Newsletter - 2013 - April

Thursday April 11, 2013

Knights of Equity Hall

Bourgogne expliqué

Mark your calendars and save the date!  We are in for a treat on April 11 as our own Dr. of the Grape, John Eld, explains, demystifies and guides us through the intricacies of the wines of Burgundy.  We in the Pittsburgh Chapter of the AWS are privileged to have amongst our members a person with the wine knowledge that John possesses, and we are fortunate that he is so adept at sharing that wisdom.

Don’t miss this chance to increase your Burgundian savvy and taste some wonderful wines!

Members:   $30
Guests:       $35

RSVP by April 4, 2013 to:

aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com

or

Kathleen Simpson - 412-657-1861

Make checks out to AWS and mail to:

Dennis Trumble 1302 Arch St. Pittsburgh PA  15212

Notes from the Chair

Let me begin my notes by congratulating all of the winemakers who won awards in the American Wine Society Amateur Wine competition!  Bravo and brava!  The event was a grand success, and as usual, we all learned new ways to taste, enjoy, and make wine.  Special thanks to Rich Ryba and all of the volunteers for their tireless work on an early Sunday morning.

One of the hundreds of attendees on Sunday was the wine writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ms. Elizabeth Downer and she wrote an article describing her experiences at the Conference.  It’s located at the link:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/libations/tastings-society-delivers-on-wine-education-678169/

I would, once again, like to encourage you to sign up for email notification of any new posts here on our little space on the web.  It’s easy to do, and safe.  Just scroll to the bottom of this page and click in the box titled “follow by email”.  If you do, you’ll receive notice any time that something new is posted.  It’s an easy and convenient way to keep up to date on the events and the tasting notes, check the calendar, and become aware of any other news worthy items for or about the AWS.

To close, in the words of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, remember that “Burgundy makes you think off silly things, Bordeaux makes you talk of them and Champagne makes you do them.”  I look forward to seeing all of you in April.  Bring a guest and share the joy that wine brings.

F.L.

Tasting Notes - 2013 - March

MARCH TASTING
Old World vs. New World
Presented by Heather Abrams - Southern Wine & Spirits

World	Varietal	Wine	Vintage	Code	Cost
Old	Sauvignon Blanc	P Jolivet Attitude - Loire, France	2010	513989 SLO	$18.00
New	Sauvignon Blanc	Brancott - Marlborough, New Zealand	2011	7245	$14.99
Old	Pinot Gris	Hugel - Alsace, France First Place White	2007	524051 SLO	$25.00
New	Pinot Gris	Cloudline – Willamette, Oregon	2009	521727 SLO	$19.00
Old	Malbec	Rigal – Cahors, France  First Place Red	2010	528660 SLO	$13.00
New	Malbec	Graffigna (Reserve) – San Juan, Argentina	2010	9289	$12.99
Old	Syrah	Paul Jaboulet Les Jalets Crozes Hermitage – Rhone, France	2009	36519 Lux	$24.99
New	Shiraz	Yangarra Estate – Kangarilla, Australia	2009	5900	$23.99

Food Selections:
Thank you to our Hosts - Jeff Wagner and Barbara Johns!

Cheeses (from Penn Mac) -
Beemster Goat Gouda - Aged 4 months. Clean, smooth texture, sweet taste
Zamorano - Aged over one year. Gamey sheep's cheese from Spain. Nuttier than Manchago.
Aged Parmesan - New at Penn Mac! Sharp flavor

Artichoke Dip with Parmesan Cheese
Olive tempenade - blach and spanish olives with garlic and oil

Spicy pepperoni

Milk and Dark Chocolate

Baguettes - White, Multi-grain, and Kalamata olive
Assorted crackers

Newsletter- 2013 - March

Tasting for March 14, 2013

War of the Worlds

Come and join us for a tasting of New World vs. Old World wines, presented by Heather Abrams of Southern Wines and Spirits. Member cost is $20 and guests will be $25.   We are limiting attendance to 50 people, so please make your reservations early.

RSVP by March 7 , 2013 to:

aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com

or

Kathleen Simpson - 412-657-1861

Make checks out to AWS and mail to:

Dennis Trumble 1302 Arch St. Pittsburgh PA  15212

Notes from the Chair

Wow!  What a great tasting we had on Valentine’s Day.

Deb Mortillaro from Dreadnaught Wines in the Strip District presented an education on Champagne and other sparkling wines.  If you weren’t there, then “Shame on you for six weeks”, as Mike Lange would say.   The program food items, prepared by Metha and Leanna, were perfect compliments to the wines presented. 

 We have some interesting and exciting tastings scheduled in the coming months, so be sure to register early for them.  We will have a limited number of spaces available.  On that note, please be sure to have a look at the new website.  You can find it by clicking on http://aws-pittsburgh.blogspot.com.  Our Vice-Chairs, Tim and Brittany Altimus have done a great job, and I think you’ll find it informative and easy to use.  Please keep in mind that all RSVP replies will be going to the new email address, aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com, as well.

I will, once again, mention the AWS Pittsburgh Wine Conference and Competition.  We have a fascinating slate of presenters, and of course, the Showcase of Wines following the conference.  You will not be disappointed!

We hope to see all of you next month at the tasting!  I will leave you with this question.  If you make wine from raisins, do you have to wait for it to age?

F.L.