One of the aspects I love about the world of wine is that there is always something new to learn.
When it comes to wine regions, Pennsylvania might not be the first to come to mind. But I have just recently realized that Pennsylvania produces about the same volume of wine as Oregon, just behind the states of Washington and New York—sure, this is much less than California, which represents over 85 percent of the entire American wine production. Protected by large masses of water such as Lake Erie and the Atlantic Ocean, Pennsylvania’s mild climate makes it a pretty good place to grow “Vitis Vinifera,” the original “European grape” species recognized for producing good wine around the world. Now that the quantitative aspect of PA winemaking is clarified, let’s focus on the most important side: quality.
A unique wine competition took place last spring just around the corner of our beloved “Keystone State.” The Pennsylvania Winery Association organized the “PA Sommelier Judgment Day” and invited wineries from all across the state to submit their wines made exclusively of Vinifera grapes. Following a blind tasting of the 110 wines (Tough job, right? Well, someone has to do it!), the panel composed of the best sommeliers in the area selected and ranked the top ten wines. The results of this competition were revealed in June during a special event that I had the chance to attend. I was absolutely thrilled to see a local winery I had discovered a few months earlier win “Best White in PA” for their 2016 Albariño.
Back in January this year, I was on a mission to find local wines to add to the restaurant’s Wine List at Hotel Bethlehem. This is how I first visited Maple Springs Vineyard, an artisan winery located in Bechtelsville, which planted their first vineyard in 2008. During the tour, the owner and vintner Marianne Lieberman together with winemaker Jef Stebben thoroughly explained how the winery started and described their approach with regards to sustainable vineyard management and winemaking. Most importantly they shared their vision and philosophy. As I realized how ingeniously and accurately each decision had been made, I thought “These guys are doing everything right.” Winemaking is a combination of science and art. In order to craft a wine of quality, you need to understand the elements and inherent conditions of your “terroir.” That is precisely where Maple Spring started. By adding the skills of very talented winemaker Jef to the equation, the result is a real success.
I was particularly curious to find out why Maple Springs Vineyards decided to grow Albariño (by the way all the grapes come from their own local vineyards). This classic grape of Northwest Spain is one of my favorite white varietals (I’ve already expressed my fondness for Albariño in a post earlier this year) so I had great expectations. As I tasted Maple Springs Albariño, I fell in love at the very first sip. Light and aromatic, with layers of fruity flavors (lemon and pink grapefruit) and with a refreshing acidity, this example of Albariño is simply delicious! It is so great that the quality of this wine has been acknowledged amongst my peers and was made official during the PA Sommelier Judgment Day. A trophy well deserved (and a personal boost of confidence with regards to my palate!).
Another grape varietal exceeded everyone’s expectations during this wine competition. All of the “red finalists” were exclusively made with Cabernet Franc. Originally from Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is probably best known as the “star grape” of the Loire Valley in France where it thrives in cool soils. It appears that Pennsylvania is also an ideal home for vineyards planted with this grape. I tasted some really well made examples that night. Wines were bursting with raspberry flavors, spices and silky smooth tannins. I have a feeling that Cabernet Franc will be the red grape that will enhance Pennsylvania wines’ profile. Rushland Ridge Vineyards in Bucks County won the “Best Red trophy” for their 2014 vintage, while the grand winner of the night was Tolino Vineyards from Bangor, who took away the trophy for “Best of State” overall—with a delicious and complex 2014 Cabernet Franc.
Another truly local wine made with an international grape and delivering beyond my expectations!
Cheers!
About the Author
Céline Riquelme is an International wine specialist, wine consultant and wine blogger.
A native of France, Céline has worked and lived throughout Europe and the USA and holds the Diploma of the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust). Céline founded “Three Cheers Wine Solutions” based in Center Valley to share her knowledge and passion for wine. Céline helps clients select the best wines to serve during their special events and hosts tailor-made wine tasting experiences as well as wine educational classes. Occasions range from small parties (private dinners, bridal showers) to large gatherings (weddings, networking and charity events, corporate team-building…)
Céline also provides consulting to restaurants to optimize their wine list, train their staff and enhance the restaurants’ profile through wine related events.
To learn more about hosting a private wine tasting or get advice regarding wine selection for a future event threecheerswine.com
