AMERICAN WINE SOCIETY
A non-profit corporation
John Marshall Chapter
"Gustibus mens dat incrementum (Knowledge enhances sensory perception)"
-- motto of the Wine & Spirits
Education Trust
The Wine & Spirits Education Trust is the English
organization whose educational programs culminate with the
prestigious Master of Wine (MW) degree. I’m told that
there are less than 300 Masters of Wine in the United States.
Aside from that pinnacle of wine education, the American
Wine Society offers the rest of us an opportunity
to learn about the elixirs of Bacchus for our personal
enjoyment.
OCTOBER MEETING
George Wilson duly impressed us with his annual "Virginia Governor's Cup
Gold Medal Winners" presentation. He not only assembled wines and representatives
from most of the wineries but also arranged for a fitting location for
such a prestigious offering: the stately John Marsh Mansion at Heritage
Hunt. George, what will ya do next year to top that ? ? ?
The gold medal winning wines George presented were:
-
Tarara ’99 Pinot Gris
-
Breaux ’99 Viognier
-
Rockbridge ’98 Tuscarora Red
-
Shenandoah ’98 Founder’s Reserve
-
Tarara ’98 Cabernet Franc
-
Linden ’97 Fiery Run
-
Linden ’97 Rush River
-
Breaux ’98 Cabernet Sauvignon
-
Rockbridge ’98 Vd’ Or
Our Kweens of Kwizine, Guy and Jan Beakley, gave George a run for the spotlight
with their gastronomic parings to the gold medal winning wines. Their efforts
complemented and greatly enhanced the ambiance of the evening. Yumm! Yumm!
DECEMBER MEETING
The next meeting is not at the church, nor the Thompson House, but is still
in The Plains. This year, our Christmas Party is graciously hosted by Ted
and Catherine Goshorn on Saturday, December 2nd. Directions
to their home are given below. The celebration is slated to "boogie" from
7 p.m. until midnight. There is a paltry $10 donation at the door for this
wine tasting bonanza, and a call goes out to bring a "dish." Chris, does
"dish" refer to blondes only? I have personally seen the dazzling
list of wines being presented, and, all I can say, is don’t miss this one!
There will be an array of wines exemplifying the various styles of vinification
from around the globe. Home wine makers are encouraged to bring their bottlings,
as is anyone wishing to contribute their personal favorite offering(s)
of fermented grape juice.
Directions: From Interstate 66, East or West bound,
take exit 31 onto Route 245 north (right) and proceed into The Plains.
Go about 1 mile to the stop sign at Route 55. Turn right onto Route 55.
Go about 2 blocks. Ted and Catherine’s home is on the left.
6436
Main Street
The Plains, VA
540.253.5542
If you have any questions, please contact Mike Schlosser at 703.369.6416
or mikeschlosser@erols.com.
THANKFUL FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS PAST AND FUTURE
As we conclude another wonderful year, I’m sure we all want to thank those
who have taken their time to organize programs for our education and enjoyment.
Our chapter's calendar for the coming year has a few openings begging to
be filled by "volunteers to present an educational program for our congenial
membership. One of the intriguing programs this past year was "Paring Wine
with Music" so anything goes, folks, don’t be shy. I can say through personal
experience that the teacher learns more than the student does.
There are still a "few" candidates positions open for our annual election
of officers to be held during our January meeting. Step right up and volunteer,
please. Before anyone asks, "NO, the Florida election board will not count
the votes!" And our thanks goes out to those generous volunteers who led
our chapter through the past year in administrative, financial, and coordination
capacities.
Cya on the 2nd ! !
Smile . . .
Fletcher