It’s mid-March, and most of us are now living with work-from-home quarantines, school closures, Philly Wine Week postponements, and, of course, “social distancing.” I have little interest in getting into the nuances of the Coronavirus spread and response, but I do want to wish every one of you good health during this crazy time, as well as copious amounts of local wine in your glass.
In the meantime, here are a few reports from our adventures in PA Wine Land over the past few months:
In January, we checked into the cozy Tolino Vineyards tasting room in Stroudsburg one chilly afternoon. I’d previously known their Cab Franc as one of the best in the state, so it shouldn’t be particularly surprising that a taste of their Merlot confirmed this winery’s status as a red wine specialist. Showing typical notes of cooler climate Merlot, it offers great balance and freshness, with juicy purple fruit, hints of oak and a nicely tart finish.
In February, I headed to Galer Estate in Kennett Square to speak about my recent book, Lost Mount Penn: Wineries, Railroads and Resorts of Reading, with the winery’s enthusiastic club members. I was particularly excited about the chance to taste their 2019 Albariño, as a sample from the tank. It’s a lovely example of the grape — one of the varieties I am most excited about in the state (see below) — with lush stone fruits on the palate and enough acidity to match.
Over at What Am I Drinking?! Wine Education Studio in Bryn Mawr — where I teach a few classes each month — I featured the Galen Glen Semi-Sweet Riesling at our Gameday Pairings class. This slightly sweet, fresh and clean wine is a lovely pairing to a variety of spicy and salty foods, and was well-received by the group. And while there wasn’t quite enough room to include the same winery’s Gruner with Envy in our Great Wines Under $15 class, it’s certainly worthy of note for local bargain seekers. Both wines are available at most PA Wegmans stores.
More Wine News from Around the Commonwealth:
- These grapes are the PA wine industry’s next big thing: An article I wrote for Keystone Edge, highlighting some lesser-known grapes grown in PA that everyone should try.
- 2020 PA Wine Competition Results: As we picked Stony Run’s Gruner Veltliner as one of our top tastes of 2019, it’s not surprising to see it take Best Dry Wine in this competition
- Pennsylvania Wine Society 2019 Pennsylvania Excellence Awards: Another good showing for Stony Run, among others, from the Hbg-based group.
- Philly’s Esteemed Sommeliers Talk 2020 Wine Trends: Philadelphia Style talks to 5 top somms in the city.
- Women Are the Driving Force Behind Philly’s Wine Renaissance: part of Philly Mag’s look at how women are reshaping Philly’s food scene.
- Lastly, props to Lake Erie Wine Country and Crossing Vineyards from national pubs.