AMERICAN WINE SOCIETY
A non-profit corporation
John Marshall Chapter
MARCH MEETING: Millenium Ports, presented by Walt Rachele
Walt’s presentation of vintage ports last month was, as advertised, a stellar
event. There was no written test or formal scorekeeping. Instead, Walt, the
sly devil, presented conundrums. First, he asked the assembled multitude which
of the ten ports was identical to a non-fortified wine created from the same
grapes. Two people got it one of whom was Mike Schlosser, who has been
practicing these things very hard. Then, Walt presented the last port in
an “Official Port Wine Institute” glass, and many people selected that wine
as the best of the bunch. Turns out, it was also the cheapest, or rather,
least expensive at $35 a bottle, it was not exactly cheap and the glass
made the difference. Everyone enjoyed the little ruse, and a glad time was
had by all. Walt was roundly applauded. Good on ya, mate, can’t wait till
next year.
Social wines were:
- 2000 Vale Dona Maria, Portugal
- 1995 Pergolas Gran Reserva, Spain
- 1990 Ingleside Cabernet Sauvignon, Virginia
- 1994 Prince Michel Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 94, Virginia
Featured 2000 ports and their costs were:
- Quinta do Noval, $110
- Taylor-Fladgate, $100
- Grahams, $85
- Dow's, $75
- Quinta do Vesuvio, $75
- Vale Dona Maria, $57
- Smith Woodhouse, $50 Voted best of the group
- Romariz, $35 Voted Miss Congeniality
APRIL MEETING: The World of Malbec, presented
by Mike and Mary Anne Wassenberg
It seems like the wine world has been searching a very long time for the
“next best thing:” wines that will unseat cabernet and chardonnay as the first
choices among American wino-files. On the white side, we have examined such
candidates as viognier, pinot grigio, and sauvignon blanc, and we found some
to like. On the red side, it’s tougher though: Cabernet sauvignon is mighty
nice, you know. Mighty.
Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about a new contender. Wine writers for
the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Spectator, and a few other
screeds your editor has stumbled upon have raved in recent months about malbecs,
hailing mostly from Argentina. In the past it was just another bit player,
blended in the background to make Bordeaux wines. But today, it is presented
as a standalone, and this Sunday our panel of experts you, me and us
will see if it’s a star. Mary Anne and Mike, embedded in the third aisle
of Total Beverage, will be reporting from the trench. Will malbec be a bunker
buster? Or just another Scud dud? Find out this Sunday, 1830 hours, at the
church. Aye aye.
COMING EVENTS: Local Wineries
Veramar Vineyard, 905 Quarry Road, Berryville, Virginia, 540-955-5510,
a newcomer to the local winescape.
- April 19, Saturday Don't let taxes get you down. Join us for
Poor Man's Day. Income Tax discounts: 15% off cases. Free TUBE STEAKS as long
as they last.
- May 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday Dinner and Mystery Theater: “Marriage
can be Murder!”
[Disclaimer: Veramar’s owner, Jim Bogaty, was my boss at Bell Atlantic a
few years ago. And, our own Chris Pearmund is Jim’s winemaker. And between
the two, they have already taken home that many gold medals for Jim’s chardonnay.
Not bad for a newbie.]
Pearmund Cellars, 6190 Georgetown Road, Broad Run, Virginia, 540-347-3475,
throws its doors open for the first time.
- April 19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday – Celebrate the end of tax season.
Breathe easy; relax by the fire while tasting our liquid assets paired with
seasonal soups.
[Chris’s new winery and tasting room must still smell of fresh paint. Come
out, step over the dropcloths, and be his first customer. And do not leave
without trying his viognier. The other wines he offers ain’t bad either. Beginner’s
luck.]
That’s the news this month. Come out Sunday evening and celebrate the end
of winter.
Bruce