The Cellar: Expand Your Palate

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: Expand Your Palate

Do you consider yourself a bit of a wine nerd? If so, you should consider signing up for a wine tasting at the Providence Wine Academy - hosted by yours truly. The Providence Wine Academy was founded in November, 2011 with the mission of providing its patrons with a series of unique wine learning experiences. We are now entering our 4th season but our goal remains the same: to create a cozy and relaxed (often comical) environment where people can taste unusual quality wines without breaking the bank. We take a lot of pride in servicing winos that find themselves seeking blind, comparative wine tasting experiences that lay in between the ‘all-you-can-drink buffets of Yellow Tail’ and the ‘sit down and take notes’ wine classes.

At the next tasting, which is this Monday August 4th, participants will be exploring the grape varietals Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Not only will participants be sampling 3 different expressions of each grape, they will also be learning about the region where the wines come from and how the wines are made.

Not your everyday Chardonnay

While many of you will be familiar with the soft and fruit driven Argentinean ‘Mendoza style’ Malbec, you might not know that Malbec originally is a blending grape from Bordeaux. You might also be unaware that the place in France that specializes in single varietal Malbec, a small town called Cahors, makes a very different style of Malbec – rustic, meaty and tannic. The differences between the various styles are amazing and must be tasted to be believed.

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The other red grape variety participants will be sampling is Cabernet Franc - probably my favorite red grape varietal of them all (and yes, I do say that about almost all varietals). Cab Franc most commonly appears in red Bordeaux style blends, where it adds herbaceous accents of tobacco and dark spice. By itself Cabernet Franc is usually light to medium bodied and often shows vegetal characteristics, in particular green bell peppers. The level of vegetalness and earthiness also depends on the climate the grapes are grown in. It is very versatile and can be bottled ‘naked’ (no oak) or after having been exposed to months of barrel aging.

The white varietal we will be exploring is Viognier – a grape varietal that almost went extinct in the early 1980’s. Thank god it didn’t! If you have never tasted a Viognier you’ve been missing out. Viognier is an aromatic grape variety known for producing weighty wines. On the nose, Viognier wines are often very floral, even honeyed in sweeter examples. Apricots are the variety’s classic flavor association, often with a richness that can be interpreted as ripe peach. Among the Viognier that participants will be tasting is a highly rated Condrieu as well as a single vineyard example from Walla Walla, Washington.

For more information about the Providence Wine Academy or to sign up for Mondays tasting, click here. Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected].

10 New England Wine Getaways

Newport Vineyards

Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.

909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya

Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.

162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.

Greenvale Vineyards

Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.

582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.

Maugle Sierra Vineyards

For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.

825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.

Nickle Creek Vineyards

Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.

12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.

Nashoba Valley Winery

Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

Bishop’s Orchards Winery

The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.

1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.

Diamond Hill Vineyards

For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.

3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.

Westport Rivers

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

Travessia Winery

Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.

760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.

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