Archive check for the ‘Previous Events’ Category:

6th Anniversary Global Wine Regions List


Please post the regions you tasted today (and any more information about the wines) in the comments below. Do you think it’s possible to beat 314 (which was last year’s grape total)?

Let’s give it our best shot!

running total:

131

Whew! We broke one hundred!

Snake River Valley AVA
Red Mountain AVA
Walla Walla AVA
Columbia Valley AVA
Idaho (non-AVA) – all the above from Ted Judd
Mantinia, Peloponnese, Greece – Mark and Diane Freeland
Luxembourgeoise Appellation, Luxembourg – Mark and Diane Freeland
Tennessee – Terry Sullivan
Beijing – Joe L
Franciacorta – Meri Kukkavaara
Pessac-Léognan – Gary Newborough
Porongurup, Great Southern, Australia – Darby Higgs
Gaillac – Alex Bardsley
Napa Valley – Wm Patrick Cranley
Virginia – Terry Sullivan
Central Coast AVA – Wence
Chile AVA – Michael DeMucci
Okanagan Valley, BC Canada – Bruce Johnson
Somló, Hungary – James Webb
El Terrerazo, VdT, Spain – Paul Mims
Vipava Valley, Slovenia – B&B Berry
Texas Hill Country AVA – Hunter Hammett
Texas High Plains AVA – Hunter Hammett
Northern Virginia Region – John Clark
Sicily IGT – Marc Braes
Saint Mont, VDQS – Marc Braes
Alentejo, Portugal – Jo Diaz
Nova Scotia – Peter J. Rockwell
Uruguay – Randy Cepuch
Wachau/Kremstal, Austria – MaJ
Limoux, France – Anna S
Duoro, Portugal – Bob Gregg
West Virginia – Terry Sullivan
Rocky Knob AVA, Virgina – Dave highfield
Castelli di Jesi – Peter Conway
Soave DOC Italy- Steve & Deborah De Long
Touraine AOC France – Steve & Deborah De Long
Bonnezeaux AOC France – Steve & Deborah De Long
Etna DOC Italy- Steve & Deborah De Long
Wuerttemberg Germany – Susanne Kuehne
Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Italy – Christine Skandis
Ozark Highland AVA – Aaron Mandel
Tassel Ridge, Iowa – Aaron Mandel
Erbaluce di Caluso – Christine Skandis
Stellenbosch – Peter Conway
South Eastern Australia – Peter Conway
Mendoza, Argentina – Sheila Fruman
Jurançon, France – Sheila Fruman
Burgenland, Austria – Tim Faust
Yakima Valley AVA, WA – Chris Cary
Columbia Gorge AVA, WA – Chris Cary
Similkameen Valley, BC, Canada – Chris Cary
Snipes Mountain AVA, WA – Chris Cary
Newton, Iowa – Phil Watkins
Finesville New Jersey – Phil Ward
Getariako Txakolina DO Spain – Phil Ward
Cochise County, Arizona – Chris Herbert
Cucamonga Valley AVA, California – Chris Herbert
Yadkin Valley AVA, North Carolina, USA – Sue Harmon
Penedes DO Spain – Jackie & Bob Rogers
Cirò DOC Italy – Sassodoro
San Luis Obispo County, California – Susan Blomeley
Alto Adige, DO Italy – Peter Conway
Ile d’Orleans, Quebec, Canada – Kenneth Harris
Long Island, New York – Kenneth Harris
Wisconsin – Wm. Darrell Lee
Kansas – Jim and Patricia Breed
Prosecco – Wm. Darrell Lee
Aglianico del Vulture DOC – Rutha A
Natchez, Mississippi – Great Black Swamp Chapter
Hermann, Missouri – Great Black Swamp Chapter
Paros (Island), Greece – Great Black Swamp Chapter
Vin de Savoie Chignin, France – Great Black Swamp Chapter
Kunság, Hungary – Great Black Swamp Chapter
Savuto DOC – Mark Scholar
Albemarle County, Virginia – PDKramer
Sicilia IGT – PDKramer
British Columbia VQA – PDKramer
Sicilia IGT – PDKramer
Commandaria Cyprus – PDKramer
Rivesaltes Ambré – Stanislav Rudý
Rivesaltes Tuilé – Stanislav Rudý
Beira Interior, Portugal –Paula Sindberg
Knights Valley AVA, California –Patrick Cranley
Russian River Valley AVA, California –Patrick Cranley
Knights Valley AVA, California –Patrick Cranley
Dry Creek Valley AVA, California –Patrick Cranley
Alexander Valley AVA, California –Patrick Cranley
Ica valley, Peru –Robert Austin
Tokaji, Hungary –Jeffrey Elliott
Montstant DO, Spain –Jeffrey Elliott
Red Mountain AVA, Washington –Jeffrey Elliott
Montstant DO, Spain –Jeffrey Elliott
Chassagne-Montrachet AOC, France –Jeffrey Elliott
Cava DO, Spain –Jeffrey Elliott
Middleburg, VA –Kate-Darcy
West Connecticut Highlands AVA –Jon Haight
Navarra DO, Spain –Jon Haight
Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon –Jon Haight
North Fork of the Roanoke AVA –Greg Teese
Valle de Rapel, Chile –The WineCRU
Paso Robles AVA, California –The WineCRU
Monterey AVA, California –The WineCRU
Rioni Gorge, Republic of Georgia –Henry Weingarten
Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Charmes –John Hornbeck
Chablis Premier Cru Cote de Lechet –John Hornbeck
Vinho Verde Region, Portugal –Cliff and Marla Treat
Livermore Valley AVA –Cliff and Marla Treat
Getariako Txakolina –Central Virginia Chapter
Fiefs Vendeens VDQS France –Central Virginia Chapter
Puglia IGT Italy –Central Virginia Chapter
California –Central Virginia Chapter
Washington –Marlene Rossman
Golfo del Tigullio –Jeff Grossman
Barbera d’Asti –Jeff Grossman
Slovenia –Jeff Grossman
Colli Trevigiani –Jeff Grossman
Valle d’Aosta –Jeff Grossman
Etna –Jeff Grossman
Faro –Jeff Grossman
Alto Adige –Jeff Grossman
Umbria –Jeff Grossman
Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva –Jeff Grossman
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer –Jeff Grossman
Taurasi –Jeff Grossman
Chambave –Jeff Grossman
Sardinia –Jeff Grossman
Veneto –Jeff Grossman
Mornag, Tunisia –Steven Moore
Pennsylvania –Mike Czerpak
Saint Bris AOC, Burgundy/France –Wendy

6th Anniversary – Global Tasting Challenge

We’re now 1,023 members strong and growing! Included in this number are 30 Doppel Members, seven Treble Members and three Quattro Members.

Our annual celebration and challenge is once again online in recognition of the international nature of the club, but this year is going to be somewhat different. Last year we collectively tasted 314 different grape varieties, crushing the previous year’s 157 and a very impressive sum (but still short of the three Quattro Member’s lifetime grape lists!).

This year, we’re going to see how many different wine regions we can collectively taste in one day. In a way it is both easier – Bulgarian Cabernet and Chilean Merlot will both count – and more difficult as exotic 100 grape Italian wines, Portuguese cepage-monsters other mega blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape will only count once.

Wherever you may be, please raise a glass of the most obscure wine* you can find on May 26th in honor of the club and the glory that is you. And if at all possible please post a short note about the wine you had on the Wine Century Club Site. The note can be as simple as the name of the wine and where it came from.

Hope to see you online on May 26th!

Veni, Vino, Vici!

Steve

*Only grape wines please (meadsters!) and even the smallest of subregions will count. For example, Gevrey-Chambertin will be counted separately from Gevrey-Chambertin premier cru La Perrière and Côtes du Rhône will be counted separately from Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne. And that’s just France. There are over 300 different wine regions in the US alone!

Our 5th Birthday – Events Around the World

Washington DC

Our event went really well this weekend- there were 52 people and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Wines Tasted:

Vilarnau Cava Brut NV, (Penedes, Spain) [Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada]
Gran Sarao Cava Rose NV (Penedes, Spain) [Trepat]
Conde Villar Vinho Verde Branco Seco 2008 (Minho, Portugal) [Loureiro, Trajadura]
Quinta do Crasto Douro 2007 (Douro, Portugal) [Gouveio, Roupeiro, Cercial, Rabigato]
Txomin Etxaniz, Getariako Txakolina 2009 (Basque Region, Spain) [Hondarrabi Zuri]
Colli di Lapio di Romano Clelia Fiano Di Avellino 2009 (Campania, Italy) [Fiano Di Avellino]
Benito Ferrara Greco Di Tufo 2008 (Campania, Italy) [Greco Bianco]
Palazonne Terre Vineate Orvieto Superiore 2009 (Umbria, Italy) [Grechetto, Procanico]
Gini Soave Classico 2008 (Veneto, Italy) [Garganega]
Huber Zweigelt 2007 (Traisental, Austria) [Zweigelt]
Zantho St. Laurent 2006 (Burgenland, Austria) [St. Laurent]
De Angelis Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio Rosso 2008 (Campania, Italy) [Piedirosso]
El Castro de Valutille Mencia Joven 2007 (Bierzo, Spain) [Mencia]
Cavallotto Freisa Bricco Boschis 2006 (Langhe, Piedmont, Italy) [Freisa]
La Colombaia Valpolicella Ripasso 2007 (Veneto, Italy) [Corvina, Rondinella]
Cantina Anotonia Caggiano Irpinia Aglianico “Tari” 2007 (Campania, Italy) [Aglianico]
Summers Winery, Villa Andriana Vineyard Charbono 2005, (Napa Valley, Calistoga, CA) [Charbono]
Warre’s White Port NV (Pinhao, Douro, Portugal) [Arinto, Codega]

New York


Seated: Greg dal Piaz From Left standing: Greg Kozar, Peter Conway, Steve Raye, Constance Chamberlain, Karen Page, Andrew Dornenburg and Tony Fletcher.
Not pictured: Anatoli Levine

Here are the grapes we tasted:

Narince, Kalecik Karasi, Zierfandler, Dolomiti, Osalecta, Muller-Thurgau, Riesling, Silvaner, Kerner, Plousard, Romorath, Faire Sevedou, Moscofilero, Assyrtiko, Aidani, Agiorgitiko, St Laurent, 3 different types of muscat, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Touriga, Pinot Noir and Viognier, and a port (we don’t know how many grapes!)

That’s at least 30 for us! : )
-Constance Chamberlain

Also, check out Tony Fletcher’s excellent post on the event:

Grape Wines (not your usual suspects)

London


Paula Sindberg and our sole Quattro member, Tom Reagan Jr.

Paula Sindberg’s Weird & Wonderful Tasting was great fun – Paula usually scores with the goods and this was no exception. It was also a special treat that Tom Reagan, our current grape champ with 426 varieties, came to the event from Atlanta with a couple of very interesting wines.

There were lots of obscure grapes, but the two that stood out for me were the Jacky Preys 2007 Cuvée de Fié Gris Vielles Vignes “Terroir Pierre à Fusil” Touraine (white grape variety: Fié Gris) and the Lorenzo 2005 “Vigna Paradiso” Lacrima di Moro d’Alba (red grape variety: Lacrima). Not only were they new grapes for me, they were deliciously interesting wines. The Fié Gris was vaguely reminiscent of Loire Sauvignon Blanc, but with gun flint and nettles. The Lacrima di Moro was a big red powerful red, very aromatic and herbal – almost like vermouth/Campari – very unique and charismatic. Interestingly enough, several tastings throughout the world had Lacrimas – I could be the next must try red from Italy, a little like Sagrantino.

Here’s a list of all of the wines that we tasted:

Le Petite Chambord 200 Cour-Cheverny (white variety: Romorantin)
Ameztoi 2009 Txakolina de Getaria (white variety: Hondarribi Zuri and a little red Hondarribi Beltz even though the wine was white)
Chateau de la Mirande 2008 Picpoul de Pinet (white variety: Picpoul)
Ciu’ Ciu’ 2008 Offica Pecorino “Le Merlettaie” (white variety: Pecorino)
Cantina Valle Isarco 2006 Sudtirol Kerner (white variety: Kerner)
Domaine Jacky Preys 2007 Cuvée de Fié Gris Vielles Vignes “Terroir Pierre à Fusil” Touraine (white grape variety: Fié Gris)
Domaine Berthoumieu 2008 Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Sec Vieilles Vignes (white grape varieties: Gros Manseng, Courbo & Petit Manseng)
Afros 2008 Vinhão Vinho Verde Tinto (red grape variety: Vinhão)
Cos 2008 Frappato (red grape variety: Frappato)
Orovela 2004 Saperavi Rouge Georgia (red grape variety: Saperavi)
Les Cretes 2006 Torrette (red grape varieties: Petit Rouge, Mayolet, Tinturier and Cornalin)
Tiger Mountain 2006 TNT Georgia USA (red grape varieties: Touriga Nacional & Tannat)
Fattoria San Lorenzo 2005 “Vigna Paradiso” Lacrima di Moro d’Alba (red grape variety: Lacrima)
Clos Lapeyre La Magendia de Lapeyre (white grape variety: Petit Manseng)


Hong Kong

We were about 30 people, all very very much like the concept. We held the event in a wine bar called tastings (www.tastings.hk) which is a special place in that it prominently features enomatic machines and have 40 labels on offer at anyone time. We charged hkd 250 to each participant and this included a hkd 200 sampler card as well as some snacks. We had 3 distributors sponsor some wines and some participants were so eager that they also brought some unusual wines to taste. We plan to hold even every second month and most likely tastings will be the place to meet. our goal is to be informal and casual and offer anyone a chance to learn and go off the beaten path. We will emphasise grapes but also wines from unusual regions like China, Thailand, India, and the like. In the evening, we confirmed the following members:

Nellie Lee (co-founder)
Ron Taylor
Ian Symonds
Agata Meuti
Paolo Fassina

with myself, it means the we are now 6 members in hong kong!

JC Viens

Here is a list of wines tasted:

France Loire 2007 Laporte Pouilly Fume Les Duchesses Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand Marlborough 2008 Fromm La Strada Sauvignon BlancSauvignon Blanc
Italy Venezia 2006 Jermann Pinot GrigioPinot Gris
France Loire 2008 Lune D’ AnjouChenin Blanc
USA Shanxi 2008 Grace Vineyard SymphonyMuscat
Australia Clare Valley 2009 Crabtree Hilltop RieslingRiesling
France Alsace 2004 Willy Gisselbrecht GewurtztraminerGewurtztraminer
France Burgundy 2005 Domaine Bouchard Puligny MontrachetChardonnay
Thailand Monsoon ValleyMalaga Blanc, Colombard
USA Santa Barbara Cambria TepusquetViognier
France Côtes Du Rhône Guigal Crôzes-Hermitage BlancMarsanne, Roussanne
Lebanon Bekaa Valley Chateau Ksara ChardonnayChardonnay
Italy Toscana Guicciardini Strozzi Vernaccia Di San GiminianoVernaccia
Italy Friuli Movia Ribolla 2006Ribolla Gialla
REDS
France Burgundy 2007 Nicholas Potel Vosne Romanee Vielles VignesPinot Noir
France Burgundy 2006 Michel Magnien Gevrey Chambertin Aux EchezeauxPinot Noir
Australia Mornington 2007 Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot NoirPinot Noir
USA Santa Rosa 2007 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot NoirPinot Noir
USA Oregon 2007 Soter North Valley Pinot NoirPinot Noir
France Rhone 2006 Perrin & Fils Gigondas Le GilleGrenache, Syrah
France Rhone 2001 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneaf Du PapeGrenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
France Rhone 2006 Michel Ogier Cote RotieSyrah, Viognier
Australia Clare Valley 2004 Pauletts Andreas ShirazSyrah
Australia Adelaide Hills 2005 Chain Of Ponds The Ledge ShirazSyrah
South Africa Paarl 2004 The Foundry ShirazSyrah
Argentina Mendoza 2006 Finca Flichman Paisaje De TupungatoMalbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Spain Utiel Requena 2005 Aranleon SoloBobal, Tempranillo, Syrah
Chile Cachapoal Valley 2006 Santa Ema Amplus OneCarmenère, Syrah, Carignan
Portugal Alentejo 2004 Callabriga ReservaTinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Alicante Bouschet
Lebanon Bekaa Valley 2001 Chateau MusarCabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault
Italy Tuscany 2006 Ferruggini Bolgheri RossoSangiovese
Italy Umbria 2005 Lamborghini CampoleoneSangiovese, Merlot
Italy Piedmont 2000 Gianfranco Alessandria BaroloNebbiolo
USA Napa 2007 Napa Cellar MerlotMerlot
Australia Adelaide Hills 2002 Uleybury AP Reserve MerlotMerlot
Australia Barossa 2004 David Franz Georgie’s Walk Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon
USA Napa 2005 Krupp Brothers Veraison Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvigon, Merlot, Malbec
USA Napa 2005 Fisher Coach Insignia Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon
Australia Barossa 1997 Penfolds Grange ShirazShiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
USA Napa 2005 Opus OneCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
USA Napa 2000 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon
France Pauillac 2004 Haut Bages LiberalCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
France Margaux 2003 Chateau LascombesMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
France St Emilion 1997 Chateau Pavie MacquinMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
France St Emilion 2002 Chateau PavieMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
France Pauillac 1995 Chateau Mouton RothschildCab Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
USA Napa Valley La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet FrancCabernet Franc
Italy Umbria Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso Di TorgianoSangiovese, Canaiolo
USA California Edmeades Mendocino ZinfandelZinfandel
Italy Piedmont Michele Chiarlo BarbarescoNebbiolo
Lebanon Bekaa Valley Chateau Ksara Le SouverainCabernet Sauvignon, Arinarnoa
Lebanon Bekaa Valley Chateau Ksara Cuvée Du 3e MillenairePetit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
Lebanon Bekaa Valley Chateau Ksara 2004Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Italy Emilia Romagna Macchiona IGTBarbera, Bonarda
Italy Piedmonte Icardi Suri Vigin BrachettoBrachetto D’Acqui
Italy Toscana Titolato Morellino Di Scansano DOCSangiovese, Ciliegiolo
Italy Marches La Crima Di Morro D’Al ba Selection RubjianoLacrima Di Morro

Redwood City, CA (SF Bay Area)

Last night, we toasted the Century Club at Savvy Cellar Wine Shop and Wine Bar in Redwood City, California. We tasted 3 different wines: a Bugianen Freisa d’Asti from Domenico Capello, a Castello di Verduno Pelaverga, and a Blaufrankisch, whose producer escapes me. I thought the Freisa might be tasted by someone else, but I was pretty sure the Pelaverga would not be on your list – amazingly, I guess someone tasted it last night. As of right now, a brief look through the list doesn’t reveal that anyone tried a Blaufrankisch, so maybe that’s our winning contribution!

-Marni Rubin

Hendersonville, NC

The French Broad Chapter in Hendersonville enjoyed the following on The Anniversary.Trebbiano de Lugana, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zin. Barbera, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet, Falanghina, Chenin Blanc, Sauv. Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli, Vignoles, Chessalas.

Keith Dalbec

Milton, DE

WE JUST FINISHED OUR TASTING FOR THE FIRST STATE COASTAL CRU IN DELAWARE AND WE CAN ADD THE KLEVENER DE HELIGSTEIN GRAPE FROM ALSACE ONE, WE ALSO HAD A BOTTLE OF GODELLO FROM MONTENOVO AND SOME OF US STARTED OFF THE DAY WITH A BOTTLE OF BACCHUS FROM ENGLAND. WE ALSO SIGNED UP 27 NEW FUTURE MEMBERS. HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

-Bernie Knowllinger

Aiken, SC

The Aiken, SC Wrath of Grapes chapter of the Wine Century Club had an impromptu meeting of four members. The evening started with Ironstone Vineyards SYMPHONY 2005 paired with pimento cheese spread. The next course was bacon-wrapped shrimp, accompained by Perrier Jouet NV Brut (assumed to be PINOT NOIR & CHARDONNAY with other grapes in too small a percentage to take credit for). The meal of pork loin medallions in mushroom sauce was paired with Picchetti TEROLDEGO 2007 and Linne Calodo “Cherry Red” 2007 (ZINFANDEL, MOURVEDRE, SYRAH). Dessert was fresh Aiken county strawberries, lightly marinated in Brachetto D’Acqui, accompanied by (of course) Pineto BRACHETTO D’ACQUI DOCG 2007. Dishwashing was made more pleasant with a half bottle of Quady Elysium 2007 (BLACK MUSCAT).

Cheers and Happy Birthday!

Columbus, OH

Happy 5th… here are some more varietals… not adding the ones already reported… Bukettraube (South Africa), Roscetto (Italy – even though the bottle turned out to be corked!), Tocai Friulano, Verdicchio, Traminette… but wait a minute… didn’t anyone have Lambrusco & Champagne( Pinot Meunier) to celebrate the Anniversary?

314 Grape Varieties in a Day

It’s amazing that we nearly doubled last year’s formidable number of grapes. It’s high time to sit back, take a much needed rest and wallow in the glory that is us.

Here’s the summary in alphabetical order. I’ve pruned as many synonyms out as possible but there may be a few remaining. Some of the varieties listed are probably clones instead of distinct varieties, especially from the 152 grape wine, and will require a closer look. Even so, I think we’ve easily jogged past the 300 grape marker.

Veni Vino Vici!!!

AgiorgitikoFrontenacPicpoul
AglianicoGaglioppoPiedrosso
AirenGamayPigato
AlbarolaGarganegaPignola Nera
AlbarossaGargiuloPignolo
AleaticoGewürztraminerPinot bianco
AlfrocheiroGodello (syn: Gouveio)Pinot Gris (syn: Pinot Grigio)
AlicanteGracianoPinot Noir
Alicante BouschetGrechettoPinotage
AligoteGreco BiancoPlousard
Alphonse LavalleeGrenachePollera 1
AncellottaGrenache BlancPortugieser
AnsonicaGrignolinoPoulsard
AramonGrilloPrieto Picudo
ArinarnoaGropelloProcanico
ArintoGros Manseng (syn: Izkiriota)Prosecco
ArneisGrüener VeltlinerPugnitello
ArrufiacHondarribi BeltzaQuagliano
AspiranHondarribi ZuriRabigato
AthiriHondarribi Zuri ZerratiaRaboso Veronese
AubunIncrocio ManzoniRebo Nero
AvanàItaliaRefosco da Peduncolo Rosso
AvarengoKalecikRegent
BacchusKalecik KarasiRibolla Gialla
Baco NoirKernerRiesling
BarberaKing of the NorthRiesling italico (syn: Welschriesling)
Barbera biancaKiralyleanykaRiesling Renano
BecuetKisiRkatsiteli
Bianchetta TevigianoLacrima Di MorroRomorantin
Bianchetta VeroneseLambrusca di AlessandriaRondinella
Black MonukkaLambrusco MaestriRoobernet
BlaufrankischLladonner pellutRoscetto
BoalLoureiroRossese
BobalLumassinaRossese bianco
Bombino BiancoMacabeo (syn: Viura)Roter Veltliner
Bombino NeroMaiolicaRoupeiro
BonardaMalaga BlancRoussanne
Bosco NeroMalbecRoussette du Bugey
BourboulencMalvasia Bianca (syn: Malmsey)Rubiana
Brachetto D’AcquiMalvasia di CasorzoRuché
BrocciolaMalvasia di SchieranoSangiovese
BrunelloMalvasia IstrianaSaperavi
BudeshuriMalvasia nera lungaSauvignon Blanc
BukettraubeManzoni biancoSavagnin (from Klevener de Heiligenstein)
BussanelloMarsanneSavatiano
Cab SauvignonMarzeminoSchiava
Cabernet FrancMauzacSchiava Gentile
Cabernet PfefferMayoletSchiava grossa
CanaioloMenciaSchioppettino
CaninaMerlotSemillon
CardinalMerwahSercial
Carica l’AsinoMichele PagliariSereksiya
CarignanMollardSeyval Blanc
CarmenèreMonicaSiegerrebe
CarrucanteMontepulcianoSilvaner
CasettaMontonicoSolaris
CastelaoMorrastel BouschetSouzo
CatarataMoscato biancoSt. Laurent
Cataratto comuneMoscato gialloSusumaniello
CatarratoMoscato nero di AcquiSylvaner Verde
CatwabaMoscato RosaSymphony
Cayuga WhiteMoschofileroSyrah
CercialMoscofileroTaminga
CesaneseMourvedreTannat
CharbonoMuller-ThurgauTempranillo
ChardonelMune Mahatsa (syn: Folle Blanche)Teroldego
ChardonnayMuscat BlancTerret Gris
ChatusMuscat CanelliTerret Noir
Chenin BlancMuscat de Hambourg (Black Muscat)Timorasso
ChessalasNarinceTinta Barroca
CiliegioloNascettaTinta Negra Mole
CinsaultNebbioloTinto Cão
CjanòrieNebbiolo ( Bolla)Tinturier
ClairetteNebbiolo ( Rosè)Tocai Rosso
Coda di VolpeNebbiolo (Lampia)Torbato
ColombardNebbiolo (Michet)Torrontez
Colorino NeroNegrette (syn: Negretto)Touriga Franca
Cormalim 1NegroamoroTouriga Nacional
CornalinNerello MascaleseTrajadura
CornareaNeretta CineseTraminette
CorteseNeretta cuneeseTrebbiano de Lugana
CorvinaNeretto di BairoTrebbiano Toscano
CourbuNero BuonoTrepat
CroatinaNero d’AlaTxori Mahatsa
CrovassaNero D’AvolaUva di Troia
DolcettoNeyretUva rara
DolomitiNortonUvalino
DornfelderObaidehValiant
Doux d’HenryOrange MuscatVarousset
DurasaOsalectaVeltlimer Fruhrot
Durasca (Dolcetto di Boca)OseletaVerdejo
EnantoPalominoVerdicchio
ErbalucePampanutoVerduzzo Trevigiano
FalanghinaParelladaVermentino
FavoritaPecorinoVernaccia
Fer ServadouPedro XiménezVespolina
Feteasca NeagraPelavergaVignoles
FianoPelaverga (di Pagno)Vinhão
Fié GrisPeleverga piccoloViognier
FranconiaPetit ArvineVranac
FrappatoPetit BouschetXarello
FreisaPetit CourbouZierfandler
Friesa di ChieriPetit Manseng (syn: Izkiriota Ttippia)Zinfandel
Friesa di NizzaPetit RougeZweigelt
FriulanoPetit Verdot

5th Anniversary Giant International Grape Vat

Please post the varieties you tasted today (and any more information about the wines) in the comments below. With NYC reporting in, we’ve almost doubled last year’s 159! We are the world, we are the grapes. . .

running total:

314!

Alfrocheiro
Alicante Bouschet
Alphonse Lavallee
Ansonica
Aramon
Arinarnoa
Aspiran
Aubun
Barbera
Bourboulenc
Bobal
Bonarda
Brachetto D’Acqui
Cab Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Canaiolo
Cardinal
Carignan
Carmenère
Catarata
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Ciliegiolo
Cinsault
Clairette
Colombard
Cornalin
Courbu
Fié Gris
Frappato
Gewürztraminer
Grenache
Gros Manseng (syn: Izkiriota)
Hondarribi Beltza
Hondarribi Zuri
Italia
Kerner
Lacrima Di Morro
Lladonner pellut
Malaga Blanc
Malbec
Marsanne
Mayolet
Merlot
Mollard
Morrastel Bouschet
Mourvedre
Muscat Blanc
Muscat de Hambourg (Black Muscat)
Nebbiolo
Pecorino
Petit Bouschet
Petit Manseng (syn: Izkiriota Ttippia)
Petit Rouge
Petit Verdot
Picpoul
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
Ribolla Gialla
Riesling
Romorantin
Roussanne
Sangiovese
Saperavi
Sauvignon Blanc
Syrah
Tannat
Tempranillo
Terret Gris
Terret Noir
Tinturier
Touriga Nacional
Varousset
Vernaccia
Vinhão
Viognier
Zinfandel
78. Pinotage 11:57 AM EST
Casetta
Prieto Picudo
Groppello
Gamay
Kiralyleanyka
Savatiano
Baco Noir
Mencia
87. Dornfelder 4:03 PM EST
Palomino
Pedro Ximénez
Valiant
91. King of the North 4:28 PM EST
Cayuga White
Rkatsiteli
Sereksiya
Norton
Seyval Blanc
Pignolo
Castelao
Nero D’Avola
Falanghina
Gaglioppo
Schioppettino
Silvaner
Susumaniello
Pugnitello
Cjanòrie
Montonico
Arrufiac
Petit Courbou
Rubiana
Graciano
Fer Servadou
Tinto Cão
Regent
Feteasca Neagra
Ruché
Pelaverga
Negrette (syn: Negretto)
Aligote
120. Siegerrebe 5:12 PM EST fron Twitter #wine100 mainly thanks to the Puget Sound Chapter!
121. Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia 5:06 PM EST
Grüener Veltliner
Negroamoro
Touriga Franca 5:23 PM EST
Roupeiro
Cercial
Rabigato
Nerello Mascalese
Fiano
Greco Bianco
Grechetto
Procanico
Piedrosso
Agiorgitiko
Zweigelt
Freisa
Garganega
Loureiro
Trajadura
St. Laurent
Corvina
Rondinella
Charbono
Arinto
Aglianico
Trepat
Macabeo
Xarello
149. Parellada 7:00 PM EST Washington DC tasting list
150. Cortese 12:30 PM EST
Taminga
Airen
Roter Veltliner
Black Monukka
Sercial
Boal
Tinta Negra Mole
Coda di Volpe
Savagnin (from Klevener de Heiligenstein)
Godello (syn: Gouveio)
Bacchus
Kisi
Symphony
Teroldego
Roussette du Bugey
Obaideh
Merwah
Athiri
Cabernet Pfeffer
Grignolino
Tinta Barroca
Uvalino
Verdejo
Catwaba
175. Semillon (5:00 AM EST)
Montepulciano
Poulsard
Kalecik
Narince
Oseleta
Chardonel
Trebbiano de Lugana
Malvasia Bianca (syn: Malmsey)
Orange Muscat
Muscat Canelli
Vignoles
Chessalas
Muller-Thurgau
Solaris 1:11 PM EST
Cesanese
191. Moschofilero 6:17 AM EST Thanks to Diane and Mark Freeland via email
Bukettraube
Roscetto
Friulano
Verdicchio
196. Traminette 1:09 PM EST Thanks Raj and Columbus, OH! – yes, didn’t anyone have a Lambrusco or Champagne?
197. Frontenac 2:46 PM EST
Budeshuri
Roobernet
Torrontez
201. Monica 3:32 PM EST Thanks to Doppel Member Tad Dibbern via email
202. Mauzac 2:15 PM EST Thanks to Donald and Teresa Corbett
203. Vranac 4:22 PM EST Thanks to Mary Williams
Albarola
Albarossa
Aleatico
Alicante
Ancellotta
Arneis
Avanà
Avarengo
Barbera bianca
Becuet
Bianchetta Tevigiano
Bianchetta Veronese
Bombino Bianco
Bombino Nero
Bosco Nero
Brocciola
Brunello
Bussanello
Canina
Carica l’Asino
Cataratto comune
Catarrato
Chatus
Colorino Nero
Cormalim 1
Cornarea
Croatina
Crovassa
Dolcetto
Doux d’Henry
Durasa
Durasca (Dolcetto di Boca)
Enanto
Erbaluce
Favorita
Franconia
Friesa di Chieri
Friesa di Nizza
Gargiulo
Grillo
Incrocio Manzoni
Lambrusca di Alessandria
Lumassina
Maiolica
Malvasia di Casorzo
Malvasia di Schierano
Malvasia Istriana
Malvasia nera lunga
Manzoni bianco
Marzemino
Michele Pagliari
Lambrusco Maestri
Moscato bianco
Moscato giallo
Moscato nero di Acqui
Moscato Rosa
Nascetta
Nebbiolo ( Bolla)
Nebbiolo ( Rosè)
Nebbiolo (Lampia)
Nebbiolo (Michet)
Neretta Cinese
Neretta cuneese
Neretto di Bairo
Nero Buono
Nero d’Ala
Neyret
Pampanuto
Pelaverga (di Pagno)
Peleverga piccolo
Petit Arvine
Pigato
Pignola Nera
Pinot bianco
Pollera 1
Portugieser
Prosecco
Quagliano
Raboso Veronese
Rebo Nero
Refosco da Peduncolo Rosso
Riesling italico (syn: Welschriesling)
Riesling Renano
Rossese
Rossese bianco
Schiava
Schiava Gentile
Schiava grossa
Sylvaner Verde
Timorasso
Tocai Rosso
Torbato
Trebbiano Toscano
Uva di Troia
Uva rara
Veltlimer Fruhrot
Verduzzo Trevigiano
Vermentino
302. Vespolina 5:28 PM EST 103 additional thanks to the Giribaldi Cento Uve
Mune Mahatsa (syn: Folle Blanche)
304. Txori Mahatsa Thanks to Doppel Member Henry Richardson
305. Blaufrankisch Thanks to Marni Rubin and the Redwood City, CA group
Carrucante
307. Souzo Thanks to Ted Judd
Kalecik Karasi
Zierfandler
Dolomiti
Osalecta
Plousard
313. Moscofilero Thanks to the NYC group at Snooth

314. Grenache Blanc Thanks to Jeff Grossman

The Wine Century Club Turns 5!

We’re now 721 members strong and growing! Included in this number are 24 Doppel Members and one Treble Member.

This year, we’re again going to celebrate online (and in local groups in) recognition of the international nature of the club. With a little diligence, focus and graptitute we should be able to make short work of last year’s formidable number of 159 grape varieties collectively consumed.

Wherever you may be, please raise a glass of something interesting and delicious on May 8th in honor of the club and the glory that is you. And if at all possible please post a short note about the wine you had in the notes below or on Twitter using hashtag #wine100. The note can be as simple as the name of the wine and its grape variety(ies).

There are also several meet-ups organized or being organized that you may want to join:

New York City:
Snooth.com Headquarters
a BYOB party from 4:30-7 pm May 8th (note new time)
Snooth, Inc.
162 Madison Ave, Floor 4
New York, NY 10016
rsvp: Constance Chamberlain constance_chamberlain @ comcast.net

Kansas City, Missouri
Wines by Jennifer Wine Garden
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM May 8th
405 Main Street
Parkville, Missouri 64152
RSVP: Don and Jennifer Stanton 816.505.WINE

Washington, DC
Washington Wine Academy
Tasting of 25 Uncommon Varietals
May 8th 7-9PM
$36.50
1201 South Eads, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22202
contact: Alex @ WashingtonWineAcademy.org

Redwood City, CA (SF Bay Area)
Savvy Cellar
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM May 8th
2048 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA
RSVP: Marni Rubin marnirubinwines @ ymail.com

Hendersonville, NC
Blue Water Seafood and Wine Cellar
532 Kanuga Road,
Hendersonville, NC
May 8th
BYOB w/ $15.00 cover.
RSVP: 828.697.0503 Keith Dalbec kpdalbec @ morrisbb.net

Milton, DE
Oak Creek Wine and Spirits
28266 Lewes Georgetown Highway
Milton, DE
May 8th 4 to 7 p.m
Wine Tasting and Membership Drive! Our goal is to sign up 50 new future members!
RSVP: 302-684-2929 Bernie Knowllinger

San Antonio, TX
Wine 101
14743 Old Bandera Road
Helotes, TX 78023, United States
(210) 372-9002
May 8th 7 p.m
$10 plus the cost of the wine you drink
RSVP: 302-684-2929 fahnert @ aol.com

Columbus, OH
Tutto Vino
Wine Cellar & Bistro
7178 Muirfield Drive
Dublin, Ohio 43017
Saturday, May 8
5:00 pm to 8 pm
$30 per person plus the cost of the wine you drink
RSVP: 614/799.9222 molly @ tutto-vino.com

Hong Kong
Tastings Wine Bar
May 8th 18h00
RSVP JC Viens jcviens @ grandepassione.com

London
The Ultimate Wine Company Tasting
contact: paula @ ultimatewines.co.uk

This page will be continuously updated with the latest event information – if you have updated info, please contact Steve De Long steve@winecentury.com

Great Wine Dinners in New York City

Members Michael Gitter and Ben Schmerler have helped organize three amazing dinners at three of the world’s greatest restaurants for California Wine Month.  These are not Wine Century Club events but if you’re in New York City Sept. 15th, they’re definitely worth attending.

 

California Wine Dinners at Union Square Hospitality Group Restaurants in NYC

Join representatives from eight different California wine regions on the evening of Tuesday, September 15th in New York City for one of these exciting wine dinners, all held at highly-regarded Danny Meyer restaurants. Learn about regions you know and love—as well as winegrowing areas that may be new to you. Enjoy great California wines paired with phenomenal food and hear from the vintners themselves. Reserve now, as these intimate dinners will sell out fast.

The Modern
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM
The wines of Napa Valley, Mendocino, Amador County, and Lodi
Four courses (including a California cheese course)
Nine wines
$150 per person (not including tax and tip)
Address: The Museum of Modern Art, 9 West 53rd Street (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.) NYC
Reservations: Call 212-408-6645
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MENU AND WINES

Eleven Madison Park
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM
The wines of Sonoma County and Santa Barbara
Three courses (including a California cheese course)
Eight wines
$130 per person (not including tax and tip)
Address: 11 Madison Ave. (at 24th St.) NYC
Reservations: Call 646-747-2583
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MENU AND WINES

Tabla
Tuesday, September 15, 7:30 PM
The wines of Paso Robles and Monterey
Three courses (including a California cheese course)
Eight wines
$110 per person (not including tax and tip)
Address: 11 Madison Ave. (at 25th St.) NYC
Reservations: Call 212-889-0667
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MENU AND WINES

159 Varieties in a Night

The final count is in:  worldwide we tried 159 different grape varieties last Thursday.  Thank you to everyone who participated in our 4th Birthday International Tasting Extravaganza – it was a big success and could potentially be much bigger next year.

wcc4thlondon

London, England
Paula Sindberg hosted an incredible tasting of 12 obscure Swiss varieties: Gwass, Resi, Himbertscha, Humagne Blanche, Amigne de Vetroz, Lafnetscha, Petite Arvine, Heida, Eyholzer Roter, Humagne Rouge, Gamaret and Cornalin! Ted Lekas was able to grace us with his presence all the way from Greece.

wcc4thohio

Miami, Ohio, USA

Charter Member John Keegan hosted a big party that netted 10% of the grapes on the list.

kent-max

Minneapolis
Kent Benson drinking with Max Riedel. No unusual varieties tasted but Kent convinced the Riedel company to make a dedicated glass for Susumaniello. (word just in: the Susumaniello part is a complete fabrication.)

Thanks again to everyone who participated. If you have a photo from that night that you would like to share, please send it to me at steve@winecentury.com.

4th Birthday International Tasting Extravaganza

Running Grape Variety Count (tasted today by members worldwide):

159!

Varieties tasted so far (in order of appearance):

  1. Viura (synonym: Macabeo)
  2. Malvasia (synonym: Malvasia Fina)
  3. Grenache Blanc
  4. Chambourcin
  5. Tinta Roriz (synonym: Tempranillo)
  6. Touriga Franca
  7. Touriga Nacional
  8. Malvasia Istria
  9. Refosk (synonyms: Terlano, Teran)
  10. Cabernet Sauvignon
  11. Merlot 10:40 AM EST
  12. Coda di Volpe
  13. Regent
  14. Negroamaro
  15. Primitivo (synonym: Zinfandel)
  16. Freisa
  17. Feteasca
  18. Babich
  19. Lasin
  20. Plavina
  21. Codega
  22. Rabigato
  23. Donzelinno
  24. Viosinho
  25. Arinto
  26. Falanghina
  27. Vermentino di Sardegna
  28. Trebbiano
  29. Grechetto
  30. Montepulciano
  31. Cannonau di Sardegna (synonyms: Grenache, Garnacha)
  32. Nero d’Avola
  33. Sagrantino
  34. Incrocio Manzoni
  35. Susumaniello
  36. Riesling
  37. Sauvignon Blanc 2:23 PM EST
  38. Grignolino
  39. Malbec
  40. Norton
  41. Syrah
  42. Verdelho
  43. Chenin Blanc
  44. Tinta Cao
  45. Tinta Amarella
  46. Petit Verdot
  47. Petite Sirah
  48. Gwass
  49. Resi
  50. Himbertscha
  51. Humagne Blanche
  52. Amigne de Vetroz
  53. Lafnetscha
  54. Petite Arvine
  55. Heida
  56. Eyholzer Roter
  57. Humagne Rouge
  58. Gamaret
  59. Cornalin
  60. Koshu
  61. Picpoul (syn: Folle Blanche)
  62. Prosecco
  63. Tocai Friulano
  64. Verdicchia Nera
  65. Moscato
  66. Nebbiolo
  67. Treixadura (syn: Trajadura)
  68. Godello
  69. Loureira (syn: Loureiro)
  70. St. Laurent
  71. Cinsault
  72. Viognier
  73. Negrette
  74. Gruener Veltliner
  75. Vidal Blanc
  76. Assyrtiko
  77. Garganega
  78. Rousanne
  79. Marsanne
  80. Pinotage
  81. Albarino
  82. Pinot Noir 7:56 PM EST
  83. Müller-Thurgau
  84. Feteasca Regala
  85. Dragon Eye (aka Longyan, a native Chinese varietal)
  86. White Feather (aka Baiyu, aka Rkatsiteli)
  87. Vignoles
  88. Muscat Canelli
  89. Chardonnay 9:22 PM EST
  90. Gamay
  91. Mourvedre
  92. Cabernet Franc
  93. Aglianico
  94. Pinot Meunier
  95. Carignane (syn: Carignan)
  96. Prieto Picudo
  97. Vilana
  98. Graciano DING DING DING DING!!!!!! Lori puts us over the top at 10:35 PM EST
  99. Mazuelo
  100. Arinto
  101. Moschofilero
  102. Harslevelu
  103. Kekfrankos (syn: Blaufrankisch)
  104. Corvina
  105. Covinone
  106. Tinta Negra Mole
  107. Bukettraube
  108. Semillon
  109. Muscadelle
  110. Grapello
  111. Marzemino
  112. Barbera
  113. Procanico
  114. Trincadeira
  115. Aragones
  116. Souzo
  117. Alicante Bouschet
  118. Pinot Gris
  119. Airen
  120. Palomino
  121. Pedro Ximenez
  122. Mavrodaphne
  123. Xynomavro,
  124. Agiorgitiko,
  125. Carmenere
  126. Tannat
  127. Pecorino
  128. Rondinella
  129. Molinara
  130. Marselan
  131. Auxerrois (the white one and not a synonym for Malbec)
  132. Gaglioppo
  133. Bosco
  134. Albarola
  135. Parellada
  136. Xarel-lo
  137. Lagrein
  138. Traminette
  139. Edelweiss
  140. Vespolina
  141. Dornfelder
  142. Neuberger
  143. Bastardo
  144. Mencia
  145. Zammarica
  146. Verdello Tinta
  147. Serodio Tinta
  148. Welschriesling
  149. Romorantin
  150. Obaideh
  151. St. Pepin
  152. Insolia
  153. Teroldego
  154. Torrontés
  155. Symphony
  156. Sangiovese
  157. Savagnin
  158. Poulsard
  159. Trousseau

Ygay Gran Reserva Blanco 1998

Deborah and I have kicked off the our 4th Birthday today in London with a 1998 Marques de Murrieta YGAY Rioja Gran Reserva Blanco, a traditionally styled white Rioja. A slightly sherryfied, golden-hued, nutty, complex and delicious wine. It also scored us 3 grape varieties: Viura (synonym: Macabeo) 90%, Malvasia (synonym: Malvasia Fina) 5%, Grenache Blanc 5%.

This evening we’re going to join Paula Sindberg at her giant Swiss wine tasting. We’ll be toasting the anniversary there with Heida (Païen), Cornalin, Resi, Lafnetscha, Gamaret, and Gwäss (obscure Swiss grape varieties!).

Members please mention the wines(s) you’ve tasted today in the comments below. Don’t forget to list the grape varieties in each wine – no matter how small a percentage – so we can update the running total above.

Wine Century Club’s Williamsburg Chapter-“Wine Cellar 100” enjoys first wine tasting dinner

wine-cellar-100-members-dinner-3909

Three years ago, 3 Williamsburg area wine enthusiasts decided to organize the Williamsburg area chapter –Wine Cellar 100 of the Wine Century Club (W.C.C.) This Club’s mission is to encourage members to go well beyond the popular grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, etc to Catarratto, Malvasia, Cseizegi Fuszeres, Rodinella and beyond. In fact Italy, which boasts  3000 years of winemaking and some 2000 grape varieties, provides a fertile country to expand one wine varietals “count”.

The Wine Century Club was founded in New York City by Steve De Long  in early 2005 to encourage all wine drinkers to expand their wine drinking horizon by seeking out unusual grape varieties—“ The W.C.C. is for all adventurous wine lovers. If you have tasted at least 100 grape varieties, you are qualified to become a member by completing a checklist available at www.winecentury.com

In early 2006, the 3 Williamsburg area wine enthusiasts – Heather Dunn, Bill Bean and Paul Luchsinger formed the Wine Cellar 100 chapter at the WINE SELLER in Monticello Marketplace with each new member completing the W.C.C. checklist with 100 or more grape varieties. Since that beginning, the local chapter has gained more than 20 members in the Historic Triangle area while worldwide the W.C.C. has grown to over 500 members. The state of Virginia has 45 members and leads the U.S. in membership by state (yes—even more members than New York or California!). It should be noted that only 3% all applicants who seek an application form submit a completed form with a minimum of 100 grape varieties.

Hence, it was only natural that the Wine Cellar 100 club should choose an Italian restaurant in Williamsburg that could supply a special requested list of wines for the wine tasting dinner. The scene was the new Italian restaurant “Francesco’s” on Richmond Road where 18 members and spouses gathered to taste 9 different wines representing unusual grape varieties from 6 Italian wine regions. Wine Century Club member Dusty Kennedy of Williamsburg discussed the special white wine features of  Vernaccia from Tuscany, a blend of Ansonia/ catarratto from Sicily, and Fiano from Sicily. Among the red wine grapes were Aglianico from Campania, Dolcetto from Piedmont, Nero d’Avola from Sicily, Primitivo from Puglia and finally a special blend of Cannonau and Cabernet Sauvignon from Sardinia. It was a great evening of “wine touring “ and most members added 2-3 new grape varieties to their list.

andy-engel-with-doppel-award

After the special tiramisu dessert was served by Chef Francesco, it was time for a group photo and a special presentation for wine tasting accomplishment. W.C.C. member Andy Engel of Grafton, Va. was presented with the “DOPPEL MEMBER” recognition for reaching the level of 200 grape varieties tasted (Doppel meaning double in German or 2 times the minimum requirement for becoming a member of the Wine Century Club)

Genevelyn Steele Hosts!

Genevelyn Steele – Wine Centurian and author of the pithily named wine blog GenevelynSteeleSwallows – is hosting a Wine Century Club tasting along with the folks at The European Market the first Friday in September.

According to Genevelyn:

The concept of the tasting is simple. We will drink unusual grape varietals in hopes of attaining centurion status. As far as status symbols go,the spoils are minimal, mostly bragging rights, and if you didn’t participate in science fair in high school, then here’s another shot at a certificate to hang on your wall. Mostly, it’s an excuse to try something new. Being a Taurus, I need prodding. And, there will be thoughtfully prepared, good food.

Our 4th Local Chapter: Milton, Delaware!

first-state-cru.jpg

If you ever wondered how a tiny state like Delaware can have so many members, it’s all thanks to Bernie Knollinger, the owner of Coastal Wines in Milton Delaware.  He was the first state’s first member and has been motivating grape nuts there for over a year.  Their chapter is called the First State Coastal Cru have 35 members 19 of whom have qualified as Members of the Century Wine Club.

They held a Red, White and Blueberry tasting on July the 4th open to the general public for free at Coastal Wines in Milton Delaware. The wines we tasted included Gruet Demi-sec from New Mexico, the Horton Vidal Blanc from Virginia, the Biltmore Chardonnay sur lees from North Carolina, Ballet of Angels from Connecticut, a Sweet Spiced Mountain Wine from West Whitehill in west Virginia and finally from our local winery Nassau Vineyards here in Delaware True Blue Blueberry Wine.  Over 100 visitors attended and all had a good time.

Cheers to the First State Coastal Cru!

wine-tasting-003.JPGwine-tasting-004.JPGwine-tasting-005.JPGwine-tasting-007.JPGwine-tasting-008.JPG