What's in My Glass Wednesdays! Gruner Veltliner by Galen Glen Winery

There's a lot of hype in the wine world about Gruner Veltliner these days (said "grooner velt-leener"), and I found one that's worth talking about... right here in the state of Pennsylvania.  Introducing Galen Glen Winery and their Gruner Veltliner!

(Photo from Taste of the Trail Blog)

Galen Glen is gorgeous!  It's hidden in the rolling mountainous hills of eastern Pennsylvania.  Looking over the vineyards reminds me of that wine country feel.  And they make FANTASTIC wines, particularly their German-style whites, as well as some red ones that are definitely worth a purchase.  I highly suggest trying some of their wines.  Not only will you be greeted by a charming and cheerful bunch, but you'll also be enchanted by many of their wines.

Here's Sarah, the winemaker, pouring wines at Galen Glen

(Photos from Google Images)

Gruner Veltliner by Galen Glen Winery

The D-2010 Scale 

Gruner Veltline by Galen Glen Winery (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania)

Appearance (10 points possible): pale yellow, almost whitish in color, clear - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Lightly grassy, with hints of citrus matched with honey, light spice, pears, and apples. - 19 points

Taste (10 points possible):  Light and crisp, full of spiced honey and citrus.  Nice acidity and a splash of mineralty in the finish.  The wine is still slightly closed - probably needs a bit of aging or some oxygen before sipping, but it's fantastic.  It lacks the oily, greasy, vegetal character that many Gruners have. - 10 points

Balance (5 points possible): I couldn't ask for a better balanced wine. - 5 points

Finish (5 points possible):  Crisp and minerally.  I get a nice "fresh water pouring over smooth stones" kind of flavor in the finish that lingers with a crisp acidity and refreshing nature.  It's a very bright and smooth finish. - 5 points

Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*

Quality of Package (5 points possible):  Traditional Burgundian bottle. - 5 points

Label Marketability (10 points possible):  This is another one of those traditional labels.  It's beautiful, don't get me wrong.  But on a shelf, will you see it?  I don't know.  However, the nature of this wine is very serious and label captures that. - 8 points

Other (5 points possible): I like the package for this wine because it speaks seriousness with regards to what Galen Glen is producing.  I think that's an important attribute for this region to capture.  Of course, this is my subjective, biased opinion... but aren't wine scores in general?  :)  I'm just telling you my thoughts!  It's up to you if you take my advice. - 4 points

Total Points: 96 points

Overall Thought: I, of course, loved this wine.  It's actually the first Gruner I've fell in love with.  There's just so much about it that make it a perfect, light-bodied, refreshing white wine.  It's dry and is an easy drinking wine for red and white consumers alike.  I challenge all the sweet-wine lovers to try a wine like this and tell me you don't like it!  Then pair it with some food and tell me you don't like it!

Food Pairings:  This is a great wine for seafood, especially lighter seafoods.  I can see something like this with oysters, but it's not necessarily its best pairing option.  Light chicken dishes would be good with this - anything that doesn't include a heavy sauce.  Or try light pork dishes, vegetarian meals, and even spicy Asian cuisine.  It's an easy pairing wine - which is what makes white wines so magical.

Cost: $14

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 1 - it's an absolute steal to buy a wine this good at that price.

Where to buy:  Check out the winery: Galen Glen Winery and find out where they retail.  I know they are put into some higher-end restaurants throughout Pennsylvania.  You'll be lucky if you can grab a bottle of this with dinner!  Cheers!

Don't Forget to Add Your PA Wine Story!

I can't help but love this Pennsylvania Wine campaign!  Every year, the Pennsylvania Winery Association hosts a campaign to raise money for charities as well as awareness of our wonderful wineries.  I should also note that this is a fantastic webpage to refer to when you are looking for winery events within the state of Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Wine & Wineries.

Of course, I'm a huge proponent of the Pennsylvania wine industry (and of exploring ALL wine regions) and here's the perfect way to share your story about Pennsylvania wine!  I posted once about this initiative a few weeks ago, but after reading through some of the stories, I thought it was worth sharing again!  It encouraged me to post one of my stories (hopefully you can find it!). 

Even "out-of-staters" can submit their story!  I know there's some people out there drinking Pennsylvania wines and enjoying them!  For each story submitted, $1 will be donated to the National Center for Family Literacy, as well as a cork donation for a permanent PA cork statue. Click on the link: Pennsylvania Wine Stories to submit your story and chance to win an ultimate Pennsylvania Wine Weekend Getaway!

Thrifty Wine Gear: Fusion [Cocktail Shaker] Bottle

Another fun and funky item that caught my eye while wondering through Franklin Hill Vineyards: The Fusion Bottle:

The Fusion Bottle

(Photos by author)

How does it work, you ask?  Just throw in ice and your favorite cocktail recipe (make it a wine cocktail), shake, and then pour out of the top spout.  The strainer mid-neck will keep the ice from falling through the top pour spout.  Don't always need a cocktail?  Of course not!  You can also use the bottle to make fancy spa-waters or fruit ice teas.

(Photos from Google Images)

Friday Wine News You Can Use: Your Palate Knows Best

When I first saw this article, I thought it was perfect for this blog.  Don't you ever get tired of people telling you what you should drink as opposed to what you want to drink?  I know I am!  And sometimes, you just gotta go with your gut.  We're all wired in genetically different ways.  That is why, there are no real laws to pairing foods with wine.  General suggestions, yes.  But ultimate yays and nays - no, I don't believe so.  Sometimes you're just in the mood for a deep, complex Burgundy.  And other times, you want the simplistic slightly sweet Pinot Noir from Australia.  It all depends on the day, the time, the food, the company; simply put: everything!  So sip up, and enjoy your wine. 

This article was originally published by Stark Insider.  It is published here for your convenience.

Your palate knows best

Don’t friend the score, friend the preference.

BY CLINTON STARK ON 08.17.11 | VIEW COMMENTS

Here’s a thought: knowing the taste preferences of a wine critic or writer is essential to understanding their perspectives on scores and reviews. Can someone who hates Sauvignon Blanc (“Cat pee I say!”) fairly rate it? Or can someone who has antipathy for Napa Cabs (“Over-the-top fruitbomb I say!”) be trusted to provide balanced criticism?

The palate is the thing

There’s a lifetime of learning when it comes to wine. That’s the main reason I so enjoy delving into the topic — at times to the continual chagrin of those around me, “Lick this stone, and tell me if it tastes mineral-ly to you.”.

On this journey, I’m still an infant, an occasionally bombastic one at that, no doubt someday hoping to one day walk and dreaming of retiring in a small Chateau in the Italian countryside (but only if I can get streaming Argento). However, at least one thing seems certain, here and now: your palate knows best. When it comes to wine, you know what you like and what you don’t. Sure, it’s stating the obvious. And I’m not suggesting that just because you have “taste preference” means you’re a “wine critic” necessarily.

I thought I used to know my palate. Then, it changed; or evolved I’d like to think. In the early days of my transformation from a Molson dude to an Ehlers dandy, Napa Cab was my Stratocaster. Whites in my books didn’t make the cut. Steak had something to do with that I’m sure. Back then, a homebound bachelor night agenda was simply: Mondavi Cab, Rib Eye, Suspiria. If tallboys of Oranjeboom were involved, I might (might) be able to make it through NOES 1-5. But enough about me, already.

Don’t friend the score, friend the preference

Be wary of those who promise to be all things to all people. I’m skeptical when someone tells me they don’t like Zins (“Too hot I say!”) but they can still score them with precision because they know how to identify flaws. Maybe, but see that screwed-up Hardy Boy look on my face? That’s my BS detector working OT.

Fortunately with the Web and now the explosion of social media, we’re getting a most welcome influx of experts on all sorts of wine niches. They typically go deep on a region, a varietal or a style. Traditional wine media, of course, have primarily worked this way. Some of the blogs that have recently popped up on my radar as examples: Do Bianchi (Italy),Conscious Wine (Oregon, organic), Swirl, Sip, Snark (Virginia).

It’s like Elaine in that Seinfeld episode (“The Comeback”). Remember the one about the movie rental recommendations by Vincent? Elaine really dug his taste in film. So much so that she began to really feel at one with this guy. Unfortunately it turned out the guy was a boy living with his parents who didn’t appreciate her dropping by with liquor and cigarettes.

Then I discovered Chardonnay…

Used to hate it with a passion. It was the wine kept women drank with their walnut salad at lunch. All that changed when the un-oaked movement came about. I also realized over ten years of getting to know the grape that it can be complex, rich and satisfying. It became my go-to white. That it could be chilled didn’t hurt either on warm Northern California evenings.

Okay, maybe I’m a slow learner. Or is it palate evolution?

Either way, trust your palate.

Thrifty Wine Gear: Wine Glass Bottle Stoppers

I saw these while visiting Franklin Hill Vineyards and thought they were adorable!  What to do with a bottle of wine that's not finished?  (Why isn't the bottle finished?  I don't know!)  But here's a cute solution by Oenophilia.  They just scream fun:

A close up of the wine glass bottle stoppers

(Photo by Oenophilia)

Here's how they fit in bottles

(Photo from Oenophilia)

A close up image while wine-trinket shopping

(Photo by author)

I don't know.  Something about these is just way cool in a "enjoy wine while you can" kind of way.  Side note, I got a red one.  :)  And it's a thrifty buy - about $2.00 to $2.50 per stopper!

What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2010 Bedlam by Black Ankle Vineyards

Tucked away in the corners of western Maryland, lies a quaint, cozy winery called Black Ankle Vineyards.  I came across this winery, which happened to be quite close to family and quickly realized just how wonderful their wines were in addition to its popularity.  I've chosen to focus on their 2010 Bedlam, which is a white blend, all estate grown because it will soon be released.  But I can tell you that many of their reds that will emerge are worth driving to pick up.  I know I can't wait to be in line for some of those!

Black Ankle Vineyards from the parking area

The cozy nature of Black Ankle Vineyards

A sweet, natural welcome sign

The green roof and porched sitting area at Black Ankle Vineyards

Welcome to Black Ankle Vineyards

A view of the surrounding vineyard hills.  It doesn't get easier than this!

(All photos by author)

2010 Bedlam

The D-2010 Scale 

2010 Bedlam by Black Ankle Vineyards (Frederick County, Maryland)

Appearance (10 points possible): straw yellow, clear - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): A fresh palate of perfume and flowers, strawberries, "sweetness" and cream. - 18 points

Taste (10 points possible):  Floral and fruity in flavor.  Medium-bodied with a crisp acidity and hints of a creamy finish.  The 13.5% alcohol burns a bit in the back of the throat when the finish first hits you, but the lingering notes of perfume take over.  - 10 points

Balance (5 points possible): As the alcohol sticks out in this white wine, I have to take off a point. - 4 points

Finish (5 points possible):  Lengthy and cream, with solid hints of perfume.  A slight ethanol burn from the higher alcohol. - 4 points

Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*

Quality of Package (5 points possible):  High quality package for a wine that deserves the highest detail. - 5 points

Label Marketability (10 points possible):  Traditional label, very sophisticated and classy.  But to an untrained eye, I'm not sure how quickly someone would grab this. - 8 points

Other (5 points possible): I really think the name for this blend deserves some points.  As well as the fact that Black Ankle is known to sell out of a wine very quickly.  I think those can factor into the marketability aspect of this wine. - 4 points

Total Points: 93 points

Overall Thought: I was blown away by Black Ankles quality, charm, and marketing efforts.  Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic U.S. have surely found a treasure here.  In addition to how good this wine is, many people found the term "Bedlam" very attractive for a wine.  Although it might indicate this wine is crazy or a bit confused, you'll taste that there is nothing of the sort here: a beautiful arrange of harmony for the palate  

Food Pairings:  This wine is a crowd pleaser.  It's the perfect white wine for soft cheese (think fresh brie) and spicy foods (although not too spicy as the higher alcohol will encourage the spicy nature of the food.  It's also a winner for fruit-based foods - fruit salads, puddings, nuts, ice cream - and light pork dishes (that do not have a bar-b-q base).  May also want to try it with shellfish and octopus.  

Cost: $28.  

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - obviously a bit more expensive than what may meet the budget.  But it's definitely worth the purchase.  This is a quality wine that you're paying for.  

Where to buy:  I believe Black Ankle primarily sells through it's tasting room: Black Ankle Wines, but that you may find some of these treasures trickled throughout local Maryland restaurants.  Believe me - this winery will receive a lot of attention in the near future, and they are worth the drive to visit, especially if you are a dry wine lover.

Ice Cream Wine

Thank you again to one of my friends for finding this one!  Who loves ice cream?  Who loves wine?  Hence the reason for this post:

Ice cream + Wine = <3

Mercer's Dairy now makes a wine ice cream!  Several varieties are available including Cherry Merlot, Chocolate Cabernet, Peach White Zinfandel, Port, Red Raspberry Chardonnay, and Riesling.  I hope you enjoy the pictures below of all these fabulous food products!

Apparently only $8.99 in a store near you

(All photos from Google Images)