Pennsylvania Wine Society

California Dreamin' ...about wine!
2021-03-07 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
A History of California Wine in Six Glasses by Kevin Ostrowski
When talking about wine in the United States, most people immediately think of California, and with good reason. California wines rival those of anywhere else in the world and, in some cases, have been deemed the best in the world; but, wine in California had humble beginnings. It is a story of religion, immigration, hard work, taking chances and seizing opportunities.
On Sunday, March 7th at 3:30 p.m., we will talk about the origins and history of California wine, how it began, evolved, struggled, and finally flourished. Let us sample some signature brands and toast their successes with “A History of California Wine in Six Glasses”. We will tell the stories of Krug, Mondavi, Stag’s Leap, and Chateau Montelena, among others — how they got their start and how they built their reputations.
A short list of representative wines are listed below; but, the choice of wine for this tasting is left to your discretion. We will talk about each of these wine labels within the scope of this presentation; but, regardless of what you choose to enjoy (one, two, or all six!), we will touch upon every one of these labels as our journey wends its way through the winegrowing regions and history of California. We will certainly raise our glass to their founders in the process.
What follows is the list of brands and labels that we will examine. Again, choose one, several, or all, depending on your taste and budget. Along the way, we will tell the story of these wines as their aromas and flavors bring California wine history to life, possibly encouraging you to plan your next trip (when we can once again travel safely) to the vineyards and wineries of The Golden State!
Buena Vista ~ Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon
Schramsberg ~ Brut, or Blanc de Blanc
Charles Krug ~ Cabernet Sauvignon
Robert Mondavi ~ Fumé Blanc, or another Mondavi Label (or, a very expensive Opus One!!!)
E&J Gallo — Gallo Family Vineyards ~ Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
Chateau Montelena ~ Chardonnay
Stag’s Leap ~ Cabernet Sauvignon (or, Artemis)
Please join us on Sunday, March 7th at 3:30 p.m. on the Zoom link shown below as we explore the rich history and robust tradition of wine and winemaking in California! Secure one or several bottles of the above-listed representative wines from The Golden State and log onto Zoom for an hour-long whirlwind tour of some of the most prominent labels that firmly established California as what many consider to be North America’s premier wine-growing region. Zoom details follow.
To join “A History of California Wines in Six Glasses”, please use the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/98243478140?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 982 4347 8140
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 982 4347 8140
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a1Q8xTu92

Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja ~ Virtual Event
2021-02-07 15:30 - 17:00
The Pennsylvania Wine Society is pleased to present “Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja” as our next in a series of Virtual Wine Tasting events. This event touches upon the Rioja wine region of Spain. The Rioja is a fascinating wine region that is really representative of three distinct terroir as it runs west to east across the northern Spanish terrain.
During our presentation, Joe Via will explore one white wine and two red wines as he gives us an in depth look at the Rioja region. So, please consider joining us on February 7th, dubbed Super Wine Sunday, when we kick off “Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja” at 3:30 p.m.
Securing the Wines
In advance of our presentation, please secure one, two, or all three of the following offerings! They are available in Pennsylvania at premium Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores; but, please secure these offerings sooner than later, as supplies may not be robust in some areas! The PLCB codes, product names, descriptions and prices follow:
Code #79270 ~ Cune Barrel Fermented Rioja Blanco 2018
$11.99 plus applicable sales tax
Grape Variety is Viura, the most important white grape of Rioja
A Chairman’s Selection® Originally quoted at $21.99
“A crisp and creamy white with sliced-pear and green-apple aromas and flavors. Medium body. Clean finish.” 91 Points James Suckling, July 26, 2019
“Golden yellow apple, pear and subtle hints of spiced hazelnut/vanilla on the sublime nose. The textured palate offers good tension, integrated oak and a lovely mineral character on the lingering finish. A beautiful, traditional-styled white from a historic producer — outstanding!” Josh Hull, Chairman’s Selection® wine buyer
Code #98642 ~ Altos Ibericos Rioja Crianza 2016
$14.99 plus applicable sales tax
Grape Variety is Tempranillo
“Purity of fruit in this red, from plums and red berries to ripe strawberries. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins that are polished and soft. Lovely tension and focus. Extremely well done. Try after 2020, but hard to resist now.” 92 Points James Suckling
”Opaque cherry red. Rich fruit aromas (cherry, black plum jam) with spicy (green peppercorn) and smoky notes. Intense, warm, with firm tannins nicely structured by oak aging and a backbone of subtle fruit acidity. Designed to pair perfectly with new trends in avant-garde cuisine. Excellent with all kinds of tapas prepared with fresh ingredients; red meat, oil-rich fish and cheeses. Equally exquisite with cured Iberico pork.” ~ Winemaker’s Notes
Code #79269 ~ Contino Rioja Reserva 2015
$29.99 plus applicable sales tax
Blend is Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha
Chairman’s Selection® Originally quoted at $46.00
“The 2015 Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% split between Mazuelo and Garnacha… and an élevage in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels for two years. It feels fresher than the 2014, and it also shows younger, with better integrated oak, subtle aromas and nice balance. Drink 2019-2025.” 94 Points Wine Advocate, June 2019
“This shows so much intense dark berry such as blueberries and blackberries with hints of flowers. Lavender too. Full body, dense tannins with freshness and intensity. So tight and focused. A classic Rioja.” 96 Points James Suckling, August 2018
ZOOM Link Info
You are invited to the following scheduled Pennsylvania Wine Society event via Zoom:
“Super Wine Sunday: The Wines of Rioja” (a presentation that includes three representative wines of the Spanish Rioja)
To join this event, click on the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/99310812233?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 993 1081 2233
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,99310812233#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,99310812233#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 993 1081 2233
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aeHXPsfOUR

Board of Directors Meeting
2021-01-11 18:30 - 20:30
Board meetings are virtual via Zoom. Active, dues paid current Members may attend as guests. Please contact an Officer if you are interested in attending a meeting.
