div align="center" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Benefit Wine Tasting</span><br />
<b style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Saturday, November 5</b><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Begins promptly at 6:30 PM</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">$40 per person</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Call Library at 610-970-6551</span><br />
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT151"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Contact Vintage Connections</a></span> to arrange a customized wine seminar, wine tasting, wine and food pairing, or any kind of wine related event. </div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fun Fact </b></span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT168" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107547946941&s=0&e=001DCX9ggq4HnYqia4RWFNSUthbKPstTb-FbmTNCLovN0RXTWUnPK_t3zGKEnUD2bfjz3RXGGwk-Ha5FIjOm8YO6WHwvY0ougLLXHv0Is-rYWSkBjW8k2yz241AQ_MZSXtgkUgiR5UdXZg=" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sparkling wine</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> goes by different names in different countries. Champagne, Cremant, and Mousseux are French. Spumante is the generic name for sparkling wine from Italy and is traditionally low in alcohol and high in residual sugar. Asti (and Asti Spumante) is specifically from the Asti region of Italy and is made from Moscato grapes. The Spumante featured today is NOT an Asti.</span></span></div><br />
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</div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-77321511962346683732011-09-08T11:02:00.000-04:002011-09-08T11:02:13.140-04:00Wine Tips of the Week - Pinotage and Bordeaux Rose<div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span></span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">from Vintage Connections </span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="color: black;">Wine Educators and Consultants</span> </em></span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We're going to publish our newsletter and blog about twice a month. Since we're publishing this week, we'll skip next week. We still welcome guest writers to contribute. Send us your wine reviews, etc., we'll edit as needed and post in the newsletter and on our Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury.</span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Dean and Lisa Foster</span> </div></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="left" border="0" height="200" hspace="5" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs013/1103063443079/img/153.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="130" /></div><span> <div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Wine Tips of the Week</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Neil Ellis 2008 Pinotage</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A surprisingly easy to drink Pinotage, this wine is a blend of Pinotages from many different vineyards in Stellenbosch South Africa. Deep red with just a hint of purple in color, it has light aromas of dark red fruit and tobacco. The flavors of the fruit stand out in this vintage more than in most other Pinotages, but is balanced nicely with spice and chocolate on the finish. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This wine received 89 points from Wine Enthusiast. It is medium-bodied and great when paired with pork barbecue. We hope to be using this wine at the up-coming Pottstown Library wine tasting (themed "Tasting the Southern Hemisphere) in November. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Alcohol is 14.5% by volume. PLCB product code is 19133 sells for $17.99 and is available at many PA Wine and Spirit stores. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;"><strong>Dourthe Le Grande Cuvee 2010 Bordeaux Rose</strong></span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;"><strong></strong></span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;"><strong></strong>At a recent Indian Valley AWS wine tasting we were treated to a variety of roses. The Dourthe Bordeaux was one of our favorites. </span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;"></span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;">This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. </span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;"></span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;">Light pink in color it has aromas of light fruit with just a hint of flowers. The fruit comes through on your first sip and each subsequent sip with just a hint of toasty oak. The finish is long and pleasant making this a wonderful sipping wine. Good with light foods and cheeses. </span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: maroon;"></span><br style="background-color: #f4cccc;" /><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Alcohol is 12.5% by volume. PLCB product code is 29350 and sells for $11.99 at many PA Wine and Spirit stores. </span><strong> </strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: maroon;"><strong> </strong></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993300; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Up-coming Events</span></div><strong style="background-color: white;"> </strong><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #e90e16; font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"><strong> </strong></span><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> <div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #14ad29; font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT382"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLFwXH2zNi2Eg94ZN28tfexA03jSmDaOUrjnDX1v07ln2l" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Berks County Wine Trail Members are all participating in</a></span></strong> </span></div><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Artisan Wine & Cheese Pairing Weekend </span><span><strong>October 8th & 9th</strong><br />
Noon to 5:00 PM both days!</span></div></span> </span> <div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT383"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF_XgW_HCHA9pwTOHjIWVPY6-5bwheLkDUqsnaHpFZT2O" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Manatawny Creek Winery</a></span></strong> </div></span><span style="background-color: white;">Harvest Festival, Saturday, </span><strong style="background-color: white;">September 17</strong><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Music by AKA from 2-5 PM, winery tours, food and crafters. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT384" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF_XgW_HCHA9pwTOHjIWVPY6-5bwheLkDUhnFEKX7for8y0MtVI_aRhjVa0q4p3Fjdn_bzmM5hNEl" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><strong style="background-color: white;"><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT385"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF9QpkNL5I68P5GqmwZK1lcN-jhQui8ljIg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Pinnacle Ridge</a></span></strong><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Blues in the Barn and Harvest Weekend, </span><strong style="background-color: white;">September 10-11</strong><br style="background-color: white;" /><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT386" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF9QpkNL5I68P5GqmwZK1lcMRDQ3ww2j3USNAfAnDn5A6" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><div style="background-color: white;"><strong><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT387"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF9YDy00qflzaakEVy7w4mgWqWGBcFvFUeiYmYNXUEst4" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Blair Vineyards</a></span></strong><br />
Happy Hour<br />
at the winery<br />
Friday, <strong>September 9</strong><br />
5:30-8:30<br />
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Harvest Weekend<br />
September 24-25 <br />
Wine, food, music<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT388"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF9YDy00qflzaakEVy7w4mgWqWGBcFvFUehyYS8no3VzXz8oFvLQGbQI=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br />
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<strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT389"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQsCB9YSkzuoSuKHcLjcdAMMd3SaI55UHAvxMbgNEgDTxQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Calvaresi Winery</a></span></strong><br />
<span><span>Fall Evening Wine Festival</span><br />
Saturday - <strong>September 10,</strong> 2011<br />
6:00 - 10:00 pm </span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT390"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF_EzTYJh1lunl8wjlDajjpZN08aRWNPoe0Pjv1AofrrjX7JgO4YZt52T99C6kSSuvg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT391"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF3u0Nr6Xej1cAzBdNEen-VQPvHKV0-EX0Dtkay8NDnNM" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Vynecrest</a></span> </strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Music in the Vyneskeller every Saturday. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Winemaker Tour Saturday, <strong>Sept 10</strong>, 1 PM </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT392"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF3u0Nr6Xej1cAzBdNEen-VTu3Ri-q8RkpF2j8CGAyLJY" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT393"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF77yUB4lg8nV8RcccCbPx6Jimn2OPVR5lQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Harvest Weekend</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Sept 10-11</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wagon and Tractor Tours</div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT394"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF77yUB4lg8nV8RcccCbPx6LdAYg64lMeEGxau6Yf43ii3yLDOCpkDweSO-v93psUKdCAzMAV7hmO" shape="rect" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span></div><br style="background-color: white;" /><strong style="background-color: white;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT395"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF3WbJh-WznqHkuCxZv4jubVHZxvnTDugxQ3YxL-HZCvk" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span></strong><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">All participating wineries.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">See </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT396" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF3WbJh-WznqHkuCxZv4jubVHZxvnTDugxQ3YxL-HZCvk" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">website</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"> for listing.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><div style="background-color: white;"><strong>Harvest Weekend</strong> - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker</div><div style="background-color: white;"><strong>September 10 & 11</strong><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT397"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF3WbJh-WznqHkuCxZv4jubVHZxvnTDugxUUX97cmE-Di5YoCNuYUAtS5oppZAODe9w==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span></div><br style="background-color: white;" /><strong style="background-color: white;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT398"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQt1b-clT2YLF1-0ErSmFdP-UD5CH1PRHbVM0SjJ4P9uHYkG2TZpaqeMeXkTdYoGsApcwfHuZTUOgo3SBR-c_hzj" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mom's House </a></span></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Benefit Wine Dinner</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><strong style="background-color: white;">Friday, October 21</strong><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Begins promptly at 6:30 PM</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">$75/person</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">$525 for table of 8</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><strong style="background-color: white;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT399"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107528235248&s=0&e=001UnX3mkI0uZ814KwPFZVz_jAFFHNrFB-29NJGuW5JV3T8kSd7YT-0dxF94uDuPK3doTr62CDfGQtY2wcxDPl6vdZKrnS3NbrlPzhCbEq-AFpDdBA6BQdnzQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pottstown Public Library</a></span></strong><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Benefit Wine Tasting</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><strong style="background-color: white;">Saturday, November 5</strong><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Time and Cost TBD</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT400" style="background-color: white;"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Contact Vintage Connections</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"> to arrange a customized wine seminar, wine tasting, wine and food pairing, or any kind of wine related event.</span></div><div align="center" style="color: #990033; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div><div style="color: #990033; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: 1px dotted rgb(51, 0, 0); border-color: rgb(51, 0, 0); color: #330033; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span><b style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #660000;">Fun Fact </b><br style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #660000;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #660000;">Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (also known as Hermitage) giving it its combined name of Pinotage. </span><b><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #660000;"> </span></b></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-18839935001221891512011-09-01T12:51:00.000-04:002011-09-01T12:51:31.904-04:00Wine Tip of the Week - The Deck Carmenere<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">from Vintage Connections </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We're back from taking a much-needed break.</span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We're going to experiment with writing our newsletter and blog about twice a month. And, we welcome guest writers to contribute. Send us your wine reviews, etc., we'll edit as needed and post in our Vintage Connections Wine Newsletter and on this Grapevine blog in the Pottstown Mercury.</span></div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span style="color: black;">Dean and Lisa Foster</span> </div></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><em><span style="color: black;"> Vintage Connections: Wine Educators and Consultants</span></em></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><em><span style="color: black;"> </span></em></span><strong> </strong><br />
<span style="background-color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><strong>Wine Tip of the Week</strong></span><span> <div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>The Deck Carmenere 2006</strong></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span> </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>This week's wine tip was provided by our wine friends and loyal readers, Bob and Jacki. Thanks! </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>We have trouble finding a Carmenere that we like, often because they are just a bit too dense for us without much, if any, hint of fruit. </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>The Deck </span><span>Carmenere </span><span>2006 </span><span>from Chile (of course) overcomes that problem blending in small amounts of </span><span>Cabernet Sauvignon,</span><span> Merlot, Syrah and Malbec. </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>The 2008 vintage of this wine is available in PA by Special Liquor Order (SLO) from the PLCB, </span><span>code 504259</span><span>, with a minimum of 12 bottles at $17.49 per bottle. If you're traveling to other states, you may find this wine by the bottle, maybe at a lower cost. </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Below is the information provided by Bob and Jacki. This may be more technical data than some of you would like to know, but we've found some of our friends and readers, especially the winemakers who read our newsletter and blog, find this level of detail interesting. </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>TASTING NOTES</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Dark red color. In the nose it has red cherries and plums with a touch of toasty oak. Hints of chocolate and berries. Round tannins, soft but well structure. (We agree!) </span></div></span> </div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>APPELLATION: Central Valley (Chile)</span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span> </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>HARVEST</span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Hand picked. Depending on the variety, between end of March to </span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>beginning of May.</span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>VINEYARDS</span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Grapes coming from vineyards located in Maule and Rapel Valleys. The soil is stony and shallow.</span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>WINEMAKING</span></div><div style="background-color: #ea9999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Grapes were cold macerated for 2 days. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at a temperature between<span> </span>25° and 28° C.<span> </span>Malolactic fermentation done in tanks. 40% of the blend was aged with American and French oak. Macerated for 15 days. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span> </span></div></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #993300; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Up-coming Events</span></span></div><strong style="background-color: #ffe599;"> </strong><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #e90e16; font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"><strong> </strong></span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-size: small;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"> </span></span></span><div style="background-color: #ffe599; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #14ad29; font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT34"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a86zcocnjJN1gjjsLYl4qyUvibhUOrxQXz0e_BFuWpdW8" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Berks County Wine Trail Members are all participating in</a></span></strong> </span></div><span> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Artisan Wine & Cheese Pairing Weekend </span><span>October 8th & 9th</span></div></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span> Noon to 5:00 PM both days!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></span></span></span><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT35"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a82E_b5nIw5gDNYMqzQcTcSskALqYffHgDlhQQen104jj" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Manatawny Creek Winery</a></span></strong> </div><span style="background-color: #ffe599; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Harvest Festival, Saturday, September 17</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Music by AKA from 2-5 PM, winery tours, food and crafters. </span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT36" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a82E_b5nIw5gDNYMqzQcTcSskALqYffHgDs2enkym8n_i5GyJo2IoevvOpJcIqaerR-7XABKIkpXr" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><strong style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT37"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8_T-oIn6-LnVUP3LFjQO5p1e-NfTFUWsmw==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Pinnacle Ridge</a></span></strong><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Blues in the Barn and Harvest Weekend, September 10-11</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT38" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8_T-oIn6-LnVUP3LFjQO5p1lvPMgdOnbEVm7fOg0Bx2t" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><div style="background-color: #ffe599;"><strong><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT39"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8_16fxqiulkn1arEnUlawFpZD4snlhNIMfrzSbsUZmoS" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Blair Vineyards</a></span></strong><br />
Happy Hour<br />
at the winery<br />
Friday, September 9<br />
5:30-8:30<br />
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Harvest Weekend<br />
September 24-25 <br />
Wine, food, music<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT40"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8_16fxqiulkn1arEnUlawFpZD4snlhNIMac39kQVQuk8bYF-2Ihf6Jk=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span><br />
<span> </span> <br />
<strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT41"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSf2OiEOOqR7IbH-j-x1sKZXRrfcm2HXFiPH6g40WqVDEw==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Calvaresi Winery</a></span></strong><br />
<span><span>Fall Evening Wine Festival</span><br />
Saturday - September 10, 2011<br />
6:00 - 10:00 pm </span><br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT42"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8yvYyEGyg4gHko0PQ46TrHRMk05Y_wVl6Yko7UZRVtW4QpgTszSefSP5AO3H6OXgUA==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT43"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a82-fO5lKrlLOARkfc5O9N37PeBCbw2_IzjBq5s9s4oAP" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">** Vynecrest</a></span> </strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Music in the Vyneskeller every Saturday. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Winemaker Tour Saturday, Sept 10, 1 PM </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT44"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a82-fO5lKrlLOARkfc5O9N36SDWWT-VljPwVySFCd_nBK" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT45"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a80iZIckQLwkDPn6jEyjKoVc9T0R-PAjR3g==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen</a></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Walking Tour of the Vineyard, Sept 3, 4, 5, at noon only. Please wear sturdy foot gear. No reservations required and weather permitting.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Harvest Weekend</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sept 10-11</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wagon and Tractor Tours</div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT46"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a80iZIckQLwkDPn6jEyjKoVdHzpQPPeXN1TkwMwm4xzbEiNpTatha2zu4osy4sC8LwSCANS-Y9X5S" shape="rect" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span></div><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><strong style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT47"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a88w2lrHP517CqvQKy7zq4ork0LEr8cqyPh30FeBv-fsG" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span></strong><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">All participating wineries.</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">See </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT48" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a88w2lrHP517CqvQKy7zq4ork0LEr8cqyPh30FeBv-fsG" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">website</a></span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> for listing.</span><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><br style="background-color: #ffe599;" /><div style="background-color: #ffe599;">Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker</div><div style="background-color: #ffe599;">September 10 & 11, 2011<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT49"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a88w2lrHP517CqvQKy7zq4ork0LEr8cqyPuAxhKJit5TGzmrAoL4NHEmbO0NRBFbgaw==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">click to events</a></span></div><br />
<span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;">Fun Fact</span><br style="background-color: #d5a6bd;" /><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">Carmenere is one of the original six grapes permitted in red Bordeaux, although it is rarely grown or used in Bordeaux today. When it was transplanted from France to Chile in the 19th century, Carmenere was often confused with Merlot. </span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<div style="color: black;"> <div style="text-decoration: underline;"> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Web Links</strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT51"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSdB65qhprqdgc790YzmgvK207uMu-2KSB6imG-RVe9dyTFUzTOgN_pE" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">The Grapevine Pottstown Mercury Wine Blog</a></span> </strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">(read our past 80+ posts)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT52"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8yvYyEGyg4gHko0PQ46TrHRMk05Y_wVl6UWcuChbKPId" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> Calvaresi Winery </a></span></strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a82E_b5nIw5gDNYMqzQcTcSskALqYffHgDlhQQen104jj" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Manatawny Creek Winery</a></span></strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8_T-oIn6-LnVUP3LFjQO5p1e-NfTFUWsmw==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;">Pinnacle Ridge Wine</span>ry</a></span> </strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT55"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a8_16fxqiulkn1arEnUlawFpZD4snlhNIMfrzSbsUZmoS" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair Winery and Vineyards</a></span></strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT56"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a80iZIckQLwkDPn6jEyjKoVc9T0R-PAjR3g==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Galen Glen Winery and Vineyards </a></span></strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT57"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a82-fO5lKrlLOARkfc5O9N341lkDeg7Mlkg==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest Vineyards and Winery</a></span> </strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT58"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a86zcocnjJN1gjjsLYl4qyUvibhUOrxQXz0e_BFuWpdW8" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Berks County Wine Trail</a></span></strong></div><div style="color: #993300; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT59"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a81oDpvYbBF2JlVAKZGcBTZ8Qklb9dQuQhQ==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Brandywine Valley Wine Trail</a></span></strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT60"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a88w2lrHP517CqvQKy7zq4ork0LEr8cqyPhz882E2cSSK" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lehigh Valley Wine Trail</a></span> </strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT61"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a894Ua07i6FYbbZQR1SuNENp0TSDOPW00fQ==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Winedown Cafe an</a></span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT62"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlSfFnr3IS16a894Ua07i6FYbbZQR1SuNENp0TSDOPW00fQ==" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">d Wine Bar </a></span></strong> </div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT63"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107415360711&s=0&e=001_0KBViZHYjehCjQ8U9pGP3R2UmeeT6aJMxS0DvP0cTWYA7JUM3TL8xrhthwBNZEglDHz6wZTlScsFXiQMMs3N_TcjqegC1JbJ3KI-KY0WguZm_VjOd-RuqSgvIiQ9exE" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar</a></span></strong></div><div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</div></div></div><strong><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT64"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">E-mail Us</a></span></strong><span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span> </strong></span></div></span>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627624303750366764.post-83659243121623598462011-08-10T11:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:48:33.536-04:00Wine Tip of the Week - Quiz Winner and Quiz Answers<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cheers </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">from Vintage Connections </span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we said in last week's newsletter and blog, we're taking a break from writing but will be back September 1st. </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"> <div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We're looking for guest writers. If you want to review a wine or two or have an amusing anecdote about a wine or a visit to a winery, we'd love to hear from you. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We'll copy and share your tips and stories with our readers. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><i>Dean and Lisa Foster<br />
Vintage Connections: Wine Educators and Consultants</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: maroon; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Quiz Winner and Quiz Answers</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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Congratulations to John Nase, whose name was pulled from a hat that included the names of all who answered all five questions correctly. </span></b></span> <br />
<div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. We love wine made from 100% Cabernet Franc. However, it is often one of the "minor" blending grapes used in <span style="text-decoration: underline;">either <b>(red) Bordeaux or (red) Meritage.</b></span></span></div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. French Red Burgundy is made from 100% <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Pinot Noir</b></span> grapes. </span></div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. American, Hungarian, and French oak are often used to make wine barrels. Which one is the most expensive? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>French</b></span></span></div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Blaufrankisch and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Lemberger </b></span>are the same grape. </span></div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. French Chablis is made from what grape? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Chardonnay</b></span></span></div><div style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanks to all who entered!! </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #993300; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial Black,Avant Garde; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #993300; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Up-coming Events</span></span></div><b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We deleted past events but will not otherwise update this list until we return to writing on September 1.</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT48"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107043170065&s=0&e=001Ks26FfBT4xxmBDaYM1cYORO2n4o684429_z6GlTfR25abCs_ZjJGyKhsR4QkbEcUE0Nc6MEtxYLWZ6REcdWk8fqOw1D7x7oH7A_uVX-0lgGr57y7Qc_ifAtNRcjHbSnT" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Blair Vineyards</a></span></b><br />
One-year Celebration<br />
Saturday and Sunday August 13 and 14. <br />
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The next Happy Hour is September 9th! <br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT49"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107043170065&s=0&e=001Ks26FfBT4xxmBDaYM1cYORO2n4o684429_z6GlTfR25abCs_ZjJGyKhsR4QkbEcUE0Nc6MEtxYLWZ6REcdWk8fqOw1D7x7oH7A_uVX-0lgGr57y7Qc_ifBVxJgsQv5fi3EoqAKCjhTM=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events for more details.</a></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT50"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107043170065&s=0&e=001Ks26FfBT4xxmBDaYM1cYORO2n4o684429_z6GlTfR25abCs_ZjJGyKhsR4QkbEcUE0Nc6MEtxYLWZ6REcdWk8cxeB8gI92DbGk707n8w8YHReN4UGejzSg0kQ_VgkhUc" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vynecrest</a></span> </b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Music in the Vyneskeller every Saturday. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT51"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107043170065&s=0&e=001Ks26FfBT4xxmBDaYM1cYORO2n4o684429_z6GlTfR25abCs_ZjJGyKhsR4QkbEcUE0Nc6MEtxYLWZ6REcdWk8cxeB8gI92DbGk707n8w8YHc1Kgd5wjgf9xiKKIWIfcu" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to events.</a></span> </span></div></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT52"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=huzi8jdab&et=1107043170065&s=0&e=001Ks26FfBT4xxmBDaYM1cYORO2n4o684429_z6GlTfR25abCs_ZjJGyKhsR4QkbEcUE0Nc6MEtxYLWZ6REcdWk8YZrVZZE8OwgMrLq_JkaDU5s5iaPtW6SnQ==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Wine Down Cafe and Wine Bar</a></span></b>Sparkling Wine Class<br />
Monday, August 22nd 6:30-8:00pm<br />
$25 per person.<br />
Reservations Required by <br />
email to<b><br />
</b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53"><a href="mailto:benfranco@winedowncafe.net" shape="rect" style="color: maroon; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">benfranco@winedowncafe.net </a></span><br />
(Vintage Connections is not teaching this class, but expect it will be excellent.)<br />
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54"><a href="mailto:vintageconnections@comcast.net" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Contact Vintage Connections</a></span> to arrange a customized wine seminar, wine tasting, wine and food pairing, or any kind of wine related event.</span><br />
<div style="color: maroon; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></div>Dean and Lisa Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973607637059847467noreply@blogger.com0