| Featured Wine
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Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) "Eisrébe" 2007 ($50) 
A luscious dessert wine made from freeze-concentrated Scheurebe, this is quite rich and very sweet, but still manages to avoid a cloying finish thanks to fine balancing acidity that firms and freshens the finish.
Aromas and flavors of very ripe stone fruits (apricot and peach) are fresh and very expressive, and the acidity is so well integrated that it shows up -- along with the fruit and sweetness -- with the first flavor impression.
Packaged in a beautiful 375ml bottle, this is a treat for a special occasion.
90 - Michael Franz
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Looking for a new spin on a cocktail party or networking event? Hire the Washington Wine Academy to custom tailor an event that meets your needs! Events can include educational talks, wine tastings, blending seminars... or something new we create together. Find out more on our web site. |
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| News from the Washington Wine Academy
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We're dedicating this issue to all things Valentine. From an article about pairing wine and chocolate to Valentine's Day gifts for wine lovers, we've got it all. Even better, if you're still looking for something special to do for your Valentine, how about signing up for our Valentine's Day Wine Cruise on the Potomac? Sip some wine, nibble on cheese and dessert, and for the truly brave, learn how to Swing Dance! |
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Wine and Chocolate
Wine and chocolate can be a match made in heaven... if paired correctly. With that in mind, we thought we'd provide a few tips for successfully pairing wine with chocolate.
Overview: Your wine should be at least as sweet, or a touch sweeter, than the accompanying chocolate.
General Rule: Match lighter, more elegant flavored chocolates with lighter-bodied wines. Stronger chocolates should be consumed with more full-bodied wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- White chocolate -- Because white chocolate tends to be more mellow and buttery, try a Sherry, a Moscato d'Asti, or an Orange Muscat.
- Milk chocolate -- For a bar of milk chocolate, a creamy chocolate mousse or chocolate accented cheesecake, try a Pinot Noir or a lighter-bodied Merlot. If the milk chocolate is mild, you also could try a Riesling, Muscat, or other dessert wine.
- Dark or bittersweet chocolate -- You'll need a wine that offers a roasted, slightly bitter flavor, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel.
And if you're planning a Wine and Chocolate Tasting, make sure you start with your lighter (such as white chocolate) and end with a dark or bittersweet chocolate.
For more information or suggestions of specific wines, visit About.com
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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 Valentine's Day Gifts for Wine Lovers*
Looking for the perfect gift for your wine-loving Valentine?
- International Wine Accessories: everything from wine cellars and stemware to accessories and apparel. Price range: $6 - 5,000+
- Wine Country Bed and Breakfast Getaway: nothing says romance like a Valentine's getaway in the heart of America's Wine Country. Price range: room rates start at $100 / night.
- Wine Club Membership: The gift that keeps on giving... Price range: $30-180 / month
- Lake Champlain Chocolates, Chocolate of the Month Club: Pair this with a wine of the month club membership, and you've covered all your bases.
- Wine Gift Baskets: Gourmet foods with well-paired wine selections. Price range: $38 - 150+
* For the complete list of 10 gift ideas, go to About.com
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