The Cellar: Expand Your Palate
Friday, August 01, 2014
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalWorcester Wine Writer
Do you consider yourself a bit of a wine nerd? If so, you should consider signing up for a wine tasting at the Providence Wine Academy - hosted by yours truly. The Providence Wine Academy was founded in November, 2011 with the mission of providing its patrons with a series of unique wine learning experiences. We are now entering our 4th season but our goal remains the same: to create a cozy and relaxed (often comical) environment where people can taste unusual quality wines without breaking the bank. We take a lot of pride in servicing winos that find themselves seeking blind, comparative wine tasting experiences that lay in between the ‘all-you-can-drink buffets of Yellow Tail’ and the ‘sit down and take notes’ wine classes.
At the next tasting, which is this Monday August 4th, participants will be exploring the grape varietals Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Not only will participants be sampling 3 different expressions of each grape, they will also be learning about the region where the wines come from and how the wines are made.
Not your everyday Chardonnay
While many of you will be familiar with the soft and fruit driven Argentinean ‘Mendoza style’ Malbec, you might not know that Malbec originally is a blending grape from Bordeaux. You might also be unaware that the place in France that specializes in single varietal Malbec, a small town called Cahors, makes a very different style of Malbec – rustic, meaty and tannic. The differences between the various styles are amazing and must be tasted to be believed.
The other red grape variety participants will be sampling is Cabernet Franc - probably my favorite red grape varietal of them all (and yes, I do say that about almost all varietals). Cab Franc most commonly appears in red Bordeaux style blends, where it adds herbaceous accents of tobacco and dark spice. By itself Cabernet Franc is usually light to medium bodied and often shows vegetal characteristics, in particular green bell peppers. The level of vegetalness and earthiness also depends on the climate the grapes are grown in. It is very versatile and can be bottled ‘naked’ (no oak) or after having been exposed to months of barrel aging.
The white varietal we will be exploring is Viognier – a grape varietal that almost went extinct in the early 1980’s. Thank god it didn’t! If you have never tasted a Viognier you’ve been missing out. Viognier is an aromatic grape variety known for producing weighty wines. On the nose, Viognier wines are often very floral, even honeyed in sweeter examples. Apricots are the variety’s classic flavor association, often with a richness that can be interpreted as ripe peach. Among the Viognier that participants will be tasting is a highly rated Condrieu as well as a single vineyard example from Walla Walla, Washington.
For more information about the Providence Wine Academy or to sign up for Mondays tasting, click here. Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at srasch@ProvidenceWineAcademy.com.
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Hardwick
Hardwick Vineyard & Winery
Central Mass’s own Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, open March-December, is a close to home treasure that produces 3,000 gallons of wine each year. The winery, which grows 6 varieties of grapes, is built on a quiet road in Hardwick that abuts the Quabbin Reservoir. Located on the property is a majestic 200 year old mansion. This weekend, take the trip to the vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Favorites include Massetts Cranberry and Yankee Girl Blush. If you head out on a Sunday; you’ll be in luck—the winery is hosting Sangria Sundays for the rest of the month.
3305 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA. (413) 967-7763.
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Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
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Coastal Vineyards
A relatively young addition to the Massachusetts family of wineries and vineyards, Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth opened its doors in 2004. Coastal Vineyards grows eight varieties of grapes on their property, including Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and more. For a special treat, head over on Sunday for their Ugly Sweater Wine Party featuring acoustic musician Ryan Thaxter. Don your ugliest sweater to get 35% off your purchase—and a chance at a prize.
61 Pardon Hill Road, South Dartmouth, MA.
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Amherst Farm Winery
Head out to one of Massachusetts’s favorite college towns this weekend to check out Amherst Farm Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting set in a cozy 19th century post and beam dairy barn. For only $5 receive a logo glass and a taste of 5 of their 15 wines, including unique flavors like chocolate raspberry, pumpkin frost, cranberry, and more. Bring a picnic and cozy up on their leather sofa by the fire to enjoy your wine with a snack.
529 Belchertown Road, Amherst, MA. (413) 253-1400.
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Nashoba Valley WInery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
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Mill River Winery
Mill River Winery, located in Rowley, is the perfect wine destination for a mini-getaway. Enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery of Western Massachusetts as you wind through country roads to the winery. Mill River’s tasting room is housed in a refurbished cider mill, complete with eclectic décor that provides for an excellent tasting and shopping experience. Try their delicious Naked Chardonnay, a full bodied chardonnay with aromatic notes of lemon zest and pear. If you would like to get a “Dirt to Bottle Tour,” make sure to be at the winery at 2pm or 4pm Saturday or Sunday.
498 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA. (978) 432-1280.
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Black Birch Vineyard
For only $6, get the full Black Birch Vineyard experience—tasting and a tour! Enjoy the great mix of contemporary and rustic décor of the tasting room and the local culture of this Massachusetts winery. While you’re in, be sure to try their award winning selection of reds and whites.
155 Glendale Road, Southampton, MA. (413) 527-0164.
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Taylor Brook Winery
Located just over the border, Taylor Brook Winery in Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem. This winery tends to over 2,000 vines of the finest grapes in the region. Head down to enjoy the country hospitality of this great local business, which offers tastings, bottles of their wine, and other great gift items for purchase. For a delicious winter wine, try their Winter Pomegranate.
848 Route 171, Woodstock, CT. (860) 974-1263.
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Obadiah McIntyre Farm
Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery
The Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery is located on the Charlton Orchards Farm property. The winery is owned and operated by a family that has been in the business of growing fruit for over 50 years, and began making wine in 1999. They are dedicated to making the best tasting wines around. Every weekend until the end of December, join them for a tasting and see for yourself.
44 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA. (508) 248-7941.
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Puttney Mountain Winery
Just over the Vermont border, Putney Mountain Winery located inside Basketville, has been making delicious local wines since the 1990s. All of their wines are crafted from local produce, which makes for the best tasting wine possible. If you’re toting the kids along for the day, the winery also sells juices made from locally grown produce, like their Putney Bubbly Vermont Sparkling Black Currant.
8 Bellows Falls Road, Putney, VT. (802) 387-5925.
Do you consider yourself a bit of a wine nerd? If so, you should consider signing up for a wine tasting at the Providence Wine Academy - hosted by yours truly. The Providence Wine Academy was founded in November, 2011 with the mission of providing its patrons with a series of unique wine learning experiences. We are now entering our 4th season but our goal remains the same: to create a cozy and relaxed (often comical) environment where people can taste unusual quality wines without breaking the bank. We take a lot of pride in servicing winos that find themselves seeking blind, comparative wine tasting experiences that lay in between the ‘all-you-can-drink buffets of Yellow Tail’ and the ‘sit down and take notes’ wine classes.
The other red grape variety participants will be sampling is Cabernet Franc - probably my favorite red grape varietal of them all (and yes, I do say that about almost all varietals). Cab Franc most commonly appears in red Bordeaux style blends, where it adds herbaceous accents of tobacco and dark spice. By itself Cabernet Franc is usually light to medium bodied and often shows vegetal characteristics, in particular green bell peppers. The level of vegetalness and earthiness also depends on the climate the grapes are grown in. It is very versatile and can be bottled ‘naked’ (no oak) or after having been exposed to months of barrel aging.
