| Featured Wine
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Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir "Vision" 2007 ($15, Vineyard Brands)
Lower-priced Pinot Noir is generally
dreadful stuff. However, this wine is not only not marred by the
chunky obviousness that mars so many affordable renditions, but
actually shows real sophistication and delicacy.
Appropriately
light fruit shows notes of dark cherries with a subtle strawberry
undertone, and there's just a light dusting of oak to lend complexity
to the finish.
87 - Michael Franz
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Movie Premiere Tonight!
In 1976, a small American winery bested the exalted French wines of the time and sent the wine industry into a tizzy - putting California wines on the map for good.
Based on a true story, Bottle Shock chronicles the events leading up to the famous 'Judgment of Paris' tastings.
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Wine Courses
Coming in September...
Up to Speed on Wine
WSET - Intermediate
WSET - Advanced
... Details soon! |
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Don't Forget!
You can hire the Washington Wine Academy to host a private event. | |
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| News from the Washington Wine Academy
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Did you realize that Virginia is home to more than 100 vineyards, many of which produce award-winning artisan wines?
If the thought of hitting the road to taste all those wines sounds daunting, we've got the answer: the Virginia Wine Showcase at the Dulles Expo Center. The Showcase includes tastings, shopping (with exhibitors of all types, not just wine), music, and wine-related seminars.
And the Washington Wine Academy is offering up VIP treatment. Just register with us and you get VIP bus transportation to the event from the Vienna metro station. Plus, we'll give you your tickets, check IDs, and issue wine glass tickets on the bus so you can be tasting moments after you arrive (while everyone else is waiting in line)! |
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August 21
** SPECIAL EVENT **
September 5
October 18 - 26
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My Wine Is Corked!
Ever bought a bottle of wine and thought it tasted "off"? Maybe you chalked it up to just not liking that particular wine.
The truth is, that wine might have been suffering from cork
taint, caused by the presence of a chemical called TCA. In the worst
cases of cork taint, the wine will give off an offensive odor similar
to moldy or damaged cardboard. In lesser cases, especially if you haven't
knowingly tasted a "corked" wine, you may not recognize cork taint as
being the reason you don't like a certain wine. You may decide you don't like that particular wine when it isn't even the wine's fault. (One of a winemaker's worst nightmares!)
In response, an increasing number of winemakers -- especially in Australia and New Zealand -- are now using screwcaps, especially for wines that are meant to be consumed now versus aged in a cellar.
So next time you think a wine tastes "off," don't be afraid to speak up. Let the restaurant or store know that you think your wine might be corked and ask for a new bottle.
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 Weekly WWA Events:
Every FRIDAY at the Arlington Cinema 'N Drafthouse - 6:15 p.m.
Every Saturday and Sunday in partnership with Reston Limousine!
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Top 5 Pinot Noirs Under $25
- David Bruce Winery. Pinot Noir, Sonoma, 2004
This wine blends
Pinot Noir from Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley.
- Adelsheim Vineyard. Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2004
Adelsheim
has been a top-flight Pinot Noir producer since 1978.
- MacMurray Ranch. Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2004
Fred MacMurray often pops up in classic late-night movies, was Disney's absent-minded professor, and was the quintessential father on television in the 1950s-60s. This wine is a delicious example of the region at a good price.
- King Estate Wine. Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2004
Located in Central Oregon. This wine leans towards red berry fruit with spices and balanced structure.
- Ponzi Vineyards. Pinot Noir Tavola, Oregon, 2004
Located in Willamette Valley. The Tavola is a blend of grapes from several valley vineyards. Ponzi wines follow the typical Oregon profile with cherry and dark berry fruit, spices, soft tannins, and some earthiness.
* Wines selected from "Best Pinot Noirs Under $25" list on LovetoKnow.com. | |
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