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Featured Wine
WWA Wine Courses
Upcoming Events
A Brandy Primer
Weekly Events
Weekly Top 5
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Featured Wine
from Michael Franz, Editor, WineReviewOnline.com
Michael Franz head shot
 
Erath, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Blanc 2006 ($14)

Erath Pinot Blanc 

I love Pinot Blanc for its supreme versatility at the table, a quality that is quite outstanding provided that the variety is permitted to be its subtle self, and isn't whacked with oak in an attempt to make a Chardonnay knock-off.

This rendition is a little on the simple side, but that can be a real strength when you are looking for a wine to match up well with a dish like a delicate preparation of freshwater fish. 

It shows nice fruit recalling ripe apples, with an undercurrent of acidity that lifts and freshens the wine, but is so well integrated that it leaves the finish with a gentle seamlessness.
 
87 - Michael Franz
 
More wine reviews every week at:
Wine Courses
 
WSET - Advanced
Starts Monday, September 22
10 weeks of class
cost: $1,345
limited to 40 attendees
 
WSET - Intermediate
Starts Tuesday, October 7
6 weeks of class
cost: $748
limited to 40 attendees
 
Keep an eye out for other WWA classes, including Up to Speed on Wine (Oct.) and the ABCs of Wine and ABCs of Beer (fall).
News from the Washington Wine Academy
September 17, 2008
 
If you missed out on last month's opportunity to experience Virginia wines at the Virginia Wine Showcase, consider this your second change. September 27-28, the Virginia Wine Festival will be at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, and the Washington Wine Academy has VIP tickets.

The Virginia Wine Festival includes tastings from 54 Virginia wineries, educational seminars, arts & crafts, great food, fabulous concerts, and kidfest!
Upcoming WWA Events: 

Virginia Wine Festival logo
September 20
Charlottesville Wine Bus and Tour with Reston Limousine (VA), $40

** SPECIAL EVENT **
September 27-28
Virginia Wine Festival Tickets and VIP Bus Transportation (VA), $26.50-46.50

** NEW EVENT ** 
September 27
Das Best Oktoberfest (MD), $20-50

** NEW EVENT ** 
October 4
French Wine Society Taste of France (DC), $85

** NEW EVENT ** 
October 6-8
French Wine Society Annual Conference (DC), $475 (WWA readers: You must register as a non-member and then email the FWS to receive a rebate for the difference between the member and non-member rate.)

** NEW EVENT ** 
October 25
Mark Phillips Holiday Wine Tasting (DC), $40-65

** NEW 2009 DATE ** 
October 16 - 25, 2009
A Brandy Primer
Ever wonder about the origins of brandy?

The name brandy comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, meaning "burnt wine." The name is actually quite appropriate.

Most brandies are made by applying heat to wine, causing a concentration of the alcohol, or other fermented fruit juices. Italy's version of brandy - grappa - comes from the use of grape skins, and Poland's version comes from plums. However, brandy can be distilled from any liquid that contains sugar. In Japan, brandy is made from rice. And brandy in the U.S. - known as bourbon - is made form corn.
 
The fine brandy maker's objective is to capture the alcohol and agreeable aromas of the underlying fruit, and leave all of the off-tastes and bitter chemicals behind.
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 (and Bottom) 5
Top 5 States for Wine Consumption *
  1. Washington, D.C.
  2. New Hampshire
  3. Nevada 
  4. Delaware
  5. Massachusetts
Bottom 5 States for Wine Consumption *
  1. Kentucky
  2. Iowa
  3. Arkansas
  4. Mississippi
  5. West Virginia
List came from The Zinquisition.