Comparative Cabernet Franc - Colorado vs Virginia

"I'm not a huge enthusiast of the sexual stereotyping of wines but even I can see that Cabernet Franc might be described as the feminine side of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is subtly fragrant and gently flirtatious rather than massively muscular and tough in youth. Because Cabernet Sauvignon has so much more of everything – body, tannin, alcohol, colour – it is often supposed to be necessarily superior, but I have a very soft spot indeed for its more charming and more aromatic relative, Cabernet Franc." -- Jancis Robinson

Whereas Cabernet Franc is mostly known from its Bourdeaux (St-Émilion and Pomerol) and Loire (Chinon) homes, this black-skinned wine grape has been widely planted in the United States - particularly in wine regions such as the Finger Lakes, Long Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Colorado.

Colorado Case Club Wines

These regions provide challenging conditions for grapevines such as short growing seasons, frost, and humidity. Cabernet Franc's relative thick skins and loose clusters allow the grape to withstand humidity; yet frost and short growing seasons are still detrimental since the grape buds and matures earlier than say, Cabernet Sauvignon. These conditions heighten the inherent green vegetal character of Cabernet Franc due to the increased presence of the chemical pyrazine in these unripened grapes.  Winemakers can attempt to compensate for this overly green vegetal character by increasing oak treatment - in many cases leading to overly oaked and dull wines.

Virginia Case Club Wines

During the BevFluence Experience Denver, we sampled several Cabernet Franc wines, a few from the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board and another from the Virginia Wine Board.  This provided a small, yet interesting, sampling of comparative Cabernet Franc.  The grapes from the Colorado wine were sourced from the Grand Valley located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains - basically a high altitude desert at over 4,500 feet with sunny days and cool nights.  In Virginia, the grapes were also grown on the western slope of a mountain range, in this case, the Blue Ridge Mountains and between 1,000 and 1,400 feet above sea level.  Besides elevation, another difference is the lush green environment and potential humidity common to the Commonwealth.

Out of the four wines sampled, two were very similar - one each from Colorado and Virginia.  Both were luscious, full-bodied, velvety, finishing with lifting acids and firm tannins. Both wines were devoid of the inherent green vegetal character and while receiving some oak, neither was overly so.  Two home runs from uniquely distinct regions.

BookCliff Vineyards 2015 Grand Valley Reserve Cabernet Franc ($26.99)
In 1995, John Garlich and Ulla Merz purchased a ten-acre peach farm just outside of Palisade in Colorado's Grand Valley AVA and quickly planted grapevines on six of these acres. They sold off most of their initial grape harvest but soon established the winery and named it after the Book Cliffs, a series of desert mountains and cliffs in western Colorado and eastern Utah. They also strove to produce 100% Colorado-grown wines and have slowly increased their holdings to 37 acres planted with 14 different varieties. The Cabernet Franc grapes were harvested from the estate vineyard that benefits from sunny days and cool nights at this high altitude desert. It's easy to see how this wine won Best of Show in Colorado's 2018 Governor’s Cup Wine Competition.


Glen Manor Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Franc ($31.99)
Around the same time as the establishment of BookCliff, Jeff Raymond White planted vines on a parcel of land that had been in his family for over a hundred years and which was originally part of a larger land grant owned by Lord Fairfax of England. Chief Justice John Marshall eventually purchased a share of these holdings and through various sales cascaded to Stephen Clifton Lawson (Jeff’s great-grandfather). Since 1995, White has planted his Cabernet Franc in different lots experimented in slope, soil, exposures and canopy cover which eventually lead to two plantings that combined to produce this Governor's Cup Case Club wine.

#UncorkColorado 2015 Governor’s Cup Case Rhone Styled Wines

The Colorado Wine Board wants you, the wine consumer, to know that the Centennial State produces quality wine. One marketing platform they are utilizing is an #UncorkColorado Wine Virtual Tasting Series which featured the twelve wines in the 2015 Governor’s Cup Case.  Seems that Colorado is a good fit for Rhone styled wines as five of these wines were included in the case with two Syrah wines tying for Best in Show.

For those unfamiliar with Colorado wine, almost all are gown in the western part of the state with the Grand Valley AVA accounting for 80% of the grapes are grown. The next largest region is neighboring Delta & Montrose Counties which include Colorado's other American Viticultural Area, the West Elks AVA. That being said, over half of the wineries are located in Colorado's Front Range, the longitudinal area where the plains meets the Rocky's in the eastern part of the state. These eastern wineries source most of their fruit from the western region and have the grapes picked in the morning and then transferred overnight in a refrigerator truck. Also known as the Mile High State, Colorado is home to the highest vineyard elevations in America. On the positive side this altitude enhances a grape's acidity; one the negative side crop loss from frost and freezes are common.

According to the Colorado Wine Board, planting records indicate that Bordeaux varieties are the most common grapes planted in Colorado, but Rhone varieties certainly stands out. And we are referring to Northern Rhone with Syrah and Viognier. Of the two, Syrah  dominates with 1,000 acres planted compared to just 30 acres for Viognier. During out tasting we sampled one Viognier, three single varietal Syrah wines and one Rhone blend. These wines were more than solid, very tasting and structurally sound - proving that Colorado is wine country.


BookCliff Vineyards 2014 Viognier ($16, 14.8%) - BookCliff  accounts for two of the 30 acres of Viognier that were originally planted in 1997. Yields in the 2014 harvest were low, still being affected by an early freeze in 2013 that damaged most vines.  This had the beneficial result of concentrating the flavors and with the vineyard's high elevation of  4,600 feet, enhanced acidity.  The wine starts with a unique lemongrass aroma followed by apricot flavors, with some levels of cream, and refreshing acids. 

Turquoise Mesa Winery 2013 Colorado Crimson ($28, 13.5%) - blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Viognier sourced from the Grand Valley. After fermentation the wine was aged in three American (Minnesota) oak barrels, one new, and two multi-year barrels. There is notable spice on the wine a mix of pepper and baking spices - most likely a result of the oak. Once the spices blow off, the dark fruit flavors appear and with the soft tannins a very approachable wine.

Boulder Creek Winery 2012 Syrah (14.4%) - sourced form Talbott Farms/Diers Vineyard, Grand Valley AVA and aged 14 months in 2-year old Hungarian oak barrels. Sadly this winery closed down this month after 13 years in the industry after losing their lease. It appears the a side affect of the marijuana industry is escalating rents and the cost-benefit analysis for continuing just didn't add up. That's doubly sad because this is an excellent wine, a healthy wine was my initial exclamation, with big flavors and tannic structure yet finishing softly.

These last two Syrahs were tied as co-Best of Show in the 2015 Governor’s Cup

Turquoise Mesa Winery 2013 Syrah ($35, 13.5%) - sourced from Talbot’s Mountain Gold Block 19 Vineyard, Grand Valley AVA and aged in three American (Minnesota) oak barrels, one new, and two multi-year barrels. Like the Colorado Crimson this wine starts with plenty of pepper and spice which eventually subsides to reveal very dark fruit, some chocolate, earthy tannins, and decent texture.

Canyon Wind Cellars Anemoi 2013 Lips ($35, 14.4%) - Syrah; 100% Cliffside Vineyard, Grand Valley AVA; aged in all new American oak for ten months. The name refers to the Anemoi who were the four wind gods in Greek mythology and acknowledges the winds that regularly flow through Canyon Wind's vineyards. This was my favorite wine of the evening, simply delicious dark plummy fruit, a slight cola flavor mixing with tea and wood, then some velvety cream, finishing with acids and backbone. One complex and tasty wine. 

Reminiscing about #DLW12 & #COWine with the Garfield Estates 2011 S²

Facebook happened to remind me last week that three years ago I (somehow) joined a prestigious group of wine writers and bloggers on a field trip to Colorado Wine country. The trip was planned in conjunction with the 2012 DrinkLocalWine.com conference being held in Denver. Before the conference, our group visited the western wine regions of Colorado, specifically the Grand Valley AVA centered between Grand Junction and Palisades and Delta and Montrose counties. One of our stops on this trip was Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery, located in Palisade at the base of Mt. Garfield. At the time the winery was owned and operated by Jeff Carr and the 2010 S² (S-squared) ($15) white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon was a major hit. Last month, while visiting with Dezel at My Vine Spot, he gave me an extra bottle of the 2011 vintage from his collection. The wine is very reminiscent of the 2010 that I had noted on that visit, a noticeable grapefruit profile, creamy texture, finishing with vibrant acids. This is fantastic wine at an attractive price. In August 2013,  Carr sold the winery to the Barratt family, with daughter Allison soon taking over the wine making responsibilities. Let's hope she continues the good work. Cheers.

The United Grapes of America - Colorado - Creekside Cellars Franc

During the 2012 Drink Local Wine Conference, I finally met Michelle Cleveland, winemaker at Creekside Cellars. We had communicated frequently through twitter, but this was the first chance I had to sample her wine; specifically a Cabernet Franc and Viognier during the event's live twitter tasting. As I recall, both were quite pleasing and nailed the varietal character of each grape variety.  This week I had another chance to sample her wine, this time through our friends at Protocal Wine Studio and their informative #WineStudio Tuesday twitter sessions. Michelle had donated the Creekside's 2011 'Franc' Colorado Cabernet Franc ($35) for July's The Independent Spirit | Wines of the USA. 

StarChefs.com: The United Grapes of America

Colorado is a unique region for grape growing. Most of the vineyards are located in the western part of the state in the Grand Valley and West Elk AVA's in addition to the Four Corners region in the southwest.  In general, as you would expect, these are cold climate vineyards - with vineyards in the West Elk AVA the highest in the northern hemisphere. The Grand Valley AVA is a warmer micro-climate, providing over 300 days of sunshine per year  and Creekside owns a vineyard in Palisade, aptly called The Vinelands.  Here, right next to the Colorado River,  they grow Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Muscat.

The winery itself was started by Bill and Anita Donahue with their son, Tim in 1996 and is located in Evergreen - a little southwest of Denver. Michelle started working for the winery in 2005 and became the head winemaker in 2008. Once the grapes are harvested at The Vinelands, they are trucked east to Evergreen to be processed.  2011 was a cold year, even by Colorado standards: thus the yields were low, and acids high. After fermentation, the wine for the 2011 'Frank' Colorado Cabernet Franc spent 24 months in half American oak and half French oak - providing more depth, tobacco, and spices to the already black cherry character. This is a ripe Cabernet Franc, meaning little traces of herbal or green peppery character. My kind of Franc. Cheers.

Am I an Over-aged Millennial? We Enjoy Similar Wine

Yesterday I received this press release announcing the results of the 4th annual NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers and what caught my eye was that the winery awarded Best Rosé is a wine we have discussed often the last few months: the Canyon Wind Cellars 2011 47-Ten Rosé. This wine first shown on my radar while visiting the winery during a 2012 DinkLocalWine.com pre-tour. In fact, check out our Facebook page where the view from the winery is our cover picture. Then the rosé was provided as a gift in the media package and I was able to compare it to another nice local option, the 2011 Boxwood Winery Topiary Rosé. Both are very good wines and available at very reasonable prices ($12 for the Canyon Wind Cellars and $15 for the Boxwood). For me, the Canyon Wine Cellars closely resembles the Provence style - light and dry; whereas the Boxwood is bigger. The millennial judges also enjoyed several "other 46" wines such as the Apple Barn Winery 2011 Apple Cranberry and the Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery 2010 Vidal Blanc. Galer Estate calls their Vidal an "Icebox" wine because the grapes are frozen in a commercial freezer. Two other local wineries that fared well and received Best of Class awards was Maryland's Detour Winery 2011 Alpine Frost and Virginia's Gray Ghost Vineyards 2011 Gewurztraminer.  I've tried this Gewurtz - it is tasty.

Here is the official release that we received:

Vineyard & Winery Management has announced the conclusion of the 4th annual NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers, held June 5-6, 2012. The competition is designed specifically with this exciting and important consumer group in mind, and is judged by qualified and knowledgeable wine industry millennials aged 21-35.

Produced by Vineyard & Winery Management, NextGen is one of the fastest growing and most exciting wine competitions in North America today. Judges included high profile NextGenners such as Jessica Altieri, “America’s Social Wine Ambassador.” Altieri, 27, is a leading online wine social media and video pioneer, traveling the world to spread the conversation about wine in an unpretentious way. She is the founder, CEO and Certified Sommelier for WineChannelTV and has worked with some of the world’s leading wine brands, governments and trade associations.

“I would have to say that the results from our lineup of millennial judges mirror very closely what is trending in the marketplace today,” said Bill Traverso, Director of Wine Competitions for Vineyard & Winery Management. “That is why a competition with millennial judges helps wineries in making plans for which variety to plant and which type of wines to make for the next wave of wine consumers.”

“The 2012 NextGen Wine Competition was an incredible success,” declared Chief Judge Giovanni Balistreri. “Judges were flown in from all over the country to join local industry professionals; their combined wine expertise and knowledge contributed to making this competition shine.  A big thank you to our sponsors! I look forward to the 2013 NextGen Wine Competition.”  

Riedel glassware was used to assess all of the wines, which were judged from a field of 750 entries. Judges awarded a total of 17 Double Gold, 63 Gold, 253 Silver, and 249 Bronze medals.

The full results are available in this pdf. The sweepstakes awards are as follows:

Best of Show
Lago di Merlo Vineyards and Winery
2009 Sangiovese Lago di Merlo Vineyard

Dry Creek Valley, California

Best of Show Dessert/Late Harvest
Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery
2010 Vidal Blanc

Chester County, Pennsylvania

Best of Show Fruit
Apple Barn Winery
2011 Apple Cranberry

Tennessee

Best of Show Rosé

Canyon Wind Cellars
2011 47-Ten Rosé

Grand Valley, Colorado

Best of Show Sparkling
E & J Gallo Winery
Barefoot Bubbly NV Moscato Spumante

California

Best of Show White
White Tie Wines

2011 Moscato

California

The #DLW12 Nomacorc Twitter Taste-Off: "Where's the Gewürztraminer?"

One of the highlights of all DrinkLocalWine.com conferences is the Twitter taste-off, where participates sample wines from the host state and immediately share their impressions online. This year was no exception with the Nomacorc-Colorado Twitter Taste-off where we tasted and tweeted using the #colwines and #drinklocal hash tags. And at the end of the tasting the media and general public voted on their favorites.

This is actually a grueling affair, speeding drinking (spitting) 42 wines from 21 Colorado wineries. Initially I tried to stick with just whites, then roses, then reds; but eventually I felt like a novice festival attendee and just stuck out my glass and asked "what do you got?"  My first impressions were that there were several very good wines, and conversely, several not so good wines exuding volatile acidity or shrouded in oak. My second impression, "Where's the Gewürztraminer?". For all the talk we heard previously that this may be Colorado's - or at least the Western Slope's - signature grape variety - not a single winery chose to pour a Gewürz.

Oh well, here are my favorites of the day. Not surprisingly, I enjoyed both offerings from Canyon Wind Cellars, the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, perhaps influenced from our pre-tour visit. Boulder based Settembre Cellars was pouring the identical varietal wines and continued to impress. Another winery that I really enjoyed both offerings was Snowy Peaks Winery, who were pouring a Petite Sirah and the Elevee Blanc (60% Viognier & 40% Roussanne). Once again, kudos for evening producing this Rhone blend. Finally, another favorite were the wines from Denver based The Infinite Monkey Theorem. Their white was a local alcohol refreshing IMT Riesling whereas their red, the IMT 100th Monkey is a unique blend of 40% Petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Syrah and 20% Petit Sirah. The catch, $42 - now I know why some locals complain about price points.

Now for the winners. For whites, not only was the Four Corners based Guy Drew Vineyards Pinot Gris voted best White Wine, but also the Media's favorite wine. Wrong. How could my colleagues completely mess this up. In fact, the best White Wine, was the Guy Drew Vineyards No Oak Chardonnay. Seriously, Guy can make some quality wine. And with both of these wines priced at $16, this shows why I think Colorado has several excellent value wines. For reds, the Ruby Trust Cellars Smuggler, a Cabernet Franc blend, was voted Best Red; but I preferred the 100% varietal Cabernet Franc from Creekside Cellars. I mean, this was Cabernet Franc - it smelled like CF, it tasted like CF, and the peppery finish lingered like CF.  And it was better than most Virginia Cabernet Francs I've tasted. The downside, need to get over the $35 retail price. Finally, I agreed whole-heartedly with the People's Choice Award - the best wine - wasn't even a wine; but a dry-hopped mead from Redstone Meadery: "Nectar of the Hops". No longer called a Braggot since there's no malt, this style makes a a fun, refreshing beer-ish beverage that contains the clean finish of many dry-hopped IPAs with the sweetness of honey instead of malt. Nicely done. And it may be available in the DC area.

There you have it. Looking forward to next year's DLW Twitter taste-off; wonder where it will be???

Colorade Wine - Made from grapes with altitude and attitude

That's the slogan for the Canyon Wind Cellars 47-TEN series which, after spending four days in the Centennial state for the 2012 DrinkLocalWine.com Conference, we learned is applicable to the entire Colorado industry. Not only was I fortunate to attend the conference, but the folks at the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board included me on a pre-tour of the state's two American Viticultural Areas (AVA): the West Elks and Grand Valley. These AVAs are located on the Western Slope of Colorado with the former lying south of the Grand Mesa and the latter to the west.

We started our tour in the West Elks AVA and quickly learned about altitude - this AVA hosts the highest vineyard in the Northern Hemisphere, Terror Creek Winery, which sits at 6,417 feet above sea level. You would think this is the land of cold climate hybrids, but no, vinifera is the norm - specifically Alsatian grapes such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The high altitude induces higher acidity in the grapes and less sugar - resulting in lower alcohol wines. And most interesting, phylloxera is basically non-existent so that vines are not grafted to rootstock.

Located just below Terror Creek is Stone Cottage Cellars, the 2nd highest vineyard and our first stop of the tour. Proprietors Karen and Brent Helleckson explained to us the hazards and difficulties in cultivating grapes at this altitude. The growing season is extremely short, 150 days, which can be shortened - as frost sometimes occurs as late as June. Since bud break normally occurs in early May (late April this year), a late season frost can decimate a vineyard. Another hazard is pests, all American vineyards battle birds and deer, but for Colorado, include Elk, Raccoons, and wild Turkeys.  Because of these weather and animal hazards, Helleckson prunes to 6 buds, because any less could result in zero fruit.

During our visit, Stone Cottage Cellars was pouring a dry Gewürztraminer, a Chardonnay, a Grand Valley Syrah, and a dessert wine - the Alpine - a  Gewürztraminer based wine fortified with grape spirit. We were also able to sample two wines in the tank, the soon to be released 2011Gewürztraminer and the 2009 Pinot Noir. Ironically, my favorites were these last two. Their dry Gewürz was good, but the extra residual sugar (.6%) in the 2011 vintage lifted the aromatics and exuded stronger flavors - all balanced by the grape's natural acidity. This 2011 Gewürztraminer will be a very good wine. As for the Pinot, it is a very fruit forward red with somewhat of a silky mid-palette leading to the smooth finish. That evening we revisited their Chardonnay during a dinner hosted by the Smith Fort Ranch. The Burgundy styled wine - really held its own during the initial course (of course I can't recall the actual pairing).  I also enjoyed the Alfred Eames Cellars Collage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend) at the ranch. Eames was one of Colorado's earliest winemakers - and seems to specialize in red wines. One day I want to sample his local favorite - Carmena (a blend based on the Carmine grape with some Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Although lower in elevation and more temperate, wineries in the Grand Valley AVA - and in our case the wineries within Palisades - face constant weather challenges. For over 30 years, Carlson Vineyards has been producing wine from Colorado grown fruit, but with cold-weather induced low yields the past two years, the winery had to source fruit from Washington State this year. And these were my favorite wines, wines that I've ordered online in the past: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Lemberger. Since Carlson possesses a large portfolio, there were about a dozen of Colorado wines that we were able to sample, including a few rather nice fruit wines. But the biggest surprise was their version of a White Zinfandel or Blush wine, the Prairie Dog Blush - a kitchen sink blend of Lemberger, Gewürztraminer,  Seyval, Muscat Canelli, and Orange Muscat. This is a fun wine, particular when hanging out - listening to Parker Carlson describe his operation. Another bonus, all Carlson wines are priced under $13.

Located near Carlson is High Country Orchards and Vineyards, a new winery which augmented their famous peach orchard into producing wine from Bordeaux grapes: the Colterris (from the Colorado land) series. After a short orchard and vineyard tour we sampled their two wines - the varietal Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These were both decent wines, particularly from such a young winery and I would love to revisit to see how the wines mature over time. 

Canyon Wind Cellars and Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery are situated not far from Carlson and High Country, but because of the multiple mesoclimates within Palisades, they might as well be in different AVAs. The vineyards at Canyon Wind Cellars receive frequent and larger bursts of wind (hence the name) and even at similar altitudes, bud break normally occurs first at Canyon Wind than at Garfield Estates. Regardless both of these wineries produce very solid wines. Canyon Wind offers three brands, the lower end - but nicely done 47-TEN series, a varietal series, and a newly launched high end label Anemoi. The Anemoi wines are blends named after the mythological Greek Gods of wind, and my favorite was the Boreas - 100% estate grown comprised of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Petit Verdot. The 47-TEN wines are excellent values at the common $13 price point as are the varietal wines, priced from $15 (whites) up to $25.

As much as I liked the wines from Canyon Wind Cellars, the wines from Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery proved that wineries in the Grand Valley can produce elegant wines. This outlook started with their S² (S-squared) a white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. I mean, major kudos for just creating this blend. Even better, its all fruit - no oak as in the companion Fumé Blanc - with the grapefruit flavors evolving into a refreshingly acidic mouth bath. We then tasted a barrel sample of their soon to be released Vin Rose - made from Cabernet Franc. This wine had more texture than most roses perhaps resulting from 5-6 months aging in neutral oak. I will be buying this wine online when released. Then there's the 2009 Estate Syrah, a creamy and silky wine with a slight white pepper finish. This may be my favorite wine of the entire trip - and priced at $18 - a super bargain. It was also a hit a couple nights later at Row 14’
during a dinner hosted by our friends at Nomacorc.

I think what makes Garfield so special, is that proprietor Jeff Carr understands that Colorado has an infant wine industry. He acknowledges he doesn't yet know what grapes grow best. But he doesn't plan on forcing grape varieties that may be recognizable, but not acclimated to the soil or climate. And even with the better known grapes, such as Cabernet Franc, he doesn't want to manipulate it into a big Bordeaux styled red - but rather allow the grapes to produce a softer Chinon style.

Despite the excellent wines that we tasted, we noticed a few deficiencies within theses two AVAs. First, there appears to be an absence of cooperation and critiquing among the wineries. Yes the wineries encourage visitors to seek out neighboring wineries and there are shared events - there doesn't seem to be regular meetings to discuss common issues and to sample and critique each others wines. In Northern Virginia, winemakers meet monthly to share wines and all must be prepared for Jim Law's analysis. This elevates each winemaker's game which in turn improves the wines made in the entire region.

Second, there appears to be a trend to plant grapes that are popular and not what may grow as best in the environment. Yes, they plant grapes associated to that elevation, but not once did we hear, "Before establishing the vineyard, I consulted a viticulturist to determine which grapes to plant in the vineyard and in which specific plot". Where are the Lucie Morton's of Colorado. Just take a look at Maryland's two best wineries, Black Ankle Vineyards and Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, both who consulted with Morton before planting their respective vineyards. Give Horst Caspari a call.

Despite these trends and the altitude, wineries in the Grand Valley and West Elks are producing wines with attitude. The many excellent wines elevate Colorado into a respectable position in the drink local movement. Thanks again to the great hospitality provided by Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, the Smith Fort Ranch, Delta County, Grand Junction VCB, and the host wineries. Now on to the Front Range and Four Corners.....

Update:
I should have noted that Colorado winemakers in the Front Range Winemakers Association do meet to discuss issues and critique wines. As far as I know, winemakers in the Grand Valley and West Elks AVAs so not.

Are You Ready for Some Colorado Wines During DLW12?

The 4th annual Drink Local Wine Conference is almost upon us, scheduled for Saturday April 27th at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. After stops in Texas, Virginia, and Missouri the conference will focus on the wines produced by the 100 wineries in The Centennial State. Not familiar with Colorado wines, then check out the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board as well as this historical briefing on the industry.

The Drink Local Wine conferences and the associated Regional Wine Week results arose in order to compensate for the lack of coverage by the larger wine media outlets on locally produced wine. We all have access to local wine - even those living in Florida. And the goal isn't to encourage people into drinking local wine exclusively. No, the goal, is to encourage everyone to educate themselves about the wines made in their own backyard and at a minimum include local wine in your overall wine consumption. So, how are they doing?

DENVER (February 1, 2012) - Wine enthusiasts who want to explore Colorado terroir and learn more about the state's signature grape varieties are invited to attend the fourth annual DrinkLocalWine Conference on April 28 at the Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Open to the public, the conference attracts top national and regional wine writers who regularly cover local wines and “locapour” trends. Colorado’s approximately 100 wineries that grow European-style, cool-climate varieties, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Franc, will be center stage showcasing their wines during the all-day conference, which includes sessions, tastings and competitions.

The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board is the conference’s primary sponsor; the conference kicks off at 9 a.m. with three seminars: Colorado’s Terroir and the Challenges of High Altitude; Local Food, Local Wine and Why They Don’t Like Each Other; and Consumer Perception of Colorado and Regional Wine. At lunch, guests will participate in the Colorado Blind Challenge, a blind tasting between Colorado and California wines.

Confirmed speakers include Wayne Belding, Master Sommelier; Horst Caspari, Colorado state viticulturalist; Rene Chazotte, Pacific Club; Dave McIntyre, Washington Post; Richard Leahy, East Coast wine consultant; Stephen Menke, Colorado state enologist; Jeff Siegel, freelance wine writer and the Wine Curmudgeon; and Kyle Schlachter, Colorado Wine Press.

After lunch, more than two dozen Colorado wineries will pour wines during the Colorado Twitter Taste-Off, where guests will taste and share their thoughts on Twitter, eventually selecting their favorite wines in various categories.

The conference costs $35 for the seminars and lunch, and $35 for the Colorado Twitter Taste-Off, or $65 for both.

Colorado’s modern wine history dates to the late 1970s, when the forerunner of Colorado Cellars opened. The number of wineries has increased 20-fold since 1990, reflecting the surge in enthusiasm for regional wine in the state. Colorado’s two AVAs include the Grand Valley, in and around Grand Junction, and the West Elks, along the North Fork of the Gunnison. However, the largest concentration of wineries is along the Front Range in and around Denver, expanding to many other parts of the state.

DLW 2012 follows the success of the first three conferences -- in Dallas featuring Texas wine in 2009, in Loudoun County featuring Virginia wine in 2010, and in St. Louis featuring Missouri wine in 2011. DLW also holds an annual Regional Wine Week in October, in which more than 40 wine bloggers, writers and columnists from the U.S. and Canada write about their favorite regional wines, ranging from Ontario to New York to Florida to Texas to Colorado.

DrinkLocalWine.com's goal is to spotlight wine made in the 47 states and Canada that aren't California, Washington, and Oregon. It's the brainchild of Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre and wine blogger Jeff Siegel, the Wine Curmudgeon.

Other conference sponsors include the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology, Metropolitan State College, Westword, Colorado Tourism, Amtrak, Visit Grand Junction, and Delta County, Colo.

Registration for the conference opens February 1. Go to DrinkLocalWine.com to buy tickets.

To reserve a room in the DrinkLocalWine.com hotel block, contact the Sheraton Denver Downtown at (303) 893-3333.
For information, call (469) 554-9463 or go to DrinkLocalWine.com.

Media Contact:
Denise Clarke
512.899.0004

Tasting the Wines of America

Last night we were invited to the joint WineAmerica & Winegrape Growers of America reception on Capital Hill called "Taste the Wines of America". The event was to recognize the Congressional Wine Caucus, which is bipartisan group of lawmakers aiming to "educate and engage colleagues in legislative and regulatory matters pertaining to the wine community." The reception also coincides with meetings within the wine industry on matters affecting the entire community. But the highlight for most was the reception which featured wines from every region of the country. Most impressive was the large selection of wines from the Other 46. Yes, California, Oregon, Washington, and New York were well represented, but how many times do you get to sample wines from Massachusetts, Iowa, Nebraska, Georgia, Indiana, Arizona....... You get the picture.


We walked in to immediately see the three B's of Virginia representing the Southeast: Barboursville Vineyards, Boxwood Winery, and Breaux Vineyards. Plenty of Viognier and Bordeaux blends available at that table, as well, as wines from Tennessee, Georgia and North Caroline, with Biltmore Estate Winery representing the Tar Heels. We learned that their estate NC wines are made from grapes grown in Polk County, south of Asheville.

We moved next to this year's DrinkLocalWine.com hosts, Colorado Wines, which were part of the Rocky Mountain contingent. Also representing Colorado was Guy Drew from Guy Drew Vineyards in Cortez Colorado who was pouring several of his wines: Viognier, Rose, Riesling, and a very nice Meritage. Another Colorado wine we really enjoyed was the Rhone blend made from Snowy Peaks Winery from Estes Park. Their Grand Valley "Eleve" consists of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Viognier. Incredible that these grapes can flourish in the Grand Valley. Finally, we met Dr. Ron Bitner, one of the first growers in Idaho and owner of Bitner Vineyards in Caldwell. We enjoyed his Snake River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve where the grapes are harvested around Thanksgiving. Yes, that late. Frost is obviously a concern, but the vineyards steep slopes allow the cold air to pass easily down the mountain. And we finally got to sample a wine from the famed Arizona Stronghold Vineyards - this the 2009 "Site Archive" Merlot. Hope to follow up with a visit to Arizona wine country this summer. And check out the DLW12 Conference being held April 28th at the Metro State College in Denver. The Twitter tasting of Colorado wines should be very, very interesting.

The next table was the wines from the Northeast, handled by Maryland Wine. We started with the flexible Chambourcin, sampling the Rose from Port of Leonardtown Winery Leonardtown Maryland and the Knob Hall Winery (Clear Spring MD) Cumberland Valley "Le Reve Rouge". This was an interesting take of a Rhone wine, substituting Chambourcin for Syrah and Vidal for Viognier. After tasting some wines from Massachusetts, we found our favorite from North East Pennsylvania: Presque Isle Wine Cellars Dornfelder. There's a nice little micro-climate near Lake Erie which allows vinferia grapes such as Dornfelder, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and even Cabernet Sauvignon to survive.

The Great Lakes were next, featuring wines from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. We were reminded why Traminette is the state grape of Indiana through Wildcat Creek Winery. Wisconsin was represented by Wollersheim Winery and there were several Michigan wines; yet we couldn't find the L. Mawby Vineyards Cremant Classic sparkling wine. Painful. Someone was monopolizing the goods. But not the ice wine. The Breitenbach Wine Cellar Vidal Blanc Ice Wine is a true ice wine, where the frozen grapes are harvested during the middle of the night to maintain the condensed sugars. Nice.

And then there the wines of the Midwest containing bottles and bottles of unique grapes: Blanc du Bois, Vermentino, Tempranillo, Marquette, Brianna, St. Croix, Norton, Edelweiss, and Vignoles. The table was represented by Missouri Wines, James Arthur Vineyards from Raymond Nebraska, and Fredericksburg Winery from Fredericksburg, Texas. The later was pouring a savory Muscat Canelli and started a trend of nice whites including the McPherson Cellars Rousanne and the Duchman Family Winery Vermentino. These are two clean, food friendly wines. We've mentioned the Stone Hill Winery Norton many times over the years and this night reinforced why that grape should not be overlooked. And then there were the hybrids - many manufactured from the University of Minnesota specifically for cold weather climates. There were the Tassel Ridge Winery Brianna, Marquette, and St. Croix and the James Arthur Vineyards Edelweiss, a sweet wine with a balanced acidity. Yet the easy favorite was the JAV Vignoles - an off dry wine with strong apple flavors and nice acidity. This is one wine I always want to have available; suitable for dry and sweet drinkers.

As for the big four (California, Oregon, Washington, and New York), we were able to sample a little from these tables. For New York, Anthony Road Wine Company stood out with their Cabernet Franc\Lemberger and Pinot Noir; lovely wines. We stuck to Pinot in Oregon and California, first the Willamette Valley Vineyards and King Estate Winery, then the La Crema 2009 Sonoma Coast. Merlot and Viognier were the choices from Washington - from Three Rivers Winery and Novelty Hill Winery respectively. Then there was the leathery wine - the Red Tail Winery SP 2007 Ventura County Syrah - which Andrew Stover recommended. Total earth and leather - so interesting....

Thanks WineAmerica and the Winegrape Growers of America for a nice tasting from across the states. Cheers.

The 4th annual DrinkLocalWine Conference Steams into Colorado

After stops in Texas, Virginia, and Missouri; the DrinkLocalWine train steams into Denver, Colorado for a day of seminars and local wine. That means cool-climate grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Franc. Here is the official announcement:

DENVER (February 1, 2012) - Wine enthusiasts who want to explore Colorado terroir and learn more about the state's signature grape varieties are invited to attend the fourth annual DrinkLocalWine Conference on April 28 at the Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Open to the public, the conference attracts top national and regional wine writers who regularly cover local wines and “locapour” trends. Colorado’s approximately 100 wineries that grow European-style, cool-climate varieties, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Franc, will be center stage showcasing their wines during the all-day conference, which includes sessions, tastings and competitions.

The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board is the conference’s primary sponsor; the conference kicks off at 9 a.m. with three seminars: Colorado’s Terroir and the Challenges of High Altitude; Local Food, Local Wine and Why They Don’t Like Each Other; and Consumer Perception of Colorado and Regional Wine. At lunch, guests will participate in the Colorado Blind Challenge, a blind tasting between Colorado and California wines.

Confirmed speakers include Wayne Belding, Master Sommelier; Horst Caspari, Colorado state viticulturalist; Rene Chazotte, Pacific Club; Dave McIntyre, Washington Post; Richard Leahy, East Coast wine consultant; Stephen Menke, Colorado state enologist; Jeff Siegel, freelance wine writer and the Wine Curmudgeon; and Kyle Schlachter, Colorado Wine Press.

After lunch, more than two dozen Colorado wineries will pour wines during the Colorado Twitter Taste-Off, where guests will taste and share their thoughts on Twitter, eventually selecting their favorite wines in various categories.

The conference costs $35 for the seminars and lunch, and $35 for the Colorado Twitter Taste-Off, or $65 for both.

Colorado’s modern wine history dates to the late 1970s, when the forerunner of Colorado Cellars opened. The number of wineries has increased 20-fold since 1990, reflecting the surge in enthusiasm for regional wine in the state. Colorado’s two AVAs include the Grand Valley, in and around Grand Junction, and the West Elks, along the North Fork of the Gunnison. However, the largest concentration of wineries is along the Front Range in and around Denver, expanding to many other parts of the state.

DLW 2012 follows the success of the first three conferences -- in Dallas featuring Texas wine in 2009, in Loudoun County featuring Virginia wine in 2010, and in St. Louis featuring Missouri wine in 2011. DLW also holds an annual Regional Wine Week in October, in which more than 40 wine bloggers, writers and columnists from the U.S. and Canada write about their favorite regional wines, ranging from Ontario to New York to Florida to Texas to Colorado.

DrinkLocalWine.com's goal is to spotlight wine made in the 47 states and Canada that aren't California, Washington, and Oregon. It's the brainchild of Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre and wine blogger Jeff Siegel, the Wine Curmudgeon.

Other conference sponsors include the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology, Metropolitan State College, Westword, Colorado Tourism, Amtrak, Visit Grand Junction, and Delta County, Colo.

Registration for the conference opens February 1. Go to DrinkLocalWine.com to buy tickets.

To reserve a room in the DrinkLocalWine.com hotel block, contact the Sheraton Denver Downtown at (303) 893-3333.
For information, call (469) 554-9463 or go to DrinkLocalWine.com.

Media Contact:
Denise Clarke
512.899.0004

Winechat Conversation on Riesling

For those who missed last night's #winechat on Riesling or, like me, had a difficult time following the many conversation flows, here is a general outline of the chat.

AustrianwineUSA	Fun stats from @GermanWineUSA We have <1% of world's wine & are proud to have almost 5% of world's #Riesling #winechat http://t.co/VTqVsY0i
mariepayton	Loving the Riesling slogans! @myvinespot: @kahunteroma @winingways #winechat
dvinewinetime	@myvinespot < Thnx 4 the follow! See you on #winechat this evening! Salute!
dvinewinetime	Bring this one to #winechat this evening - sounds "yummy"! < “@1WineDude: 10 Dashe Cellars Dry Riesling McFadden Farm (Potter Valley)
TylerOnWine	T minus 20 to #winechat. We're talking #Riesling 2nite. Check out the new schedule while u wait ~> http://t.co/Ka2Xmre6
RickGriffin	Looking for my corkscrew - #Winechat is about to begin!
RickGriffin	@MarkVogler #winechat last 1 hour ... must longer than the contents of my wineglass:)
TylerOnWine	Can’t drink 2nite but I had this stunning Riesling the other day -- http://t.co/MB6srUqx #winechat
ScrappyOldGuys	Looking forward to #winechat
mariepayton	Welcome to #winechat! Tonight we’re talking about Riesling!
BostonWino	@mariepayton are you popping anything else instead? #winechat
mariepayton	@BostonWino Yes a Cercius Cote du Rhone; enjoyed with dinner! #winechat
mariepayton	What's in everyone's glass? #winechat
TylerOnWine	@mariepayton Hi there Marie! Riesling on #winechat right now what a great topic! #wine
VinoCC	http://t.co/9yIScBAm have some austrians in the house tonight #winechat
jacswineblog	#winechat missed the memo on Riesling tonight, I’m sipping the 2010 Domaine du Salvard Chevery (Loire)
TylerOnWine	An older German Spatlese for me 1999er ... deep yellow in the glass and oh so complex. #winechat
ElinSilveous	Hi everyone. Just coming out of #s4pm chat on participatory medicine. A toast "To Your Health" #WineChat
mariepayton	Evening to @ElinSilveous @TylerOnWine @jacswineblog @VinoCC #winechat
mariepayton	Hey, you like what you like, no judging! RT @VintageLucero: @mariepayton Two Buck Chuck, as usu! I'm a cheap ass... I know it! #winechat
mariepayton	@997Dave is at a beach location tonight with limited access to the internet but full access to Margaritas #winechat
mmWine	@mariepayton Im sorry i cant follow #winechat tonight - but i'm happy to answer questions about anything if someone's got something
TylerOnWine	Riesling aka. the ‘other’ white grape. Thoughts? #winechat
mariepayton	Riesling may be made in many styles from bone dry to sweet #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @RickGriffin: Looking for my corkscrew - #Winechat is about to begin!
ElinSilveous	A 2010 Dry Riesling from Troon Vineyard in the Applegate Valley (Southern Oregon) #winechat
mariepayton	RT @myvinespot: @mariepayton At the moment ... a splash of Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Erdener Treppchen. #winechat
AustrianwineUSA	or is it THE white grape? ;) RT @tyleronwine: Riesling aka. the ‘other’ white grape. Thoughts? #winechat
myvinespot	Curious, Rogue Valley area? RT @ElinSilveous: A 2010 Dry Riesling from Troon Vineyard in the Applegate Valley (Southern Oregon) #winechat
TylerOnWine	The Riesling we are most familiar with is called ‘White Riesling’. #winechat
mariepayton	The Riesling grape is most likely a descendant of Vitis vinifera sylvestris, native to Germany #winechat
WineHouseLA	RT @mariepayton: Riesling may be made in many styles from bone dry to sweet #winechat
jacswineblog	#winechat perhaps my favorite Riesling right now, was a rock star at our Thanksgiving table this year! Zind-Humbrecht http://t.co/SfMkrmpS
TylerOnWine	@AustrianwineUSA Apple and Orange but both fantastic IMO #winechat
RickGriffin	I'm drinking a Ponzi Pinot Nior - all out of riesling #winechat
mariepayton	Ach - me too : ( RT @RickGriffin: I'm drinking a Ponzi Pinot Nior - all out of riesling #winechat
ElinSilveous	@myvinespot Applegate Valley is west/southwest of the Rogue Valley #WineChat
AustrianwineUSA	True it's about #terroir here bone dry &mineral is norm RT @mariepayton Riesling ... a grape that really reflects where it's grown #winechat
mariepayton	@AustrianwineUSA As early as 1976 Australian producer Pewsey Vale bottled Riesling under screwcap #winechat
dvinewinetime	Any recommends for a good Dry Riesling for $10 or so? Is one out there? #winechat
happyhourmary	@jacswineblog lots of people recommended riesling to go with Thanksgiving. We had some #winechat
mariepayton	Welcome! What's in your glass tonight? RT @SMCBarros: Hi #winechat!
pja477	@jacswineblog I have to try that one #winechat
myvinespot	Try Dr. Loosen Riesling RT @dvinewinetime: Any recommends for a good Dry Riesling for $10 or so? Is one out there? #winechat
KenTruffen	@mariepayton As Riesling ages, its most famous trait is the aroma of petroleum #winechat
rorymadstudios	RT @RickGriffin: I'm drinking a Ponzi Pinot Nior - all out of riesling #winechat. Sound like a scheme to me. Lol
ElinSilveous	RT @mariepayton: @AustrianwineUSA As early as 1976 Australian producer Pewsey Vale bottled Riesling under screwcap #winechat
pja477	some of my favorites...Rosemount, Chateau St Michelle, & Pacific Rim #winechat
mariepayton	@jacswineblog Sounds like a great Alsatian Riesling! #winechat
TylerOnWine	Try Pierre Sparr from Alsace RT @dvinewinetime: recommends for a good Dry Riesling #winechat
RickGriffin	Dr. Loosen makes some awesome rieslings. #Winechat
VinoCC	Have to admit, took me a while to warm up to #Riesling. Largely did b/c of @summerrriesling & @austrianwine #winechat
mmWine	With all due respect to the US, I prefer Riesling from Germany. @mariepayton #winechat
myvinespot	#Riesling -- One of the most versatile and food-friendly wines in the world. (Just my 2 corks) #winechat
TylerOnWine	I'll second that! RT @mmWine: With all due respect to the US, I prefer Riesling from Germany. @mariepayton #winechat
mmWine	Dr Loosen Blue Slate is an amazing riesling - about $20, great minerality, great stone fruit, great acidity #winechat
winecompass	#GoTerps wine 1st ACC game so its time to join #winechat
EsterlinaWine	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling -- One of the most versatile and food-friendly wines in the world. (Just my 2 corks) #winechat
AydinOdyakmaz	RT @mariepayton: @AustrianwineUSA As early as 1976 Australian producer Pewsey Vale bottled Riesling under screwcap #winechat
happyhourmary	@KenTruffen @mariepayton I have totally tasted that petroleum in one! #winechat funny how it could smell like that and be delicious
mariepayton	@SMCBarros How about Australian Riesling, aging, and petroleum aroma? #winechat
WineWallcom	Only 4 days left in our facebook promo #freebies giveaway. Check it out at www.facebook.com/WineWall. #winechat #giveaways
mariepayton	Excellent! RT @winecompass: #GoTerps wine 1st ACC game so its time to join #winechat
RickGriffin	@mariepayton Glad I'm not alone - Ill get some good recommendations onight and enjoy a riesling tomorrow night:) #winechat
myvinespot	Agree. RT @mmWine: Dr Loosen Blue Slate is an amazing riesling - about $20, great minerality, great stone fruit, great acidity #winechat
mmWine	Rick & I did a tv seg on it RT @mariepayton: RT @RickGriffin: Dr. Loosen makes some awesome rieslings. #Winechat
ElinSilveous	Riesling seems good for fishing & summer concerts (in addition to Thanksgiving) #WineChat
mariepayton	Riesling’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of meats and sauces #winechat
happyhourmary	@jacswineblog I have to get more excited about white wine!! #winechat
AydinOdyakmaz	#Winechat just joining in for a few minutes. Riesling is one of my wife's fans. The #Washington & #BC areas do it nice.
dvinewinetime	me too! Too many sweet ones < “@VinoCC: took me a while to warm to #Riesling. Lrgly b/c of @summerrriesling & @austrianwine #winechat”
VinoCC	I think of Riesling for cool weather RT @elinsilveous: Riesling seems good for fishing & summer concerts (+ Thanksgiving) #WineChat
RickGriffin	@mariepayton I didn't even like rieslings before @mmWine turned me on to Dr. Loosen #winechat
TylerOnWine	Grey Riesling, Missouri Riesling, and Welschriesling are all imposters of the real thing. #winechat
dryncwine	RT @mariepayton: Riesling’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of meats and sauces #winechat
AydinOdyakmaz	RT @jacswineblog: @pja477 @mariepayton #winechat Zind-Humbrecht very serious Alsace Riesling, smooth fruit, ginger, & waxy characteristics, very food friendly
myvinespot	RT @dryncwine: RT @mariepayton: Riesling’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of meats and sauces #winechat
RickGriffin	@rorymadstudios LOL - not a scheme - just forgot to pick up a riesling:) #winechat
jacswineblog	@happyhourmary #winechat You’ve got to get excited about white! I’ve been focusing on oddballs like Erbaluce, Petite Arvine & Petit Manseng
ElinSilveous	@VinoCC What do you recommend for fishing & summer concerts? #WineChat
WineHouseLA	Great topic. We do love Riesling. Unfortunately so often its misunderstand. Here are our choices 4 tonight. #winechat http://t.co/VzW9u7uH
myvinespot	Most Australian produces? RT @SMCBarros: #winechat the petroleum question is touchy, most producers do not find this desirable in any way
pierrecarafe	RT @TylerOnWine: The Riesling we are most familiar with is called ‘White Riesling’. #winechat
mmWine	haha! Rock on! RT @RickGriffin: @mariepayton I didn't even like rieslings before @mmWine turned me on to Dr. Loosen #winechat
mmWine	Remember Riesling goes from dry to sweet based on harvest time. Trokken, Kabinett, Spatslese, Auslese and Beerenausleese #winechat
happyhourmary	@RickGriffin @mariepayton @mmWine writing down Dr. Loosen, which is why I love #winechat!!
mariepayton	@mmWine Great point - later harvest --> sweeter, yes? #winechat
happyhourmary	@jacswineblog I have only heard of Erbaluce. Will have to look into the others. #winechat
ElinSilveous	Troon's is dry, slightly fruity RT @myvinespot: A common misconception is that #Riesling only produces sweet wine. #NotTrue #winechat
mariepayton	Let's talk about the major regions producing Riesling #winechat
mmWine	yes. Longer hangtime, water dries, sugars concentrate! RT @mariepayton: @mmWine Great point - later harvest --> sweeter, yes? #winechat
MsCB83	RT @myvinespot: A common misconception is that #Riesling only produces sweet wine. #NotTrue #winechat
jacswineblog	Anyone like Dr. Hans Von Muller Auslese Riesling (Mosel) as much as I do? Golden, apricot, underlying acidity, great w/ dessert #winechat
myvinespot	Tip: Don't pigeon-hole yourself w/ just liking sweet or dry #Riesling -- let the mood and/or food guide you and enjoy them all! #winechat
kahunteroma	How long can you age an Auslese? Spatlese? #winechat
dvinewinetime	@winecompass - thnx 4 info - good stuff! #winechat
mariepayton	Germany is the ancestral homeland for Riesling #winechat
pja477	@WineHouseLA Ill have to make a note of all 4 and pick them up #winechat
ElinSilveous	Hear hear RT @winecompass @mmWine Agreed, but don't discount the Pacific NW, @FingerLakesPR or even Colorado's Grand Valley #winechat
mmWine	@happyhourmary in inexpensive Dr loosen is the "Dr L" - it's about $13 and great. The Blue Slate is a bit more complex and my fav #winechat
myvinespot	Some important #Riesling regions: Germany (Mosel), France (Alsace), USA (CV, Washington State & Finger Lakes, NY) #winechat
mariepayton	The Mosel, Rheingau and Rheinhessen are the most important German regions for growing Riesling #winechat
jacswineblog	@dirksomm #winechat Can’t go wrong with Zind-Humbrecht!
happyhourmary	@mmWine say trokkenbeerenauslesse 5 times real fast! #winechat
VinoCC	#SauvBlanc & #Gruner :) RT @elinsilveous: @VinoCC What do you recommend for fishing & summer concerts? #WineChat
mariepayton	@SMCBarros Are all Australian Rieslings under screwcap? #winechat
pja477	@mariepayton I feel like I am learning so much already tonight #winechat
winecompass	@jacswineblog I'll have to check tht one out - thanks for the tip #winechat
AustrianwineUSA	& us! ;) RT @myvinespot: imp #Riesling regions: Germany (Mosel), France (Alsace), USA (CV, Washington State & Finger Lakes, NY) #winechat
mariepayton	Lots of good recommendations tonight! RT @pja477: @mariepayton I feel like I am learning so much already tonight #winechat
happyhourmary	@mmWine thanks, good to know! RT "Dr L" - it's about $13 and great. The Blue Slate is a bit more complex and my fav #winechat
mmWine	How about i just drink it ... :) RT @happyhourmary: @mmWine say trokkenbeerenauslesse 5 times real fast! #winechat
TylerOnWine	10 years+ the sugar acts as a preservative RT @kahunteroma: How long can you age an Auslese? Spatlese? #winechat
RickGriffin	@happyhourmary Dr. Loosen has a wide variety of rieslings from sweet to very dry (which I prefer) #winechat
cono_sur	Running a little late. I'm here now for #winechat on #Riesling - which just happens to be my fav white grape. Join the conversation! #wine
mariepayton	Riesling is on record as being planted in Alsace France since 1477 #winechat
winecompass	I never thought of Australia as a big #Riesling producer. Isn't it a cold weather grape @myvinespot ? #winechat
RickGriffin	@kahunteroma Thanks - will definitely try Wachau! #winechat
ElinSilveous	TY! RT @VinoCC: #SauvBlanc & #Gruner :) RT @ElinSilveous: @VinoCC What do you recommend for fishing & summer concerts? #WineChat
TylerOnWine	? 4 the grp ~> What is Edelfäule and what wines does it produce? #winechat
cono_sur	I don't doubt it. Their Rieslings are fab! RT @mariepayton: #Germany is the ancestral homeland for Riesling #winechat
mariepayton	New York was one of the earliest US producers of Riesling #winechat
mmWine	RT @TylerOnWine: 10 years+ the sugar acts as a preservative RT @kahunteroma: How long can you age an Auslese? Spatlese? #winechat
ElinSilveous	RT @TylerOnWine: 10 years+ the sugar acts as a preservative RT @kahunteroma: How long can you age an Auslese? Spatlese? #winechat
myvinespot	@SMCBarros Australian Riesling I've had have typically been dry, racy, soft citrus character, w/ laser-focused acidity. #winechat
happyhourmary	@RickGriffin don't think I have ever tried a very dry riesling. Aren't most riesling drinkers looking for sugar? #winechat
winecompass	RT @mariepayton: Riesling is on record as being planted in Alsace France since 1477 #winechat
ElinSilveous	Wow! RT @mariepayton: Riesling is on record as being planted in Alsace France since 1477 #winechat
mmWine	the folks at @drloosenwines also bring in Robert Weil wines into the US - very good as well #winechat
mariepayton	Noble rot? TBA? RT @TylerOnWine: ? 4 the grp ~> What is Edelfäule and what wines does it produce? #winechat
VinoCC	Anyone ever have a NZ Riesling? #winechat Kind of rare here, but they're yummy. Had some recently thanks to @rieslingAC
pullthatcork	.@winecompass @myvinespot The Clare Valley in Australia is quite cool and has some very nice Rieslings. #winechat
myvinespot	The #Riesling grape grows best in relatively cool climates. #winechat #Factoid
myvinespot	Agree! RT @pullthatcork: .@winecompass @myvinespot The Clare Valley in Australia is quite cool and has some very nice Rieslings. #winechat
winecompass	@AustrianwineUSA Where is #Riesling grown in Austria? #winechat
dvinewinetime	LOL! & while drinking....:) < “@happyhourmary: @mmWine say trokkenbeerenauslesse 5 times real fast! #winechat”
ElinSilveous	@myvinespot Does Virginia have any Rieslings? Lake Anna Winery maybe? #WineChat
SandyWasserman	Smith Madrone Riesling frm St Helena. Vyd on Spring Mtn. Not much produced. 1 of the best on planet. Jim Barry & Loosen gr8 too. #winechat
AustrianwineUSA	I don't think so - Austria's always been dry RT @happyhourmary: @RickGriffin Aren't most riesling drinkers looking for sugar? #winechat
myvinespot	Q: What do you like best about #Riesling? For me: Lovely acidity, complexity, minerality, alluring aromas, versatility. #winechat
jacswineblog	@winecompass #winechat Dr. Hans Von Muller - great for the price point ($11ish here in NY) poured it for a dessert pairing party, was a hit!
winecompass	@SMCBarros Thanks - I'll have to start checking out the CV #winechat
RickGriffin	@ColleenHawk No, but I do recommend Relaxing with a Riesling:) #Winechat
mariepayton	@SMCBarros What Australian Rieslings would you recommend to introduce someone to Australian Riesling? #winechat
MatthewLiberty	RT @RickGriffin: @ColleenHawk No, but I do recommend Relaxing with a Riesling:) #Winechat
AustrianwineUSA	Mostly in Lower Austria, most famously in the #Wachau RT @winecompass: @AustrianwineUSA Where is #Riesling grown in Austria? #winechat
happyhourmary	in my quest to become a wine expert, it is apparent I must drink a lot more wine/wines #winechat
mmWine	@happyhourmary @RickGriffin Trokken Rieslings arent very popular in the US - but they're awesome (trokken = most dry) #winechat
mariepayton	New tagline for Riesling: RT @RickGriffin: @ColleenHawk No, but I do recommend Relaxing with a Riesling:) #Winechat
mariepayton	Oh yes! RT @happyhourmary: in my quest to become a wine expert, it is apparent I must drink a lot more wine/wines #winechat
mariepayton	Alsace is the only wine region in France allowed to grow Riesling grapes #winechat
AustrianwineUSA	same! RT @myvinespot: Q: What do u like about #Riesling? For me: acidity,complexity, minerality, aromas, versatility. #winechat
winecompass	@corkysfarm @corcoranwine How's your 2010 #Riesling #vawine coming alone? #winechat
mmWine	@happyhourmary When studying for 1st level Sommelier exam, i probably had 3-4 diff wines a night for several months #winechat
cono_sur	@happyhourmary I don't know about that. I like my Rieslings anywhere from dry to sweet, depending on my mood. :D #winechat @RickGriffin
ElinSilveous	RT @mariepayton: Alsace is the only wine region in France allowed to grow Riesling grapes #winechat
happyhourmary	@jacswineblog @winecompass pairing with dessert. sounds delightful and possibly hard! #winechat
SandyWasserman	I also like Dr. Konstatine Frank from Finger Lakes N.Y. Good riesling too #winechat
ColleenHawk	RT @RickGriffin @ColleenHawk No, but I do recommend Relaxing with a Riesling:) #Winechat // Ah yes, there is that, too.
mmWine	@happyhourmary and now studying for 2nd level of Sommelier, i'm doing a weekly tasting w a group of 4+ of specific varieties #winechat
myvinespot	Very well-done [usually more expensive] #Riesling wines are long lived – can age well & gain wonderful complexities over time. #winechat
SimplyGrapes	Every Somm I have worked with always dies over dry Rieslings as favorite food pairings. #winechat
mariepayton	Riesling is the Finger Lake’s most widely planted Vinifera variety #winechat
myvinespot	Great w/ seafood! RT @SimplyGrapes: Every Somm I have worked with always dies over dry Rieslings as favorite food pairings. #winechat
myvinespot	#Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
happyhourmary	@mmWine am reading Zraly's book and one on pairing. He says the same=taste a lot of wine!!! #winechat
VinoCC	What's everyone's fav #Riesling memory? #WineChat honestly mine is drinking @jacobscreek at #Steingarten overlooking Barossa Valley
SimplyGrapes	@mmWine Good luck with the Somm Exam! Lots of info but the tasting aspect makes that easier ;) #winechat
SandyWasserman	@SMCBarros I saw that. It brings back memories of my time at Jim Barry. Great juice & great people. #winechat
jacswineblog	#winechat Anyone try St. Urbans Hof Riesling? Love it w/ Asian cuisine & spicy foods, clean & lovely, great example of Mosel, good price too
mariepayton	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
VinoCC	words to live by! RT @winecompass: @happyhourmary And according to @EricAsimov at #wbc11 - don't always spit #winechat
happyhourmary	@winecompass @EricAsimov I only spit if I am tasting more than 6 wines in class. I married my designated driver! #winechat
mariepayton	RT @SandyWasserman: I also like Dr. Konstatine Frank from Finger Lakes N.Y. Good riesling too #winechat
myvinespot	Solid producer IMO. RT @mariepayton: RT @SandyWasserman: I also like Dr. Konstatine Frank from Finger Lakes N.Y. Good riesling too #winechat
dvinewinetime	I don't know much at all about Rieslings / being a Nor Cal girl, so this is all great info! #winechat
mariepayton	Riesling is a darling of sommeliers but still not on everyone's radar; how to change that? #winechat
myvinespot	Just my opinion, but #Riesling has an abundant of charming characteristics on its own (naked) – OAK need not apply. #winechat
cono_sur	RT @mariepayton: @TylerOnWine: Edelfäule is a German term for 'noble rot'. It tends to produce sweeter wines. #winechat
MishasVineyard	Didn't realise that! Wow T @mariepayton: Alsace is the only wine region in France allowed to grow Riesling grapes #winechat
mmWine	Important to realize riesling from different parts of the world will taste different @myvinespot @mariepayton @SandyWasserman #winechat
RickGriffin	RT @mmWine: @SimplyGrapes Thank you. I've already passed the 1st level. I'm working on certified for August. #winechat << You ROCK!
happyhourmary	@mmWine I am planning on a Level 3 class at International Wine Guild here on Food and Wine pairing. will put on 5 pounds! #winechat
Barossadirt	RT @VinoCC: What's everyone's fav #Riesling memory? #WineChat honestly mine is drinking @jacobscreek at #Steingarten overlooking Barossa Valley
ChefChrisMartin	@mariepayton @mmWine @TylerOnWine just cleaning up dinner...how's #winechat? Im not a Riesling fan but can you recommend good one?
WineEveryday	RT @mariepayton: RT @SandyWasserman: I also like Dr. Konstatine Frank from Finger Lakes N.Y. Good riesling too #winechat
MishasVineyard	V. smart people those New Yorkers! :) RT @mariepayton: New York was one of the earliest US producers of Riesling #winechat
ElinSilveous	Showing my ignorance, is Riesling a type of grape? #WineChat
mariepayton	@ChefChrisMartin Lots of good recommendations tonight from around the world #winechat
jacswineblog	@happyhourmary @winecompass #winechat paired Auslese w/ Poire Williams spice cake & blood orange vanilla cake, did very nicely that night!
WineEveryday	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
myvinespot	They drive the wine list RT @mariepayton Riesling is a darling of sommeliers but still not on everyones radar; how to change that? #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @myvinespot Just my opinion, but #Riesling has an abundant of charming characteristics on its own (naked) – OAK need not apply. #winechat
abryksa	We like the bone dry, lemony style for Riesling from the Clare Valley in Australia. Petaluma Hanlin Hill is a special example #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @mariepayton: Riesling is a darling of sommeliers but still not on everyone's radar; how to change that? #winechat
MishasVineyard	@mariepayton So have you talked about New Zealand Riesling as yet - we make some fab ones! #winechat #nzsummerofriesling #nzwine
mariepayton	Yes - but no need to fear, #winechat is w/o judgement! RT @ElinSilveous: Showing my ignorance, is Riesling a type of grape? #WineChat
winecompass	The flavor RT @myvinespot: Q: What do u like about #Riesling? For me: acidity, complexity, minerality, aromas, versatility. #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @dvinewinetime: I don't know much at all about Rieslings / being a NorCal girl, so this is all great info! #winechat
MarkVogler	Happy #winewednesday, Greetings from #Sonoma! Sorry I"m late #winechat
WineEveryday	2010 Rooster Hill Vineyards Medium Sweet #Riesling ~ Try to order this wine~ very nice #WineChat
SchlossiWines	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
SandyWasserman	Got a btl of Karl Kaspar, Gustav Adolf Schmitt & Von Der Leyn Rieslings 2day frm importr Anybody no anything about any of them? #winechat
myvinespot	#Riesling makes for a nice dessert wine … it’s naturally high acid levels gives balance to the residual sugars. #winechat
cono_sur	@vinocc Sitting on the patio at @VinelandEstates sipping a #Riesling on a Sunday afternoon. Aaah...the #memories. #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @SimplyGrapes: @mmWine Good luck with the Somm Exam! Lots of info but the tasting aspect makes that easier ;) #winechat
akarosis	#Riesling from the Finger Lakes is completely underrated! Racy lime, expressive minerality... #winechat
mariepayton	@MishasVineyard Tell us about NZ Rieslings! #winechat
happyhourmary	@jacswineblog @winecompass drooling! (spice cake, etc.) #winechat
WineHouseLA	@MishasVineyard @mariepayton. We are opening up the Felton Rd one right now. #winechat
mariepayton	Cheers! RT @BernadetteDavis: reading through #winechat for the first time and seeing all the Riesling chatter. *pours a glass*
SimplyGrapes	RT @HennArtOnline: RT @mariepayton: Alsace is the only wine region in France allowed to grow Riesling grapes #winechat
BernadetteDavis	RT @HennArtOnline: RT @mariepayton: Alsace is the only wine region in France allowed to grow Riesling grapes #winechat
AustrianwineUSA	#Riesling in Austria makes up a 4% , but it something they're very proud of #winechat #EliteRiesling
HennArtOnline	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
mariepayton	@SMCBarros How do you educate people to not think of Riesling as only sweet? #winechat
francoeiphilc2	@mariepayton @winecompass and it's some of of the best Riesling in the world. It's realitivly cheap right now #winechat
mariepayton	Lots of minerals! RT @akarosis: #Riesling from the Finger Lakes is completely underrated! Racy lime, expressive minerality... #winechat
TylerOnWine	@ChefChrisMartin Studert-Prum,Riesling Spatlese $24 - is really good. #winechat
mariepayton	Riesling is rarely placed in new oak - would overwhelm it #winechat
WineEveryday	#Riesling: Sweetness classification has to do with sugar levels in the grapes at time of harvest. #WineChat
VinoCC	@cono_sur that sounds lovely! #winechat tasted some of @vinelandestates ice wines in Sept. Delicious!
happyhourmary	@mariepayton @MishasVineyard I always think: Sauv. Blanc when I think New Zealand, oh, and Hobbits #winechat
TylerOnWine	Try a few btls from Alsace... RT @mariepayton: @SMCBarros How do you educate people to not think of Riesling as only sweet? #winechat
myvinespot	RT @mariepayton: Riesling is rarely placed in new oak - would overwhelm it #winechat
RickGriffin	RT @mariepayton: @SMCBarros How do you educate people to not think of Riesling as only sweet? #winechat <<Buy them a glass of a dry riesling
mariepayton	RT @myvinespot: Ever try Poet's Leap? RT @kahunteroma: Anyone have any fav US rieslings that cost under $20? @myvinespot @mmWine #winechat
RonMcFarland	@SMCBarros best to be firm & really encourage people to taste Riesling - a gentle force yields big smiles of Wow - #winechat
dvinewinetime	“@1WineDude: 10 Dashe Cellars Dry Riesling McFadden Farm: Funny, coulda sworn this peachy, lemony, lush beauty hailed from WA #winechat
WineEveryday	RT @mariepayton @SMCBarros How do you educate people to not think of Riesling as only sweet?<--- Have them try Several 2prove it! #winechat
mariepayton	Slate is the classic Riesling soil #winechat
GreystoneEstate	RT @WineEveryday #Riesling: Sweetness classification has to do with sugar levels in the grapes at time of harvest. #WineChat
WineHouseLA	@mariepayton @SMCBarros . We find tastings are the best options, its great to see people having that wow moment. #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @mariepayton: RT @SandyWasserman: I also like Dr. Konstatine Frank from Finger Lakes N.Y. Good riesling too #winechat
VinoCC	that would be sacrilegious RT @mariepayton: Riesling is rarely placed in new oak - would overwhelm it #winechat
LatinoCellar	RT @mariepayton: @SMCBarros Are all Australian Rieslings under screwcap? #winechat
happyhourmary	headed to Vegas next week. Stopping in Colorado Wine Country. Then Napa and Sonoma in Feb. EXCITED #winechat
myvinespot	Q. Market seems saturated w/ under $10, clean/simple/satisfying #Riesling. How often do you pay over $20 for a Riesling? #winechat
MarkVogler	Hey where's @winekate ? She can tell us a thing or two about Rieslings! #winechat
GreystoneEstate	RT @mariepayton RT @MarkVogler: Yup or share a bottle! RT @RickGriffin: RT @mariepayton: @SMCBarros How do you educate people... #winechat
mariepayton	Great Q: RT @myvinespot: How often do you pay over $20 for a Riesling? #winechat
abryksa	The wines of Grosset are also stunning too. For Cdn examples, we like Tantalus from BC #winechat
mariepayton	German Riesling fetched prices on par with the great French crus of Bordeaux & Burgundy in the 19th century #winechat
mariepayton	What's everyone pairing their Riesling with tonight? #winechat
happyhourmary	@winecompass Carlson is on our list. Already looked up their hours!! #winechat
myvinespot	Thai food. How about you? RT @mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their Riesling with tonight? #winechat
VinoCC	I think Riesling is worth the $$ RT @myvinespot: Market saturated w/ under $10 #Riesling. How often do you pay > $20 for Riesling? #winechat
WineEveryday	RT @HennArtOnline: RT @mariepayton: RT @SandyWasserman: I also like Dr. Konstatine Frank from Finger Lakes N.Y. Good riesling too #winechat
WineHouseLA	@myvinespot @SMCBarros We do carry a few. Try from Clare & Eden Valley as well as stuff from Western Australia. @australiaplus. #winechat
abryksa	Wondering if anyone views Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @winecompass: @happyhourmary Highly recommend Palisades in Colorado Carlson Vineyards is a nice stop #winechat
VinoCC	Ceviche - it's yummy ;) What WOULD you have paired? RT @mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their Riesling with tonight? #winechat
cono_sur	or Australia. RT @tyleronwine: Try a few btls from Alsace. RT @mariepayton: @SMCBarros Edu ppl 2 not think of Riesling only sweet? #winechat
RonMcFarland	RT @RickGriffin: RT @mariepayton: @SMCBarros How do you educate people to not think of Riesling as only sweet? #winechat <<Buy them a glass of a dry riesling
mariepayton	@myvinespot Shame tonight - thought I had a Riesling in the fridge - #fail! #winechat
winecompass	@happyhourmary Nice, I beleive they also produce a Dry Gewurztraminer; plus a Lemberger #winechat
mariepayton	RT @abryksa: Wondering if anyone views Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat
kahunteroma	@myvinespot @mariepayton Samosas and chicken tikka masala, for sure. #winechat
ElinSilveous	Garden of Eatin' Wrap RT @myvinespot: Thai food. How about you? @mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their Riesling with tonight? #winechat
WineHouseLA	@myvinespot @mariepayton . Indian food here #winechat
WineEveryday	Harvesting later than norm result in grapes having higher sugar levels-Conversely harvesting earlier results in dry wine #WineChat #Riesling
TylerOnWine	Time to pull out the big guns! I'm drinking Bernkasteler Doctor this weekend w. a few wine blogger over dinner. Coool! #winechat
Hokuboku	@myvinespot @mariepayton Mmm.. thai good and Riesling sounds divine. #winechat
GreystoneEstate	RT @mariepayton Great Q: RT @myvinespot: How often do you pay over $20 for a Riesling? #winechat
mariepayton	Seems like most folks are enjoying their Rieslings with spicy foods tonight #winechat
kahunteroma	@abryksa I don't view it as a fault since I know it doesn't affect taste...but I can see how kerosene aroma is offputting #winechat
RickGriffin	I'm pairing my empty riesling glass with a full glass of pinot noir:) #winechat #AllOutOfRiesling
WineEveryday	RT @mariepayton @abryksa Q) Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat <- A) Not faults, Riesling can have Petrol aroma
ericawinetrips	@winecompass @myvinespot I love when I get a lot of petroleum in my #riesling #winechat
pja477	@myvinespot I try not, but after tonight will def go over buy a few $ #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @Hokuboku: @myvinespot @mariepayton Mmm.. thai good and Riesling sounds divine. #winechat
cono_sur	@vinocc It was! Later moved indoors in the cool evening. :) Icewine Festival begins this weekend. U'll find #Riesling Icewines. #winechat
mariepayton	Trying Riesling over summer I noticed that wine glass shape had big effect on mineral aromas/flavors #winechat
MarkVogler	I'm a big fan of the @WolfBlassWines Gold Label Riesling - mineral and citrus #yumm #winechat
TylerOnWine	Yes, the sweetness will cut thru the spice nicely RT @mariepayton can enjoying Rieslings with spicy foods #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @mariepayton: Seems like most folks are enjoying their Rieslings with spicy foods tonight #winechat
myvinespot	@MishasVineyard I don't see a lot of selection here, but have had a few nice #Riesling wines from Canterbury #nzwine #winechat
ericawinetrips	@winecompass @myvinespot think Eden valley does well re: #riesling #winechat
KenTruffen	@abryksa: anyone view Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat RT I'd say no, its the nature of riesling, not fault.
AydinOdyakmaz	@mariepayton #winechat, Riesling spicy food and easy sipping comes to mind. Give me top food pairing with it.
mariepayton	RT @KatValentini: @myvinespot @kahunteroma @mmWine-Really enjoy Wash's Chateau St. Michelle, not too sweet! Biggest bargain by WS #winechat
winecompass	@myvinespot Just stumpled upon a Laški Rizling (Welschriesling) from Slovenia in my cabinet. Should have opened last week. #winechat
GreystoneEstate	RT @HennArtOnline RT @mariepayton: Seems like most folks are enjoying their Rieslings with spicy foods tonight #winechat
kahunteroma	How so? RT @mariepayton Trying Riesling over summer I noticed that wine glass shape had big effect on mineral aromas/flavors #winechat
cono_sur	Birthday cake. :) RT @mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their #Riesling with tonight? #winechat
ElinSilveous	At wine tastings, I usually skip over the whites. Because of tonight's #WineChat I'll try the whites & learn. Thank you.
mmWine	RT @RickGriffin: I'm pairing my empty riesling glass with a full glass of pinot noir:) #winechat #AllOutOfRiesling
WineEveryday	RT @KenTruffen: "@abryksa: anyone view Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat" RT I'd say no, its the nature of riesling, not fault.
MatthewLiberty	RT @mmWine: RT @RickGriffin: I'm pairing my empty riesling glass with a full glass of pinot noir:) #winechat #AllOutOfRiesling
jacswineblog	@mariepayton #winechat love Rieslings with spicy foods, esp. Thai! Probably my go-to w/ Thai is Pierre Sparr Alsace Riesling.
ericawinetrips	I agree with @myvinespot , one of #riesling s charms is the food friendliness thanks to the acid #winechat
mariepayton	@SMCBarros Larger Bordeaux glass --> more slate compared to smaller glass #winechat
abryksa	Interesting, as one winemaker says it is. http://t.co/mXesN99b #winechat
mariepayton	Happy bday! RT @cono_sur: Birthday cake. :) RT @mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their #Riesling with tonight? #winechat
winterthur	RT @RickGriffin: I'm pairing my empty riesling glass with a full glass of pinot noir:) #winechat #AllOutOfRiesling | Pass the Chardonnay!
HennArtOnline	RT @abryksa: Wondering if anyone views Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat
kahunteroma	Lol yours? Happy bday if so! RT @cono_sur Birthday cake. :) RT @mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their #Riesling with tonight? #winechat
SandyWasserman	Normal, especially when from Alsace RT @abryksa Wondering if anyone views Citronella or Kerosene aromas in Riesling as faults? #winechat
WineEveryday	RT @ericawinetrips: I agree with @myvinespot , one of #riesling s charms is the food friendliness thanks to the acid #winechat
MikesMRwineguy	@swirlgirldenver "@mariepayton: Tryin Riesling ovr summer I noticed tht wine glass shape had big effect on mineral aromas/flavors #winechat"
SimplyGrapes	All this #winechat is making me hungry for Thai food and more Riesling of course.
WineHouseLA	In talking about #Riesling, cant forget the ones from Alto Adige Italy. #winechat.
mariepayton	@KenTruffen Recommend trying Rieslings with different glasses - they were all Riedel, just different shapes #winechat
GrapeBelt	I promise to start with some riesling if Barlata has one by the glass. Promise. And a full report to follow! #winechat
ericawinetrips	I find a LOT of it (petroleum in aged #riesling) wonderful :) @myvinespot #winechat
mariepayton	Not familiar - tell us more! RT @WineHouseLA: In talking about #Riesling, cant forget the ones from Alto Adige Italy. #winechat.
myvinespot	@mmWine @KatValentini @kahunteroma @mariepayton It's good to be a fan of a certain region, but never stop trying new things. #winechat
kimgraziano	Cheers #winechat ~ Enjoyed Rieslings from @DrFrankWine @Glenorawine on my trip to #flxwine this week. Wonderful wines all under $20 :)
ElinSilveous	Me too! RT @SimplyGrapes: All this #winechat is making me hungry for Thai food and more Riesling of course.
UncorkOntario	Where were all the #riesling fans during #marcmad last year? 2012 version coming soon. #winechat
GreystoneEstate	RT @WineHouseLA In talking about #Riesling, cant forget the ones from Alto Adige Italy. #winechat.
ericawinetrips	Yes, glass shape have had HUGE impact on #riesling freshness @mariepayton @KenTruffen #winechat
myvinespot	Ha! Very nice :-) RT @ericawinetrips: I find a LOT of it (petroleum in aged #riesling) wonderful :) @myvinespot #winechat
smasnecellars	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
mariepayton	Riesling requires a long growing season to ripen properly #winechat
myvinespot	RT @SMCBarros: #winechat styles of Riesling from all the great regions are so distinctive, it's truly my fave white variety
VinoCC	partially b/c winemakers respect it's natural character! RT @mariepayton: Riesling reflects terroir more than other grapes #winechat
MarkVogler	In Sonoma Valley @chateaustjean makes a nice Riesling too. #winechat
mmWine	Begs the Q if NY and WA get too cold too fast... ??? RT @mariepayton: Riesling requires a long growing season to ripen properly #winechat
dvinewinetime	Thanks to everyone on #winechat 2nite for knowledge & recommends on Rieslings! gotta call it a evening! Cheers!
GreystoneEstate	RT @kimgraziano Cheers #winechat Enjoyed Rieslings from @DrFrankWine @Glenorawine on my trip2 #flxwine this wk Wondrful wines all under $20
pja477	@ElinSilveous @SimplyGrapes and I wanted Thai for dinner too #winechat
mariepayton	Germany, Alsace, Austria, Finger Lakes and Australia - top Riesling producers - did I miss any? #winechat
kimgraziano	RT @myvinespot: #Riesling is a native of Germany where it has been cultivated anywhere from 500 to 2000 years. #winechat
HennArtOnline	RT @dvinewinetime: Thanks to everyone on #winechat 2nite for knowledge & recommends on Rieslings! gotta call it a evening! Cheers!
UncorkOntario	Long and somewhat cool... RT @mariepayton: Riesling requires a long growing season to ripen properly #winechat
mmWine	I probably drink the least riesling of any grape. Most are too sweet, and ones that are my palate are $ :) #winechat
mariepayton	Thaks for stopping ny! RT @dvinewinetime: Thanks to everyone on #winechat 2nite for knowledge & recommends on Rieslings!
cono_sur	So true! @mariepayton: Tryin Riesling over summer I noticed that wine glass shape had big effect on mineral aromas/flavours #winechat
mariepayton	Food friendly --> RT @VinoCC: #Riesling is one of the grapes w/ the best reputation among somms agreed? disagreed? #winechat
GreystoneEstate	RT @dvinewinetime: Thanks to everyone on #winechat 2nite for knowledge & recommends on Rieslings! gotta call it a evening! Cheers!
winecompass	@ericawinetrips @drloosenwines @myvinespot @ColoradoWine @happyhourmary I've been tied to the FL, but going intl soon #riesling #winechat
mariepayton	@mmWine What dry Rieslings do you like? #winechat
VinoCC	nooo, think of Germany! RT @mmwine: Begs the Q if NY and WA get too cold too fast RT @mariepayton: Riesling= long growing season #winechat
WineHouseLA	@mariepayton Alto Adige aka Sudtirol by its German-speaking population, is a wine producing region in northern Italy. #winechat
AuthenticCoast	@mariepayton Canada is a top Riesling producer. #winechat
ElinSilveous	RT @VinoCC: #Riesling is one of the grapes w/ the best reputation among somms agreed? disagreed? #winechat
TylerOnWine	Absolutely! RT @mariepayton: Food friendly --> RT @VinoCC: #Riesling good reputation among somms agreed? disagreed? #winechat
mariepayton	Yes - used in ice wine too! Thanks! RT @AuthenticCoast: @mariepayton Canada is a top Riesling producer. #winechat
SimplyGrapes	@mariepayton @VinoCC Agreed very versatile RT: #Riesling is 1 of the grapes w/ the best reputation among somms agreed? disagreed? #winechat
ElinSilveous	RT @mariepayton: Germany, Alsace, Austria, Finger Lakes and Australia - top Riesling producers - did I miss any? #winechat
mmWine	@VinoCC @mariepayton i believe the growing season in germany is longer, #winechat
mariepayton	@SMCBarros Tell us about the growing season in Australia for Riesling #winechat
pja477	I shouldve tired a new #Riesling for tonight instead of ones I had before #winechat..thx for everything tonight!
mmWine	I stick with Loosen and Weil, because I know them. I have others tho... RT @mariepayton: @mmWine What dry Rieslings do you like? #winechat
mmWine	@mariepayton i just dont have the names handy right now :( #winechat
myvinespot	How was it? RT @winecompass: Just stumpled upon a Laški Rizling (Welschriesling) from Slovenia in my cabinet. #winechat
AuthenticCoast	@mariepayton Yes, it's icewine season in Canada! #winechat
MarkVogler	RT @AuthenticCoast: @mariepayton Yes, it's icewine season in Canada! #winechat
mariepayton	Last thoughts on Riesling before another #winechat wraps up?
myvinespot	@pja477 Let me know what you find and how you like it. Cheers! RE: #Riesling over $20 #winechat
mariepayton	RT @VinoCC: maybe, though trad'l Mosel Riesling is sweet partly b/c it got too cold to ferment all the sugars #winechat
mariepayton	RT @Smallotsbigwine: @mariepayton I think Smith-Madrone makes the best Riesling in Napa. #winechat
jacswineblog	@winecompass #winechat I’ve had a sparkling Riesling, the Deinhard Lila German Sekt, lovely with crispness laced w/ honey notes.
mariepayton	So much great knowledge shared about Riesling tonight! #winechat
kahunteroma	Riesling: It's what's for dinner ;) #winechat
WineHouseLA	@mariepayton #winechat. One of favorites is the Koferhof #Riesling. Bone dry, steely , clean and mineral with lemon zest and petrol.
mariepayton	Thanks for checking in! RT @kahunteroma: thanks for organizing! Great, informative chat and it's nice to meet some new wine folks #winechat
TylerOnWine	The honeyed aspect sounds nice RT @jacswineblog: @winecompass #winechat Deinhard German Sekt, lovely with crispness laced w/ honey notes.
WineHouseLA	#winechat. Thanks all for another great evening. See you next week.
AustrianwineUSA	There is some in Austria try #Steininger RT @winecompass: Anyone ever had a sparkling #Riesling? Producers? #winechat
WineEveryday	2010 Sheldrake Point Riesling For a medium-dry Riesling about $15 #WineChat
mariepayton	RT @1educatedpalate: @vinocc many German winemakers add add'l sugar to their wines #chapitalization try Mosella Wines #winechat
AydinOdyakmaz	Was nice checking out those drinking tonight on #winechat getting off the weekday drink . Saving it for the weekend .
mariepayton	RT @DrinkerX: @mmwine @mariepayton love Trimbach for my dry riesling...have yet to explore few German options I see #winechat
mariepayton	Next week on #winechat we’ll be talking about Rhone reds with @drinkwhatulike
WineEveryday	@mariepayton @997Dave ~~ Thanks for another #WineChat Marie & Dave Cheers!
cono_sur	Don't forget about #Riesling Icewine - also quite nice. #winechat
winecompass	@AustrianwineUSA Thanks #Steininger #Riesling #winechat
mariepayton	@ElinSilveous Thanks for joining us! #winechat
AuthenticCoast	Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Vineyards makes a great Riesling, took home Bronze at the 2011 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition #winechat
mariepayton	Have a great night everyone! #winechat #teamriesling
UCBeau	RT @SMCBarros: #winechat what's the oldest Riesling anyone has had? I've had back to the 70's... - a TBA from 1949 or 1950, stunning.
myvinespot	Time to fill your glass & enjoy another splash of #Riesling! Very good discussion this evening. Thanks. Cheers! #winechat
ElinSilveous	@997dave We missed you at #WineChat Hope you're having a great time.
TylerOnWine	#eTaste the 2010 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages with us Sat at 2pm - join us if u can ~> http://t.co/WcHoBRWe #winechat @TheVirtualTaste
RickGriffin	#Winechat was sooo much fun! Thanks! #GroupHug
myvinespot	One of my faves :-) RT @WineHouseLA: @myvinespot @mariepayton . Indian food here #winechat
UncorkOntario	Ontario does have great variety of #Riesling - dry, off-dry, suss reserve, sweet, late harvest, ice wine. #winechat
SimplyGrapes	Thank you to @mariepayton for #winechat. Great to connect as well: @pja477 @myvinespot @HennArtOnline @VinoCC @ElinSilveous Cheers!
WriteforWine	@mariepayton Sorry I missed #winechat - what time does it start on the west coast each week?
myvinespot	@mariepayton Nice job tonight, Marie -- I enjoyed the tweets, tweeps, and sips. #winechat
mariepayton	6pm PST! RT @WriteforWine: @mariepayton Sorry I missed #winechat - what time does it start on the west coast each week?
SimplyGrapes	@UCBeau @SMCBarros wow! I would LOVE to try a #Riesling from the 70's. It is the only white that I feel has true aging ability. #winechat
mariepayton	@myvinespot Thanks for joining! I always learn so much #winechat
jacswineblog	@TylerOnWine @winecompass #winechat had the Deinhard Lila Sekt after a few bottles of Taittinger at a party, honey notes were perfect then.
GreystoneEstate	RT @HennArtOnline Hope to jump in next time:-) RT @RickGriffin: #Winechat was sooo much fun! Thanks! #GroupHug
Jimbarrywines	Freshly caught lobster #holidays RT “@mariepayton: What's everyone pairing their Riesling with tonight? #winechat”
mmWine	#winechat RT @DrinkerX: @mmwine @KVintners the 2010 Kung Fu Girl is really quite tasty. Great tangy finish. I highly recommend it.
WineKate	“@MarkVogler: Hey where's @winekate ? She can tell us a thing or two about Rieslings! #winechat” only 1 of the best white varietals!
mariepayton	Love group hugs! RT @RickGriffin: #Winechat was sooo much fun! Thanks! #GroupHug
ErickaAARP	@ElinSilveous I'm not a white drinker, but now and again I'll find something outstanding and be glad I left my comfort zone! #winechat
voxinferior	@mariepayton did anyone else have sparkling #Riesling for tonight's #winechat? (extra bottle left from New Year's Eve!) http://t.co/sP39xzAw
familyfoodie	Interesting RT @wineeveryday: #Riesling: Sweetness classification has to do with sugar levels in the grapes at time of harvest. #WineChat
familyfoodie	You always have great recommendations! RT @mmwine: @mariepayton I loved this Groebe Aulerde Trokken Riesling http://t.co/qs6ctMG4 #winechat
MarkVogler	RT @WineKate: “@MarkVogler: Hey where's @winekate ? She can tell us a thing or two about Rieslings! #winechat” only 1 of the best white varietals!
mariepayton	RT @myvinespot: Weekend homework wine assignment :-) RT @grapefriend: @WineHouseLA @australiaplus never had an Australian Riesling #winechat
BeckyKramerWine	RT @mariepayton: Great #winechat tonight: check out upcoming schedule: http://t.co/4mELXGBU and keep up on facebook: http://t.co/5biMWfEZ
SchlossiWines	RT @familyfoodie @WineEveryday: #Riesling: Sweetness classification has to do with sugar levels in the grapes @ time of harvest. #WineChat
uskayaks	RT @MarkVogler: In Sonoma Valley @chateaustjean makes a nice Riesling too. #winechat
CinziaRolling	#winechat help? RT @wingspouse: Any suggestions on where wine lovers can go for a great anniversary weekend? My sister's 25th is coming up..
HelloVino	@MatthewLiberty Dude. Thanks for mentioning the #wine shipping blog post during #winechat - You most certainly rock.
mariepayton	City? RT @CinziaRolling: #winechat help? RT @wingspouse: Any suggestions on where wine lovers can go for a great anniversary weekend?
jacswineblog	Such a fun #winechat tonight re: Riesling...great topic, great discussion!
2ndferment	@mariepayton I'm too late for the #winechat, but Ontario does great Riesling too!
mariepayton	Thx for sharing! RT @2ndferment: @mariepayton I'm too late for the #winechat, but Ontario does great Riesling too!
AustrianwineUSA	Happy #Riesling to all and to all a goodnight! #winechat
MatthewLiberty	@HelloVino No worries man, that's a cool product #wine #winechat
MishasVineyard	They are! RT @happyhourmary: @MishasVineyard @mariepayton Those French are so into their wine laws!!! #winechat
MishasVineyard	NZ does some amazing Rieslings - mostly from Sth Island T @mariepayton: @MishasVineyard Tell us about NZ Rieslings! #winechat
AlsaceFest	RT @jacswineblog: Such a fun #winechat tonight re: Riesling...great topic, great discussion!
thatjohn	@MishasVineyard @mariepayton It's absolutely true -- NZ Riesling is amazingly varied, with some fantastic aromatic specialists. #winechat
FGJ1013	#winechat sometimes you have to grab the @Barrel27Wines #wine. http://t.co/YNJ6F60s
thewinemuse	Great #winechat topic #riesling! Australia makes so much great Riesling - very much an unsung varietal hero! #summerofriesling
thewinemuse	I really enjoyed the Framington 2010 Select #Riesling when I was over in NZ @MishasVineyard @mariepayton #winechat #summerofriesling
MishasVineyard	@mariepayton Marlborough, Central Otago & Waipara are Sth Island regions for Riesling @MishasVineyard Tell us about NZ Rieslings! #winechat
MishasVineyard	Nice! Their dry style right? RT @WineHouseLA: @MishasVineyard @mariepayton. We are opening up the Felton Rd one right now. #winechat
MishasVineyard	We do more than Savvy! :) RT @happyhourmary: @mariepayton @MishasVineyard I always think: Sauv. Blanc when I think NZ - & Hobbits #winechat
SAuerswald	I think this turned into #winechat along the way... RT @xoj9: @DesireeEaglin @MomsLA #momslachat always wine available here - come on over!
thewinemuse	There are some very fine Australian #riesling that still show no developmt at 7 yr old & older -no petrol @myvinespot @SMCBarros #winechat
DesireeEaglin	RT @SAuerswald: I think this turned into #winechat along the way... RT @xoj9: @DesireeEaglin @MomsLA #momslachat always wine available here - come on over!
MishasVineyard	:) RT @thatjohn: @mariepayton It's absolutely true -- NZ Riesling is amazingly varied, ..some fantastic aromatic specialists. #winechat
brigittaLA	RT @SAuerswald: I think this turned into #winechat along the way... RT @xoj9: @DesireeEaglin @MomsLA #momslachat always wine available here - come on over!
MishasVineyard	Good wine! RT @thewinemuse: I renjoyed Framington 10 Select #Riesling when in NZ @MishasVineyard @mariepayton #winechat #summerofriesling
DesireeEaglin	I did...but not on purpose! ha! RT @MomsLA Since it's turned into #winechat Did anyone give up alcohol? #momslachat
MishasVineyard	We do small portion of natural ferment in old French oakRT @mariepayton: Riesling is rarely placed in new oak - would overwhelm it #winechat
Jimbarrywines	RT @thewinemuse: Great #winechat topic #riesling! Australia makes so much great Riesling - very much an unsung varietal hero! #summerofriesling