WWA Newsletter Header
In This Issue
Featured Wine
WWA Wine Courses
Upcoming Events
Sparkling Wine
Weekly Events
Weekly Top 5
Join Our Mailing List
Featured Wine
from Michael Franz, Editor, WineReviewOnline.com
Michael Franz head shot
 
Arboleda, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Merlot 2005 ($16, Frederick Wildman)
 
Arboleda wine label 
 
This is an excellent wine, and a great value.

It shows good concentration and medium body, and the fruit component is prominent and deeply flavored but not grapey or obvious.

With accents of cedar and dried herbs, it really rings true to Merlot in a Chilean style, and offers much more sophistication and complexity than most reds at this price.

 
90 - Michael Franz
 
More wine reviews every week at:
Wine Courses
Coming in September...
 
Up to Speed on Wine
WSET - Intermediate
WSET - Advanced
 
... Details soon! 
Don't Forget!
You can hire the Washington Wine Academy to host a private event
 
Private events can include wine or beer tastings, wine dinners, blending seminars, educational events and more.

Our private events coordinator will work with you to custom tailor an event to suit your needs. Visit our web site for more information.
News from the Washington Wine Academy
July 30, 2008
 
So this is our fifth issue with our new look and new content... We hope you like the changes we've made. (In fact, we hope you like what we've done so much that you'll forward this to friends and encourage them to sign up.)

Are you liking our new features? Is there something else you'd like to see us writing about? Or a section you think you could do without? If so, let us know. Because we want our e-newsletter to be one of your "must reads" every week.
Upcoming WWA Events: 
 Washington Monument at Night
August 21
 
** NEW EVENT ** 
August 22
Virginia Wine Showcase Tickets and VIP Bus Transportation (VA), $24.50 - $48.50
 
** SPECIAL EVENT ** 
September 5
 
October 18 - 26
Sparkling Wine
Most people hear the word "champagne" -- or "sparkling wine" as U.S. versions are called -- and automatically think special occasion, like a wedding or New Year's Eve. But sparkling wines are actually much more versatile and shouldn't be reserved solely for special occasions.

For example, did you know that sparkling wine is a great palate cleanser? If you're tasting a large quantity of wines, sipping on sparkling wine partway through will help you to "start fresh" so you can better judge the later wines.

Sparkling wines also make a great aperitif before a meal. They are noticeably lighter than any spirit and prepare the palate gently for the wines that follow.

In addition, sparkling wines are known to cut through fatty and greasy foods better than any other style, and make a great substitute for beer.
---------------------

P.S. -- Wondering about the difference between champagne and sparkling wine? For a wine to be called "champagne," it must originate from Champagne, a small region of France near Paris. In addition, it must be made using a very intricate, time-consuming and expensive method that dates back to 1638 and a monk named Dom Perignon.
Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse LogoWeekly WWA Events: 
 
Every FRIDAY at the Arlington Cinema 'N Drafthouse - 6:15 p.m.
 
Every Saturday and Sunday in partnership with Reston Limousine!
 
Reston
WWA's Weekly Top 5... er, 10
 
Top 10 Best Wine Lists in Washington, DC
Noted for either the breadth of the list or for having particularly strong lists focusing on one country or region. Presented alphabetically.
  1. Brasserie Beck
  2. Central Michel Richard
  3. Charlie Palmer Steak
  4. City Zen
  5. Equinox
  6. Hank's Oyster Bar
  7. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
  8. Poste Moderne Brasserie
  9. 701
  10. The Source by Wolfgang Puck

* List from Gayot.com, the Guide to the Good Life.