Ever drunk an Assyrtiko, a Bourboulenc or a Xarel-lo? Then the Wine Century Club might be for you. To join the elite new group, you have to have tried at least 100 different grape varieties–anything from Aglianico to Zweigelt. Deborah and Steve De Long, creators of De Long’s Wine Grape Varietal Table, an educational tool that resembles the periodic table of elements, founded the club to promote “the many unsung grape varieties used to make wine” and meet like-minded people. The first meeting was held in Manhattan on March 16 at Lo Scalco restaurant, where a five-course dinner was paired with wines such as Ocone Falanghina del Taburno 2003 and a Nusserhof Südtiroler Lagrein Riserva 2000. These seem practically commonplace compared to some of the really obscure varieties listed on the application form, which is downloadable from www.delongwine.com/century.html. So far, 32 people have earned membership. Though the application works on the honor system, the fine print notes: “Should you lie, may the wrath of Bacchus curse your palate.”

– The Wine Spectator, June 30, 2005

Filed under: Press by Steve De Long
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