The April Newsletter
Filed Under Wine Tastings
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The Wine School of Philadelphia’s Newsletter
www.vinology.com |
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The Post-Tax SaleThank heavens tax-season’s over. That really hurt. On to the sale! 25% off all wine classes held in April & May Use the coupon code OUCH08 Summer Foundation Program AnnouncedWe will be running a Wine Foundation Program this Summer. Classes begin Thursday, July 3rd. More information: Summer Foundation Program Wine & Politicsby Beth Case All the back and forth, the endless bickering. The outright lies, the hemming, the hawing. Well, it’s done my patience in. I am in need of one thing and one thing only - a big stinking red to quaff while getting through this big stinking election year. If the debates and campaigning of late are any sign of what’s in store these upcoming months, well I may as well approach said campaign season with good old fashioned sought-after tippledness*. Indeed. Yes, I am in need of a big drink to get me going on a big drunk because this is one political season that begs one to ignore sobriety. Thankfully, big stinky reds have a special place in our Fearless Leader’s heart and I have asked him to recommend some based on the following criteria.
So on to Keith to grant us all the foulest of things this great big earth offers in Big Nasty- albeit delicious - Red Wines. *Tippledness. noun. The quality or state of being tippled. Synonyms: happiness, contentedness, bliss, enjoyment, satisfaction. Vote Wino!Who among the staff at the Wine School would you write-in to lead us as President of the United States? Cast your votes and the Wine School shall endorse the Wine People’s Candidate! The Presidential Wino Poll
Every time you purchase a wine class with us, you get a 20% Discount on all wine purchases at Frank’s Union Wine Mart in Delaware. It’s one of our favorite wine shops, so this discount makes us very happy. Make sure to say “”hi” to Frank and tell him we referred you. |
Upcoming Classes:Beyond Italy: The Edge of Europe The Wide World of Beer! The Wine & Cheese of Spain Many more classes available at www.vinology.com |
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Stinky Pol Redsby Keith Wallace |
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| Most of you probably don’t know that I worked for a few politicos in the nineties. Possibly the worst speech writer to ever work in the biz. It’s a funny story, but also a story for another time. I am not nearly as burnt out as our dearest Beth (see article to the left). That said, here are my three picks.Truchard 2003 Syrah, Carneros
Under a waft of pork fat, the Truchard is tightly wound into a centrist-loving core of red fruits. The finish leaves you with a touch of dirt and lavender. In the good state of Pennsylvania, this wine is priced at $17.99 , which is a great deal. Cims de Porrera Solanes 03 Priorat. Once you get over the wet smell of an old cigarette and certain grittiness, this wine opens up into a barn-burner of flavors. Well tailored, this Priorat suffers from a slightly fleshy frame. However, the balance and structure make up for any faults. At $21.99, this is a lovely example of a classic Priorat. Burgess 2000 “Enveiere” Meritage, Napa Valley A decent example of the breed. While this wine had been rather pretty a few years past, the years have not been kind. The Burgess seems to have lost quite a bit of it’s finesse and charm. It’s palate of mint and chocolate is now just a bit too garish and simple and fleshy, without any structure to hold it up. The bouquet is marred by an unsettling aroma of oyster sauce. While this may sound like a rather negative review, wines of this caliber often command prices that veer into the three digits. At $27.99, this is a good opportunity to explore the high-end of Napa wines without spending a mint. Prices are for PA. Prices in other states will vary. To find any of these wines, make sure to use our Wine Finder! |
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The Presidential Wino Poll
Filed Under The Wine World
Which Wine Schooler would you vote for?
Who among the staff at the Wine School would you write-in to lead us as President of the United States?
You will note that the wonderful Brian “Pony” Freedman (Roughrider that he is) and Maria “I love Jefferson in the Springtime” Valetta are missing from above below Alas, although old enough to enjoy the wine, neither is yet old enough to run this country of ours (as stated by Article II of the United States Constitution).
At press time, no candidates offered any platforms on which they stand. Platitudes a-plenty. Platforms, sadly, no.
Cast your votes and the Wine School shall endorse the Wine People’s Candidate!
The Presidential Wino Poll
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Brian is Awesome
Filed Under The Wine World
Brian is known by many names. Son, Husband, Director, Author, Teacher. Those of us ground to dust under his mighty heel know him by another name. Champion. The hills of Philadelphia echo with the triumphs of the True and Just Champion Brian. There are dark rumors from the very pit of Harrisburg that he is riding west to sweep the city of those whom would stand up against him. To them I say, fear not, for there is no shame in falling in defeat against such an adversary. Brian is nothing sort of being exquisitely and profoundly Brian.
Some say that I should remain silent, that it is unseemly for the defeated to sing the praises of those who crushed them. But I say, this is work that must be done. I am the man who must speak the truth, since I was once this city’s greatest hope to end the shaggy-fisted rule of Brian. If I can praise the man, and speak to his enormous greatness, then perhaps there may be a few souls who think twice when challenging the wonderful and most awesome Brian. Perhaps I will save the reputations of a handful of foolhardy souls. Mostly, I am doing it because we had a wager going, and I am a man of my word. I lost by three *&$#%@%#$ points, dammit.
Let this be a warning to all of you –Celebrities and Sommeliers alike– who believe they can defeat Brian Freedman in a Sommelier Smackdown. Fools! You have been warned! Beware of the Champion, he will ride his pony to victory over your crushed dreams!
Keith Wallace
Founder
The Wine School of Philadelphi
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Ramblings on a Smackdown
Filed Under The Wine World
by Beth Case
We were lunching at Amada – Keith and I – hoping to woo Eric Arnold with our Wine School ways. We wanted him to want us.
“I still don’t know what horrible and wicked thing passed between Eric and Keith”
Specifically, we wanted to turn him on to the idea of participating in a Smackdown against Keith. After all, he is a very respected editor at an popular wine magazine and the author of the wonderful book First Big Crush.
It was going well enough, I thought, to leave Keith alone with Eric and I excused myself to the Ladies Room. It was painfully obvious, upon my return, that in the short amount of time that I was away something had happened. Something unspeakable.
“Something had happened. Something unspeakable.”
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Best Wine Buys
Filed Under Wine Reviews
Prices are for Pennsylvania. Prices in other states will vary. To find any of these wines, make sure to use our Wine Finder!
Domaine du Coulet 2004 Cornas Terrasses du Serre
$28.99
A classic style, with minimal oak and blended from several slopes within Cornas. The traditional approach is quite evident on the palate. More delicate than most, this syrah leads with a soft medley of red fruits and gradually intensifies into a thick beam of mineral and ending with a curtain of milk chocolate.
Allan Scott 2006 Pinot Noir, Marlborough
$20
A wee bit rounder than a Pinot should be, but a very pretty wine. Soft and ripe cranberries and a touch of earth and cinnamon on the palate. A nice mineral-laced finish.
Tait 2006 Ballbuster Shiraz, Barossa
$15
The PLCB is flooding us with high-octane shiraz these days, and this is the best of the bunch. Ink-black with a nose of intense blackberry and tobacco, it rolls out a dense palate of jammy fruit. This baby is not so much a fruit bomb as a fuel-injected fruit jet strapped to the back of a cute bunny.
La Louviere 2005 Pessac-Leognan
$40
One of the greatest strengths of Bordeaux is its history. Saying this wine is historic would leave one with the wrong impression. Rather, it is the perfect snapshot of the 2005 vintage. There is a harmony between freshness and tannins that cry out for a few years in the cellar. The smoke, spice, and cigar box flavors all play their parts perfectly.
Vincentini 2006 Terre Lunghe Soave
$14.99
A rare beauty. Mint, lavender, and lemon zest rest upon the nose. Razor-like citrus and fresh melon on the body and finish.
Le Manoir Galhaud 2003 Cuvee Leon Bordeaux
$15.49
One of the better bordeaux values available today. This still has the raw force and intensity of the ‘03 vintage, although this is defiantly something and not cellar.
Magpie 2003 The Schnell Grenache/Shiraz
$8.99
Great juice & its really really cheap.
Mastroberardino 2004 Falanghina
$11.99
Falanghina is typically rich for a white and just a bit decadent. This one does not disappoint. Ripe melon and stone fruits on the palate. Lovely.
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The UC Davis Diary
Filed Under The Wine World
My former student Jenny S. is a first year grad student in the Oenology & Viticulture Department of University of California at Davis. Her emails about her first year have been a great read. She gave me permission to reprint portions of them here. Thanks, Jenny!
I just got back from helping out at Folio, one of Michael Mondavi’s new wineries. A first year V&E master’s girl is working there for harvest so another new girl in the program went to work with her to get a feel for the winery world (since her and I are the only 2 kids in the program with no winery experience). It was fun. I bulked up my biceps doing some punch downs.
I was there about 2 weeks ago when we were visiting Napa and I managed to insult the Mondavi name infront of Robert Mondavi Jr. (not knowing who he was). Yea, leave it up to me to put my foot in my mouth … But he took it pretty well and I managed to turn it into a joke and just kept going with it.
They said they had some good laughs for the next week at my expense. Thought you would appreciate that. Some punk-ass Philadelphia kid coming out to Napa and telling Robert Mondavi that “the Mondavi’s like to throw their name around to get anything they want”
Keep ‘em coming, Jenny!
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Wine 101: Intro to Wine Part of the Wine 101 Series
Filed Under Philly Wine Classes
The smart & fun class that over fifteen hundred people have attended since 2001, and still sells out every week! The premise of this class is to introduce the most important building blocks of wine knowledge. Come with an open mind, because we will also dispel many of those wine myths that are too often bandied about. Date: Wednesday, February 13th Time: 2:00pm 4:00pm Classroom 101Leave a Comment
Philadelphia Inquirer & Philly.com Debut Wine Videos
Filed Under The Wine World
Might as well hear about it from the fatboy himself. Here’s the link.
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How to Begin a Wine Collection
Filed Under Philly Wine Classes
Building a wine collection is one of the most rewarding things an oenophile can do. But how do you begin? With such variety on wine store shelves these days, it can be a confusing, intimidating project.In this class, we will demystify wine collecting, discuss several basic principles you can use to start collecting, and taste the wines every collector should have. This class is a must for anyone who’s serious—or hoping to get serious—about wine collecting. Date: Tuesday, February 5th Time: 7:30pm 9:30pm Classroom 101Leave a Comment
Pimping out the School’s Good Name…..
Filed Under The Wine World
Well, it’s that time of year again. Its that when I swallow my pride, and join the endless torrent of Christmas Holiday Sales and Promotions.
If you have a special someone who lives near Philly, then how about getting him/her/it a wine school gift certificate? They are beautiful and customizable, and will be delivered via email as a printable document. Anyways, thats my holiday sales pitch.
If you prefer something a b it more trashy, then I say go with this Pimp Wine Glass, which I found here.
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