Pennsylvania Wine Society

Louis Jadot Chardonnay Comparison
2021-08-08 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Louis Jadot Chardonnay Comparison by Marty Cook
Please join us with Host Joe Via on Sunday, August 8th at 3:30 pm Eastern/New York Time for an hour long presentation that will explain and lead us through tasting of Chardonnay wines from the Burgundy region of France. Did you know that a white, Burgundy wine is, by definition, almost always a Chardonnay? Joe will demonstrate this by comparing three white, Burgundy wines from Maison Louis Jadot that are all made from the Chardonnay grape. With oak, with-out oak and Pouilly-Fuisse (po͞oˌyē fwēˈsā). Huh?
This will be a tasting and discussion about three Louis Jadot white, Burgundy’s (Chardonnay’s). Three rather different Chardonnay’s. Joe will discuss how each of these wines has its own distinctions and application for food pairing. The discussion will also touch upon basic Burgundy geography and weather. Grapes will be discussed with maps of the Burgundy region; but, the discussion will ultimately zero in on the Mâconnais district which is located in the south of the Burgundy wine region in France. The three wines selected will also help us understand the French Appellation of Origin (AOC) system. Like zeroing in on a bulls-eye, each wine tasted will take us a little closer to the center. And, what better time to learn more about Chardonnay than on a hot August afternoon!
All three of these offerings have standard store availability in Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits Stores at affordable prices.

Louis Jadot White Burgundy
PA LCB Code #6406
$18.99
“This Bourgogne Chardonnay is a fruity wine showing aromas of flowers and fruit flesh; it is harmonious and very pleasant. Ideally it can be drunk with vegetable terrines, poultry, goat cheese but also as an apéritif. It will be very pleasant at a temperature between 10 to 12°C. After 2 or 3 years of aging, other aromas will develop allowing this chardonnay to be paired with a more sophisticated cuisine.” –Winemaker notes

Louis Jadot Macon Villages Chardonnay
PA LCB Code #7206
$15.99
“The Mâcon Villages area is located in the southern part of Burgundy, close to the Beaujolais area. This appellation is the largest of the Mâconnais area, covering about 2 500 ha of vineyards and 43 communes. Forty three villages have the right to produce Mâcon Blanc Villages. Mâcon Villages are only white wines. The wines are made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The limestone subsoil of the Monts du Mâconnais are ideal for growing the Chardonnay grapes. Some small areas produce exceptional wines. The Louis Jadot Mâcon Blanc Villages is made from grapes from these different areas.” –Winemaker notes

Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse
PA LCB Code #6411
$27.99
“Deep straw—yellow. Opulent cream and toast aromas. Moderately full—bodied, ripe palate with vibrant acidity. Supple and drinking beautifully. Drink now.”
–Winemaker notes

So, plan now to pick up some or all three of the above Louis Jadot wines that we will discuss and join us on Zoom (the link is shown below) on Sunday, August 8th at 3:30 pm Eastern Time to learn more about the nuance that can be found in three wines from the same region. We look forward to seeing you!
Join “Louis Jadot Chardonnay Comparison” by clicking on the following link:
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Wine Wednesday ~ "Plonk"
2021-08-11 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
PLONK by Marty Cook
What is “Plonk”? Wikipedia defines it thusly:
“Plonk is a non-specific and derogatory term used primarily in British and Australian English for cheap, low-quality wine. It is believed to come from Australian slang, in reference to blanc, before it became naturalised in Britain. Despite the reference to the colour white, the term is not limited to white wine, and can as easily indicate a red wine or rosé.”
For the sake of this segment of Wine Wednesday, which takes place on Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time, we will elevate our definition by interpreting “Plonk” as inexpensive (“affordable”) wines of little or no repute that are nonetheless palatable, easy-drinking wines. We could go so far as to say that they are wines that you would not be embarrassed to serve but about which you may not necessarily care to share the details. We could go so far as to include jug wines, box wines, and even canned wines, although there are many examples of affordable, easy-drinking wines that are packaged in 750 ml bottles. Some may go so far as to have cork closures! The key ingredient in all of this is “affordable” and “palatable” wines. If that is Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill or Gallo Hearty Burgundy, then so be it. Or, if you get on your inner snob, then it might be some version of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. To each their own.
So, put your pride aside, hold your nose, and confess what wine really gets you through the workweek. Join us on Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 pm Eastern/New York time for this coming installment of Wine Wednesday and be ready to share your favorite Plonk with us! Oh, and, as always, please photograph the front and back labels of your chosen wine and send those pics to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint slide show presentation. We hope to see you at the Zoom link shown below. Take care!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Chardonnay
2021-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
This ubiquitous grape of French origin grows well in nearly all terroir and exhibits a multiplicity of aromas and flavors reflective of those terroir. Yet, there are those who decry this wine with “Anything But Chardonnay!” Why is it hated and what is your favorite Chardonnay?
___________________________________________________________
All details for each individual event are posted here closer to the actual event date, and distributed to PWS members and those on our distribution list via e-mail in advance of the event each week.
You may request to be placed on the mailing list for a complimentary 3-month trial by entering your full name and email address at the top of the home page. If you want to be a Member or Patron, and enjoy all the benefits, click here to join!
Please check back here the week of the event for Zoom connection information.

Paso Robles - AVA Updates
2021-08-22 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
Photo Courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Please join PWS and Host Joe Via on August 22nd at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time, for a look at the Central Coast in California. Specifically, the Paso Robles AVA including updates and new things to look for on wine shelves. As this wine appellations’ law evolves, so will the labels.
For Cabernet and Rhone-style fans out there, selection and value are there now for these wines if you know where and what to look for. Keep the grills fired up!

Please check back here in future weeks for additional details, as well as the Zoom link information to include you in this event!

Wine Wednesday ~ Your Favorite Wine?
2021-08-25 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Maybe there is a wine that you reserve for very special occasions, or another of which you can never get enough, or another without which you could never live. Is it your favorite? What is that wine?
___________________________________________________________
Additional details for each individual event are posted here closer to the actual event date, and distributed to PWS members and those on our distribution list via e-mail in advance of the event each week.
You may request to be placed on the mailing list for a complimentary 3-month trial by entering your full name and email address at the top of the home page. If you want to be a Member or Patron, and enjoy all the benefits, click here to join!
Please check back here the week of the event for Zoom connection information.

Wine Wednesday ~ Cabernet Sauvignon
2021-09-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
by Marty Cook
Cabernet Sauvignon, often referred to as “The King of Wine Grapes”, is the topic of our upcoming installment of Wine Wednesday on this coming Wednesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time. One of the Noble Grapes, “Cab Sauv” is representative of so many stylistic interpretations owing to “place” and “winemaker preference”. An offspring of a natural crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc (hence, the name “Cabernet Sauvignon”), this revered grape can portray Old World or New World styles, as well as some that bridge those two styles.
What version of Cabernet Sauvignon represents your particular preference? Is it the higher acid and lower alcohol content of the traditional Old World style, or do you enjoy a more full-bodied “big, bold, and fruit forward” style of a New World portrayal from, say, Napa? There are regions that perhaps should not insist on growing this grape due to their lack of sunlight and heat. Or, will those regions have the last laugh as climate change smiles on their fortunes with more heat and sunlight? So, grab a bottle of a Cabernet Sauvignon from the region that you prefer and share it with us as we enjoy another round of Wine Wednesday on the Zoom link shown below!
As always, we ask that you send photos of the front and back labels of your wine bottle to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint “Slide Show of Stars” as we trot out each of the wines that our participants choose to feature!
We look forward to seeing all of you this coming Wednesday for this week’s installment of Wine Wednesday on September 1st at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time at the Zoom link below!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Merlot
2021-09-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
This much-maligned grape remains the favorite of many, save for the movie-goers who fell prey to undeserved bad press in “Sideways”. Tell us about your favorite Merlot!
___________________________________________________________
Additional details for each individual event are posted here closer to the actual event date, and distributed to PWS members and those on our distribution list via e-mail in advance of the event each week.
You may request to be placed on the mailing list for a complimentary 3-month trial by entering your full name and email address at the top of the home page. If you want to be a Member or Patron, and enjoy all the benefits and events, click here to join!
Please check back here the week of the event for Zoom connection information.

Meaghan Frank of Dr. Konstatin Frank Winery - Finger Lakes, NY
2021-09-12 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
——- by Marty Cook
High above the steep southwestern slope of Keuka Lake, to the north of the town of Hammondsport, New York, sits a winery founded in 1961 by Dr. Konstantin Frank. The Dr. Frank Winery pioneered the vinifera movement in the Eastern United States. It was here in 1957 that Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the first East Coast vinifera vines, which launched the “Vinifera Revolution”. This movement would have a lasting effect on the course of winemaking in New York and Eastern America. Four generations strong, the Frank family are leaders in grape growing and winemaking throughout the Finger Lakes and beyond.
In the intervening sixty years, the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has grown and flourished and the operation has remained under the guidance of the very qualified Frank family members. The winery occupies a place of preeminence among East Coast wineries as well as American wineries in general. Their wines have garnered countless awards and have firmly established the Finger Lakes as one of the best winegrowing regions in the United States as well as in the world, producing cooler climate wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, and Rkatsiteli that rival the best that the world has to offer!
On Sunday, September 12th at 3:30 pm, it is our pleasure to host an hour of wine discussion and tasting with guest, Meaghan Frank, the great-grand-daughter of Dr. Konstantin Frank. Meaghan is the Marketing arm of the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and she will introduce us to a trio of their incredible wines from the Finger Lakes Region:
2020 Rkatsiteli ~ A Georgian grape variety that dates back to 3000 B.C. and the oldest known grape variety in the world. Light, crisp, dry, and delightfully refreshing! Scored 93 Points and “Wine of the Month” from the Finger Lakes Times (August 2021).
2018 “Eugenia” Dry Riesling ~ Our driest Riesling made from vines dating back to 1968, this wine received 94 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
2017 Brut ~ Three traditional champagne grapes (a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) aged Méthode Champenoise for at least 36 months. A “Top 100 Best Buys in the World” with a score of 92 Points from Wine & Spirits Magazine (August 2021).
Visit the following link to purchase the above wines at a 20% discount and have them shipped to you at a flat rate of $10 in advance of this virtual wine tasting: https://www.drfrankwines.com/pa-wine-society/
All purchases for this Pennsylvania Wine Society event will be discounted by 20%. Also, a $10 flat shipping rate will be applied at the cart for all orders of 1 to 11 bottles pertaining to this Pennsylvania Wine Society event. Shipping of 12 or more bottles is free. These shipping rates apply for all States to which Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery ships! So, please join us on Sunday, September 12th at 3:30 pm on the Zoom link shown below, when the Pennsylvania Wine Society will host a live hour-long event with Meaghan Frank as she features the above three wines from her family’s winery!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Your First Wine
2021-09-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Your First Wine(s) by Marty Cook

A “tell all” segment of Wine Wednesday will occur next Wednesday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time. That’s when we get into some personal (and, possibly ancient) history regaling the tale of your first wine or wines or, to make it easier, one of the first wines you ever tasted. We all had to start somewhere and the moniker of “wine aficionado” is not earned in a day.

“ONCE UPON A TIME…” you discovered wine. Boone’s Farm aside (and, maybe it really was Boone’s Farm, which is actually malt-based and not a real wine), what were some of the first wines that you enjoyed drinking and to which you are willing to admit?!? Please tell us!!! Inquiring minds are dying for a good laugh!!!

But, seriously… whether it was Riunite (I liked their Cella wine) or Lancer’s Rosé, or Leonard Kreusch’s Moselblumchen (and, I could go on, but will refrain!), clue us into what you were quaffing (probably straight from the bottle, no doubt) and subsequently using the empty bottles for candle holders! Anyone for Banfi’s Chianti in a wicker basket?!?

So, let’s have some fun! Join us for Wine Wednesday on this coming Wednesday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time when we put aside our inner snob and revisit our wine drinking roots, and maybe even tell a few funny stories about “back in the day”!

Oh, and, please remember to send photos of your bottle’s labels (front and back) to WineCat@pa.net by 11:00 pm Tuesday evening so that we can assimilate your photos into our PowerPoint Cavalcade of Wines From Yesteryear so that we can fully appreciate the wine or wines on which you first test-drove your palate!

We look forward to seeing you for Wine Wednesday on this coming Wednesday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time! Please join us via the following Zoom link:

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Wine Wednesday ~ Organic/Biodynamic Wines
2021-09-22 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Organic and Biodynamic Wines by Marty Cook
Next week, Wine Wednesday ventures into the confusing world of Organic and Biodynamic wines. The confusion stems from how these terms are defined and regulated. Our Federal government regulates use of the term “organic,” but “biodynamic” has no legal definition. The following excerpts are from Dr. Vinny of Wine Spectator:
“There are two types of organic listings on wine bottles. Wines can be made from certified organically grown grapes, avoiding any synthetic pesticides or additives, or, to take it a step further, “organic” wines are made from organically grown grapes, and are also made without any added sulfites (though naturally occurring sulfites will still be present).
Biodynamic is similar to organic farming in that both take place without synthetic chemicals; but biodynamic farming incorporates ideas about a vineyard as an entire ecosystem, and it also includes things such as astrological influences and lunar cycles. A biodynamic wine means that the grapes are farmed biodynamically, and that the winemaker did not make the wine with any common manipulations such as yeast additions or acidity adjustments. A wine “made from biodynamic grapes” means that a vintner used biodynamically grown grapes, but followed a less strict list of rules in winemaking.”
Still confused? Then, join us on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time for Wine Wednesday when we will discuss Organic and Biodynamic wines at greater length. Bring a representative wine of either of these genres with you and we will learn together! Also, remember to photograph the labels of your wine bottle (front and back) and email them to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM TUESDAY Eastern/New York time for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint slide show of wines to be discussed! We look forward to seeing you! All Zoom link information follows below.

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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines from the Rhine and Mosel River Valleys
2021-09-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Wines from the Rhine and Mosel River Valleys by Marty Cook

The German wine industry marches to the beat of a different drum. Their wine classifications, wine styles and intimidating wine labels with lots of words sporting umlauts over various vowels can be confusing at best. But, the industry has a very long and rich tradition stemming back to the days of the Roman Empire and their wines are delicious and memorable.
One of the most salient features of the German wine industry are the river valleys where the vineyards grow. The water from the rivers warms the vines during harsh winters and keeps the grapes cool during summer nights. Two of the most prominent river valleys are the Rhine and the Mosel, which bring us many popular wines where the principal grape is Riesling. This grape is used to make a number of exciting, crisp, citrusy white wines that range from dry to sweet.
Want to explore some of these new and exciting wines? Grab a bottle of wine from the Rhine or Mosel and join us for this segment of Wine Wednesday on September 29th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time on the Zoom link below. Also, please send photos of the front and back labels of your bottle to WineCat@pa.net by 11pm Tuesday evening for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint slide show.
We look forward to seeing you on this next Wine Wednesday on September 29th at 7:00 pm Eastern/New York time on the Zoom link below!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Cabernet Franc
2021-10-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
by Marty Cook
The enigmatic Cabernet Franc. Parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are two of the six Noble Grapes. Parent grape to three of the six allowable red grapes permitted in a red Bordeaux blend, and itself one of those six allowable red grapes. A grape that yields complex red wines, with aromas of raspberry, bramble, and bell pepper, Cabernet Franc is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style; but, it can also be vinified alone, as in the Loire’s Chinon or throughout the wine regions of North America’s East Coast. And, yet, it is a grape that evokes strong emotional responses in favor of or against it.
Join us for this week’s installment of Wine Wednesday on October 6th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time when we explore the many portrayals of Cabernet Franc wines. There is more to this wine than Chinon. And, as a reminder, shoot some photos of the front and back labels of your bottle of choice and send them to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday evening, for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint slide show.
We look forward to seeing you and learning about your Cabernet Franc during Wine Wednesday on October 6th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time! Zoom link below.
NO reservations necessary. Just send label photos to WineCat as noted above and click the zoom link Wednesday evening at 7 PM to join.
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Banfi Portfolio Selections with Joe Via and his guest Pam Bernd
2021-10-10 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
by Marty Cook
This episode of our regularly scheduled Virtual Wine Tasting events on Sunday, October 10th at 3:30 PM Eastern/New York time, features Joe Via discussing the full line of products from Banfi Distributors with a focus on their Italian Wine Imports. During this segment, Joe will interview his guest and Banfi representative, Pam Bernd, who spent 17 years with the PA Liquor Control Board in various roles that began during college and ultimately served as a buyer for French and Italian wines. Pam also held supervisory positions in the supply chain and marketing department of the PLCB before she began working for Banfi Wines in June of 2017, initially as the manager for the entire State of PA and eventually adding to her territory with the States of Delaware and West Virginia. Pam earned an IT degree from Penn State and lives in Harrisburg with her 8 year old dog Bailey. Pam really enjoys drinking wines from Northern Rhone region of France, especially Cote Roties, and Syrah is her favorite varietal.
Banfi has a vast selection of wines in its portfolio. We will taste three of those wines on Sunday, October 10th at 3:30 PM. Those three wines are listed with PLCB codes below.
Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi PLCB Code 000007358 $16.99
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino PLCB Code 000008239 $24.99
Banfi ASKA Bolgheri Rosso 2017 PLCB Code 000083200 $24.99
Please join us to explore the Banfi Portfolio with these wines or another of your Banfi Portfolio favorites on Sunday, October 10 at 3:30 PM Eastern/New York time. No reservations required. Simply connect via the Zoom link below. We look forward to hearing from Joe and his guest, and to sharing a Sunday afternoon glass of wine with you!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines of Italy
2021-10-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
by Marty Cook
Our next Wine Wednesday focuses on the Wines of Italy this coming week on 10.13.2021 at 7:00 pm Eastern/New York Time.
From a wine perspective, Italy has a fascinating story. Twenty-five percent of the world’s recognized wine-producing grape varieties are indigenous to Italy. This is a direct tribute to the Romans, who loved wine, and to the Catholic Church, whose monks were constantly cultivating new varieties of wine grapes as an extension of their passion for making sacramental wine. Unlike the French, whose focus was on developing fewer grape varieties and only those of greater quality, the Romans and subsequently the Italians focused on the quantity of different grape varieties as well as the quantity of wines produced. For that reason, there is no shortage of different Italian wines from which to choose.
For this week’s Wine Wednesday on 10.13.2021 at 7:00 pm Eastern Time, consider the many wines of Italy’s 20 Regions (comprised of 110 provinces) and choose the wine that you would enjoy featuring during our weekly Zoom broadcast. Some of what you might ponder could be a blend or single varietals ranging from Arneis, Vermentino, Primitivo (known as Zinfandel in the United States), Verdicchio, Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola, Nebbiolo, or another of Italy’s hundreds of indigenous wine grapes. And, of course, recent decades have seen regions such as Tuscany produce some outstanding blends and varietals from French grape varieties. So, there is no shortage of material from which to choose.
So, please join us for Wine Wednesday on 10.13.2021 at 7:00 pm Eastern Time. And, as a reminder, please send photos of the front and back labels from the bottle you select to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday evening for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint of featured wines. We look forward to seeing you on the Zoom link shown below!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines at, or lower than, 12.5% Alcohol-By-Volume
2021-10-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Wines at 12.5% ABV or Less by Marty Cook
Our next Wine Wednesday episode, which airs on Wednesday, October 20th at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time, will confront the topic of wines at 12.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) or Less.
When I first began to explore wine in 1971, wines rarely exceeded 12.5% ABV. Yeast strains at that time only tolerated ABV’s of 13.6% at the top end before they naturally succumbed to the effects of alcohol, whereupon they fell to the floor of the fermenter and subsequently died. So, sitting down with a friend over a bottle of wine in those days left both of you relatively sober. That was before scientists developed yeast strains that could tolerate ABV’s north of 16%.
Several decades ago, New World wine producers began pushing the limits of high-alcohol wines, which was easy to do in sun and heat-laden areas. This resulted in higher sugar-per-berry content, yielding bigger, bolder fruit bombs of higher ABV and lower acidity. In recent years, however, a backlash among consumers arose that persuaded producers to back off of these techniques.
There are plenty of wines available today at 12.5% ABV or less, albeit, you may have to search a bit. So, the task for our next Wine Wednesday on October 20th at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time will be to secure a bottle of wine with an ABV of 12.5% or less that you would like to feature during Wine Wednesday. And, as usual, please send photos of the front and back labels of your wine bottle to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint presentation.
We look forward to seeing you for Wine Wednesday on October 20th at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time for some fun with wine! The Zoom link for this virtual event is shown below.
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German Wine Labels with guest, Inge Mountz
2021-10-24 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
by Marty Cook
Have you ever wandered into your wine store’s German section, only to feel totally overwhelmed? At first glance, your first impression is that the bottles are all very decorative with their multi-colored and very artistically done labels. But, upon closer inspection, deciphering the Germanic font with strange accents over some of the lettering in the words can become quickly perplexing. You are confronted by many uniquely new and strange words and without the slightest clue as to where to begin or what it is that you are reading! Well, fear not!
Our next Virtual Wine Tasting event on Zoom, which takes place on Sunday, October 24th at 3:30 pm Eastern/New York Time, will dispel the confusion that surrounds interpreting German wine labels. During this segment of our regularly scheduled virtual programming, our host Joe Via and his guest host Inge Mountz will cut through the mystery of German wine labels and how to understand them. Inge is a German native whose first language is German, and she will offer correct pronunciations for the many words to which we may not relate, while Joe Via will guide us through a basic “German Wines 101”. During his overview of the German wine industry, Joe will touch upon Germany’s wine history, its thirteen regions, and the way that the German wine industry addresses wine quality and other details on its wine labels.
Please join us on Sunday, Sunday, October 24th at 3:30 pm Eastern/New York Time for this exciting look inside German wines and their labels! Get a bottle or two of German wine (anything except Blue Nun!) and be prepared to eliminate any confusion that German wine labels may cause you to experience! We look forward to seeing you at the Zoom link displayed below!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Give Us a Recommendation
2021-10-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Our next Wine Wednesday, on October 27th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time will feature your wine recommendations. This is a wide open topic and gives you a wide berth of considerations from which to choose. You could recommend a wine to pair with a particular meal; so, in your estimation, what goes best with steak? But, there are those of us who prefer seafood or fowl or even pork or ham to red meat. So, what, then? And, of course, what about the challenge of vegetarian meals? And, one of my favorites would be pairing wines with desserts!
You may also wish to make your recommendations based on the time of year, such as summer and warm weather as opposed to cooler or colder weather. And, then there are occasions. What is your preferred sparkler for New Year’s Eve? Or, how about Christmas or Hanukkah? What goes great with grilled foods for the Fourth of July? How about Easter and Passover foods? And, let’s remember that Turkey Day is right around the corner!
A variety of situations are on the table for this Wine Wednesday! So, give this some thought and join us on Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time on Wednesday, October 27th for some fun and socialization at the link shown below. We hope to see you then!
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Wine Wednesday ~ "The Last Wine You Drank"
2021-11-03 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Our next Wine Wednesday episode, scheduled for November 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time, is a takeoff on so many social media posts with similar premises. “Tell us the last food you ate” or “Tell us the last song you heard”. This topic was delivered to me while riding a train from New Orleans to Virginia last summer. I had just finished my dinner of pot roast. The only red wine choice I had was an industrial grade (Cough! Gasp! Gorp!) Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon. Shortly thereafter, I read a Facebook post that asked, “If you had a lifetime supply of the last wine you drank, what would it be?” I guess you can get used to anything, given sufficient desperation; but, I hope I never get to test that theory. At least not with an infinite supply of anything made by Barefoot. But, I digress…
The good news is that next week’s Wine Wednesday will not damn you to a lifetime of wine mediocrity; but, it does have an element of “show and tell.” So, show us and tell us! What was the last wine you drank in advance of next week’s program? There is some hair-splitting going on here, as we ask that you send us photos of your wine labels from that “last wine you drank” to WineCat@pa.net by the preceding day (Tuesday, November 2nd at 11:00 p.m.) for inclusion in our Wine Wednesday PowerPoint presentation. So, it’s more like “the last wine you drank before you sent your photos!” WineCat advises, “Drink what you want, any time you want… just remember to send photos and join us for what promises to be wine potpourri – red, white, pink, blue, orange – a wine rainbow.”
Whatever the case, let’s have some fun with this topic! So, send along your wine label photos and join us for Wine Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time on November 3rd!
NO RESERVATION needed. Simply connect to the below Zoom link at the appointed time. We look forward to seeing you!
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Syrah Comparisons - Syrah/Shiraz Around the World
2021-11-07 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
Join us online on Sunday, November 7th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time for our next Pennsylvania Wine Society Virtual Wine Tasting event. During this upcoming program, Joe Via will lead us through a comparison of three examples of Syrah. These wines will come from a diversity of locations all around the globe that will include France, Washington, and Australia (where it is known as “Shiraz”).
During this comparison, Joe will discuss the Old World origins of Syrah in France (which we believe to be the case) as well as the geography, geology, and other elements of terroir that make Syrah from these three areas so distinctive and different from each other.
Genetically the same grape, albeit, represented by many clonal varieties, the typicity of Syrah is emblematic of the terroir in which it is grown. It would be difficult in one afternoon program to discuss every area in which Syrah is grown worldwide; but, the three areas that immediately pop into mind are the three on which we will focus.
The three wines selected for our November 7th tasting are extreme, expressive examples to demonstrate how terroir and climate can affect the style of wine produced. They are as follows (accompanying data sheets are attached to this announcement):

PLCB Code #83406 ~ J.L. Chave Saint Joseph ‘Offerus’ 2018
PLCB Code #85037 ~ Elephant Seven Syrah Walla Walla Valley ‘River Rocks Vineyard’ 2018
PLCB Code #85374 ~ Mollydooker Shiraz ‘The Boxer’ South Australia 2019

Please secure one or more of the above wines in advance of November 7th and join us online that day at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/New York time using the Zoom link shown below.
NO RESERVATION needed. Simply connect via the below Zoom link. We look forward to seeing you!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines 10 Years old, or older
2021-11-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Wines 10-Years-Old or Older by Marty Cook
Our next Wine Wednesday episode will occur on November 10th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time and will focus on older wine vintages. More specifically, we will draw upon our collective wine cellar to feature wines that are ten or more years in age. By that, we do not mean “ten or more years in the bottle;” rather, we mean “ten or more years since the vintage year in which the grapes were harvested. So, whether a 10-Year-Old Tawny Port or an Allegro Cadenza, share with us “how old” and “what, when, and how” you came by this particular bottle! How did that bottle hold up at an advanced age? Softer, smoother, flabby and over-the-hill, or (heaven forbid) infected by some microbial agent?
As an added point of interest, you may go as far as to research information from the vintage year specific to your wine. Thus, 2018 in, say, France may have been a vastly different vintage than the 2018 vintage in, say, Argentina. In fact, you may find that 2018 was a good year in such-and-such region for Chardonnay while, later in that same summer, the harvest in that same area may have had issues pertaining to the quality of, say, Cabernet Sauvignon.
As always, a quick reminder to snap some photos of the front and back/side labels on your bottle and send them along to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening for inclusion in our Wine Wednesday Parade of Stars!
Please join us online for our next Wine Wednesday on November 10th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time by clicking on the Zoom link shown below! We look forward to seeing you!

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Wine Wednesday ~ GSM's - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre Blends
2021-11-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
GSM’s (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blends) by Marty Cook
Next week’s Wine Wednesday on November 17th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time will examine a very popular red wine blend to which many refer as a “GSM” (an acronym for three well-known grape varieties known as “Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre”). This genre of wines is a huge favorite among red wine blend fans and is prized for its complex red fruit flavors and age-worthy potential. Originally grown in the Côtes du Rhône region of France, this blend is now evidenced in many wine regions of the world. This style and variations of the GSM blend excels in warmer climates such as in Spain, South Australia, South Africa, parts of the United States, and Southern France. In Australia, the grapes are commonly called Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro. Some of the most renowned examples of GSM are known as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is produced in the Rhône and where producers are permitted to use up to nineteen different grape varieties (including white grapes). Examples of this wine is produced in regions of the United States as diverse as Paso Robles, California, as well as Central Virginia and Washington State.
So, scout out the shelves of your local wine and spirits shop and delve into the topic of GSM’s. After you research, decide on and purchase the GSM about which you want to share on our next Wine Wednesday, remember to take photos of the front and back/side labels and send them to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening, for inclusion in our weekly Power Point slideshow.
Then, join us on Wednesday, November 17th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time for an hour of online fun by clicking on the Zoom link shown below. We look forward to seeing you!
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Beaujolais & Beaujolais Nouveau
2021-11-20 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau by Marty Cook
It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Time! Every year at 12.01 am on the third Thursday of November, a young, fruity wine full of flavor and zest is released for consumption. In France, it is against the law to release this wine before the appointed time, and the rest of the wine drinking world complies with this tradition so that Beaujolais Nouveau Day can be simultaneously celebrated the world over!
This weekend’s Virtual Wine Tasting takes a detour and presents on Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday. So, please mark your calendar and join us this Saturday, November 20th at 3:30 pm Eastern Time on the Zoom link shown below. That is when Joe Via will lead us through a wine tasting and discussion of the history and tradition of the Beaujolais Region of France and their red wines, which includes both Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau. During Joe’s dissertation, he will discuss the grape with which both Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau are made, the region in which the grape and the wines are made. Joe will also focus on the process used to make Beaujolais Nouveau, which makes this wine the first wine of the new harvest and how it is able to be bottled and distributed within mere weeks of harvest!
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is not immune to the supply chain difficulties that currently plague the world as a result of the pandemic. As such there is only one Nouveau Beaujolais available this year in Central Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. So, we will discuss Beaujolais Nouveau 2021 and Beaujolais as a region using an old vines Villages and a “Cru” (Morgon) from Louis Jadot.
Here are the three codes for the zoom tasting on Saturday, November 20th:
PLCB Code #5877 ~ Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2021 @ $12.99
PLCB Code #84512 ~ Château d’Emeringes Beaujolais Villages 2020 @ $12.99
PLCB Code #86015 ~ Louis Jadot Morgon Chateau des Jacques 2019 @ $27.99

Please join us this Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern Time as we celebrate this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau and learn about Beaujolais red wines and the Beaujolais Region! We look forward to seeing you on the Zoom link shown below!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines from Islands
2021-12-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Wine Wednesday goes on vacation in the Islands! Well, so to speak. Our next Wine Wednesday program on December 1st at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time leaves the mainland to visit the islands. Wine producing islands, that is! On first glance, you may say, “How many wine-producing islands can there possibly be?” The answer is, “Plenty!” For instance, The United States has Long Island, which produces some great wines from Long Island’s North Fork, most notably their Merlot! Then there is Hawaii! I have tasted several wines over the years that were produced by MauiWine (was Tedeschi Winery), opened in 1974 in Kula, Maui. They are known for estate-grown wines, traditional method sparkling wines, and pineapple wines.
On a more serious note, other longtime wine-producing islands include the Mediterranean islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Crete, and Malta. Then, there are the Azores (an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean) and the Madeira Islands (both of these groups are autonomous regions of Portugal), the Canary Islands (off the coast of Northwest Africa), and the island of Great Brittan. Onetime island Australia does not count since it reached continent status some years ago; but, there are the nearby islands of New Zealand and Tasmania to consider. Rhode Island is not an island, although wine is actually produced there!).
So, join us with an example of a wine from an island for our next Wine Wednesday event on December 1st at 7:00 PM Eastern/New York Time. Also, send pics of your bottle’s wine labels (front, back and/or side) to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday for inclusion in our Wine Wednesday PowerPoint slide show. We look forward to you joining us!
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Aromatized Wines - Vermouth, Vini Amari, and Bitters
2021-12-05 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
This will be an overview of aromatized wines, or wine-based beverages that are flavored with botanicals. A few may have neutral spirits added for stabilization and may be classified as fortified wine.
Our tasting and discussion will break into four different areas to help understand aromatized wines.
First, with different Vermouth brands; their styles and origin.
Then we will explain (wine based) Vini Amari or bitter wines and their uses.
Digging a little deeper into the aromatized category, and similar to vermouth, are uniquely flavored Quinquina wines and its subcategory Americano.
Please check back closer to event month for event details, including the Zoom connection information.

Wine Wednesday ~ Malbec
2021-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Our next installment of Wine Wednesday on December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time involves a discussion of wines made from Malbec, a grape that is principally grown in Cahors in southwestern France as well as Argentina. Although genetic origins point to Burgundy, France, Malbec (known as Côt in southwestern France) only came into prominence in recent decades when it was catapulted to popularity by the winemakers of Argentina.
Malbec was originally used as a blending grape in the Bordeaux region of France as one of the six allowable red grapes that could be included in a red Bordeaux blend. Malbec has recently gained popularity as a varietal produced in the area of southwestern France near Cahors. Malbec is also widely grown around the globe in recent years.
Please join us on Wednesday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York time for our upcoming episode of Wine Wednesday when we will engage on Zoom to discuss this grape and its various flavor profiles as portrayed in varying terroir. Also, please take a picture of the front and back labels of your bottle of Malbec and send those photos to WineCat@pa.net by 11 p.m. Tuesday evening for inclusion in our PowerPoint slide show next Wednesday. It adds to the fun and enjoyment! Then, follow the Zoom link shown below!
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Wine Wednesday ~ Chilean Wines
2021-12-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Our next and last Wine Wednesday event for calendar year 2021 will take place on December 15th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time and will deal with the topic of “Chilean Wines”. Similar to what Argentina did for Malbec and Uruguay did for Tannat, Chile has resurrected an almost forgotten grape known as Carménère, a grape of French origin that was facing near extinction in France. Vineyards in Chile were growing boatloads of what they thought was Merlot until 1994 when geneticists discovered that the Chilean vineyards were actually growing Carménère! Of course, Chile is quite famous for other grape varieties, including some fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other varietals.
That’s just one unusual characteristic about Chilean wines. Chile is a long and narrow country along the southwestern border of South America with valley after valley that run east to west from the Andes Mountains to the coast. Each of these valleys have distinctive terroir characteristics. And, because Chile is walled off by the Andes (the longest continental mountain range in the world) from the rest of South America, phylloxera has never breached that barrier into Chile. Thus, Chilean vineyards grow their grapes on their own rootstocks instead of grafted rootstocks from North American grapes.
Please join us for Wine Wednesday on December 15th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time to share in the discussion about Chilean wines by jumping on the Zoom link below. Please secure a bottle of Chilean wine and please remember to send pictures of the labels from the bottle of wine you wish to feature to WineCat@pa.net by 11 PM Tuesday. Those labels will be featured in next Wednesday evening’s PowerPoint slide show. We look forward to seeing you then!
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Meeting ID: 856 5140 7809
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Champagne
2021-12-19 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
Please join us online on Sunday, December 19th at 3:30 pm for a Virtual Wine Tasting during which we will discuss Champagne, the region, the wine, and their history! This special event will be presented by the Pennsylvania Wine Society and conducted by Wine Educator Joe Via and PWS President Marty Cook. A concise list of suggested Champagnes will be listed below. You will be able to secure one or several Champagnes in advance of the program of which you can partake during the broadcast. This event will be interactive through the Chat facility during the airing of the event and then during an open discussion forum at the end of the show.
Permit the following brief background to the program. Champagne is, first and foremost, a place. Europeans, especially the French, name their wines after places. This only adds to the confusion for Americans who do not speak French, which is an intimidating ingredient to interpreting wine labels and appreciating the wines that bear place-names. Champagne is also a wine that is distinguished by the fact that it contains a natural effervescence (putting it within the genre of “sparkling wines”), as opposed to wines that do not have effervescence (known as “still wines”). Champagne has been in production for several centuries and is the result of two separate fermentations. It is the second fermentation that imbues the wine known as Champagne with a sparkle. The process of making Champagne with two fermentations is known as the Champagne Method (Méthode Champenoise in French), nomenclature that has been updated in recent years to “the Traditional Method” (Méthode Traditionnelle). During this presentation, we will discuss the history, geography, and soil types of the Champagne region, as well as the history and step-by-step process by which Champagne, the wine, is made. You will discover that, although the finished product is generally a white wine, Champagne is frequently made from a combination of three grapes, two of which are “red” (which includes a spectrum of grape skin colors from red to blue to black). It is the process that is employed that achieves a clear colored wine from such grapes, all of which will be discussed.
The three Champagne wines that we will feature are listed below and are available in most Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. If you are unable to secure any of these wines, then it is suggested that you select an alternate wine for your tasting pleasure during the event, so long as it is a sparkling wine from the Champagne Region of France, made in the Traditional Method.
PLCB Code #83367 – Bertrand Delespierre Enfant de la Montagne Brut Champagne Montagne de Reims 1er Cru Non-Vintage – $39.99
PLCB Code #39622 – Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Brut NV – $39.99
PLCB Code #47130 – Ruinart Rose Brut NV – $74.99
So, please consider joining Joe Via and Marty Cook for this special presentation of Champagne, presented by the Pennsylvania Wine Society on Sunday, December 19th at 3:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you then!
Please use the following Zoom link to join this event:
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Wine Wednesday ~ Wines of Alsace
2022-01-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
We kick off a New Year of Wine Wednesday on January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time with a discussion of one of my favorite wine regions, that being the region of Alsace, France.
Alsace is a land of rich historic background that marries both French and German culture to present the best of two worlds. Alsace produces many incredible white wines and one allowable red wine. A cooler climate region that once resided within the boundaries of Germany, this multi-cultural area is now part of France by virtue of the spoils of the First World War. Yet, Alsace has a distinctively German flavor in its foods, wines, customs and architecture.
The Alsace wine region is renowned for its wonderful white wines, such as Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer and its one allowable red wine, Pinot Noir. This region is also home to many long-time wine producers that have endured through the ages in spite of international conflicts.
Please join us for Wine Wednesday on January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time with a bottle of your favorite Alsatian wine. And, as always, please send photos of the front and back labels of your bottle to WineCat@pa.net by 11:00 p.m. Tuesday for inclusion in that evening’s PowerPoint slide show of featured wines that we will discuss.
We look forward to seeing you on January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern/New York Time for our first Wine Wednesday event of the New Year!

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Wine Wednesday - Wines of South West France
2022-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Our next Wine Wednesday on January 12th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time takes us to a somewhat unsung, yet fascinating region of France known as South West France (or, Sud-Ouest as the French call it). As the folks at Wine Folly say:
“If you like Bordeaux but not the prices, then the South West region of France is calling you. Many of the wines are very similar to Bordeaux in varietal, wine making style and quality. Add some unique grapes and ‘terroir’ into the mix and this is one exciting region for wine lovers.”
The South West France wine region has a long history of being treated as the red-headed stepchild of the French wine scene, and therein lies a story. As always, it is the age-old story of money, politics and power. But, as a result, this region is also something of a best kept secret when it comes to affordable yet wonderful French wines! Look for regional names on the label like Bergerac, Montravel (dry white blends), Pécharment (big, reds), and sweet wines from Saussignac, Rosette and Monbazillac.
So, secure a bottle of wine from the South West region of France and join us for our upcoming Wine Wednesday on January 12th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time as we explore some of the fantastic yet somewhat obscure wines of this region! And as always, please take photos of the front and back labels of your wine and send them to WineCat@pa.net by 8 PM Tuesday for inclusion in our weekly PowerPoint slide show. Use the Zoom link shown below. We look forward to seeing you!
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The Loire Valley – Jardin de la France with Kevin Ostrowski
2022-01-16 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
The Pennsylvania Wine Society series of Sunday afternoon Virtual Wine Education events returns on Sunday, January 16th at 3:30 pm Eastern/ New York Time on Zoom! Our first presentation of the New Year will feature The Loire Valley – Jardin de la France, hosted by PWS Member and past-presenter Kevin Ostrowski.
In the First Century BC, the longest river in France, the Loire, was recognized by Julius Caesar as valuable real estate. Beginning in the heart of the country and extending for over 600 miles to the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire River has provided access and transportation to its bounty throughout history. This includes the luscious wines of the region, as well. Exploring the wine regions of the Loire, we will see what makes each region unique unto itself. From crisp, light classic whites to bright and clean cool climate reds, we will sample and enjoy some wines from the Loire Valley, the Garden of France.
Even though many of the regions in the Loire grow and make wines from the same grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, the wines are ultimately distinctive in character from region to region. Loire Valley wines are frequently known by the place names from the region in which they are produced (such as Sancerre, Quincy, Pouilly Fume, Muscadet, and Chinon), reflecting the characteristics of each regional terroir as well as the stylistic approach of the winemakers in those regions. Many of these Loire Valley wines are available in Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits premium stores. We urge you to explore the availability of Loire Valley wines in the French section of your local wine store and select one or several to enjoy during this event. We will undoubtedly touch upon the wine(s) you choose and the regions in which they are produced.
Please join us on Sunday, January 16th at 3:30 pm for The Loire Valley – Jardin de la France on the Zoom link shown below. We look forward to seeing you then!
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