Annual Christmas/Holiday 2015 Party

AWS Meadowlands member and guest had a fantastic time… it was a full house at the fire house! 

 

Many thanks to everyone for your participation!  Another wonderful year for our AWS Meadowlands Chapter.   

November 19

November’s meeting was a smashing success.    The Wagner family wines are exceptional wines and we had a fantastic time tasting them.      Many thanks to Mike Luizzo of Empire regional representative and Danny Klein, AWS regional VP for making this one happen.   

AWS Meadowlands Chapter Annual Christmas/Holiday 2015 Celebration

The AWS Meadowlands Chapter is excited to be holding its second Christmas / Holiday Extravaganza party! 

DATE:            Saturday December 5, 2015

TIME:             7:00 PM – 11 PM 

PLACE:           Wood-Ridge Fire House

                        85 Humboldt Street

                        Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075 (3 miles from Make Wine With US)

Food will be provided from one of NJ's premier Spanish restaurants Segovia's Steak House.  The menu includes:

Filet Mignon Tips              Seafood Paella                  Shrimp and Garlic

Chicken & Artichoke        Pork Tenderloin               Sautéed Mixed Vegetables

Crispy sliced Potato         Saffron Rice                        Salad & rolls

Free for our AWS Meadowlands chapter members, guests will be $20.00.  

RSVP is required by Dec 2, 2015 

ATTENTION ALL AWS MEMBERS
Upcoming Meeting: Thursday November 19   

We will have a representative featuring:  
Wagner Family / Camus wines

Please remember to RSVP 
by contacting me at wineclub201@gmail.com 
The tasting is open to only the first 60 people 

A good friend of the American Wine Society; Chuck Wagner and his family has a Napa Valley legacy that can be traced back over 150 years and eight generations.   They include Belle Glos, Conundrum, Emmolo, Mer Soleil and the Caymus labels are all under the Wagner Family name.

The Caymus Legacy
In 1989, Wine Spectator named the 1984 Caymus as the “#1 WINE OF THE YEAR” that was after tasting over 6,000 super premium wines. Then again in 1994, the 1990 Caymus was again awarded the “1 WINE OF THE YEAR” after tasting over 17,000 premium wines. To this day, Caymus remains the only wine to be selected twice to this high honor. The 40th Anniversary Caymus 2012 was released in 2014 and given extremely high accolades. Come have some fun with all of your AWS friends and learn about the history of the Wagner Family.

This is the right way to start off the Holiday Season! 

Location:  MAKE WINE WITH US located at 21 Curie Ave. Wallington, NJ

Time: 6:45pm- 9:00pm

            Wines selection for tthe American Wine Society - October meeting

• St Amant Tempranillo Amador – Amador County, California - 15
• Bodegas Montecillo Crianza   -Tempranillo - Rioja Spain – 10   (group favorite)
• Falesco Merlot – Umbria Italy - 15
• 14 Hands Merlot Columbia Valley, WA - 12
• Bird Song Hill Riesling - Columbia Valley in Washington State - 12
• Heidemanns-Bergweiler – Riesling,  Mosel-Saar-Ruwer  Germany – 11   (favorite)

NEWS and UPDATES:

AWS Wine making, second phase: Pressing.   This is where juice is extracted from grapes.    Thanks to all who participated on our two whole barrels of wine.  

Here is the list of available cases left: 

       7 cases of Zinfandel

       3 cases of California Red Blend

                                       ------

Stew Leonard’s Wines hosts Grand Tasting fundraiser at Nanina’s in the Park turned out to be a fantastic event.  There were many AWS members present who participated in tasting of more than 100 wines and various top shelf spirits.     The event benefited Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, proceeds are donated to local organizations that supports water safety education and awareness.

                                       ------

Don’t forget to send in your reservations for our next AWS meeting on November 19th.     RSVP is required for this event due to limited siting.  As always guest are well comed so bring a friend.    Special Event:  Wagner Family - Camus wines.  Special Pricing AWS members $10, Non-members $25

                                       ------

December 5th: AWS Meadowlands Holiday season party is free to our AWS members.  If you like to bring a guest/$20 - more details will follow.  

Upcoming Meetings - Please remember to RSVP

October  22:  Comparison of similar grapes between old and new regions
November 19:  Wagner Family - Camus wines (RSVP is required - limited siting)
December 5: AWS Meadowlands Holiday season meeting

AWS Meadowlands October Meeting

Old World & New World Wines  (part 2)

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2015 @ 7 PM.

Location: Make Wine With Us @ 21 Currie Avenue in Wallington, NJ

Members $10 per person / Guest $15

Please join the American Wine Society Meadowlands Chapter for a comparison of same grapes grown in old world region vs new world region.    You’ll be amazed on the variances in tastes, styles, & nuances.   Let’s taste & compare Riesling, Merlot and Tempranillo and taste the difference in grapes side by side.  

In addition, we will be pressing grapes this day as well starting at 6 PM.  So come early with comfortable clothing and learn about pressing process in wine making.   

Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, along with co-founders Kim & Stew Leonard Jr., will host a Grand Tasting of more than 200 wines on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Nanina’s in the Park. 

The event will benefit Stew Leonard III Children's Charities and proceeds will be donated to local organizations that support water safety education and awareness. 

Nanina’s in the Park will feature a menu specifically chosen to complement and highlight the evening’s selected wine, beer, and spirits offerings; Passed Hors D’oeuvres and a full Buffet is included.

Tickets are $100/each but if you come to the Stew Leonard on RT17 store they will only be $85/each for AWS members.   (otherwise you will need to purchase 4 or more to get the discounted rate)  

Tickets are available at the following retail location: 

Stew Leonard’s Wines, 396 Route 17 North, Paramus, N.J., 07652 (201-649-0882)

They will ask for your American Wine Society ID card so please have it handy to obtain discount. 

Here is the list of available cases left:  

       7 cases of Zinfandel 

       0 case of Cabernet Blend ( Sold Out )

       4 cases of California Red Blend

Only $143 per case, which includes: French oak barrels storage, bottles, corking and top foils and labels.

Barrel #1 Old Vine Zinfandel, This falls in the upper medium body red, with red cherry, blueberry, jam flavors with a white pepper spice undertones.  (100% Old Vine Zinfandel)

Barrel #2  Cabernet Sauvignon Blend - Sold Out

Barrel #3 is our first AWS California Red Blend.   Also known as a Bordeaux style.  This will have more fruit forward notes with a plumb and black cherries with medium body and acidity, nicely balanced.  (52% Cabernet Sauvignon - 27% Merlot - 17% Cabernet Franc - 4% Petit Verdot)

Top 100 Best Buys of 2014

This is one of our favorite top list for wines. We have tried many of the selected wines and also fine them to be a fantastic value and quality.  To download your copy, simply copy and paste link into your browser: http://www.winemag.com/PDFs/BestBuys2014.pdf                             Cheers!

AWS Meadowlands September Meeting
Old World & New World Wines  

This month we did a comparison of similar grapes grown in old world region vs new world region.    Their tastes, wine making styles, & nuances.   Tasted & compare Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir & Zinfandel to review the difference in grapes side by side.  

Bourgrier Sauvignon Blanc – France

Kemblefield Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand

Caleo Salento Primativo – Italian

Sabon Estates Zinfandel – US

Luc Pirlet Pinot Noir  - France  - Team favorite!

Kudos Pinot Noir       - Oregon

In addition, the team also have an opportunity to test your sensory to review and detect wine faults such as Cork taint, Brettanomyces, Acetic Acid, Microbial and Hydrogen Sulfide. 

NEWS and UPDATE

Stew Lenard’s in Clifton, NJ - Tickets for the benefit tasting are 100 each but if we get more than 4 they are 85 each.  If you are interested, let them know that your part of the American Wine Society meadowlands chapter to get the discounted price.  Bring your American Wine Society Card and get 10% savings on selected wines.   Wednesday night on October 14

Next meeting is Thursday night October 22 - save the date. 

   Zinfandel will be ready for Pressing on MONDAY 21st @ 6 PM
            
                                                      Come down to Make Wine With Us and meet up with the American Wine Society Meadowland chapter to learn more.

Step one was completed last Saturday, We have crushed the grapes enough to break open the skins of the grapes (also called maceration) during the destemming process.  The wine is now going through the fermentation process where as the yeast is consuming sugars producing alcohol.   For Red wine we leave the skins in with the juice during fermentation to acquire the necessary red colors.   We have been punching down the wine caps to maximize the skin contacts with the juice to build more color and tannin.

On Monday we will begin step two in the wine making process called "pressing" to separate the skins from the juice.   We will then place the grape juice into oak barrels for aging where they will continue to build up alcohol, body and favors.

Come down to Make Wine With Us and meet up with the American Wine Society Meadowland chapter to learn more and taste the wine from the beginning.

                     MWWU located at 21 Currie Ave, Wallington, NJ 07057

AWS Meeting is Wednesday 9/23 @ 7 PM 

Hello Everyone,

Here is the list of available cases left:  

       7 cases of Zinfandel 

       2 case of Cabernet Blend

       4 cases of California Red Blend

Call your friend and family to see if they like to grab a case before they are gone.
Regards, 

AWS Team

---------------------------  Menu ----------------------- 

Barrel #1 Old Vine Zinfandel, This falls in the upper medium body red, with red cherry, blueberry, jam flavors with pepper spice undertones.  (100% Old Vine Zinfandel)

Barrel #2  Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, the goal on this is to get a polished and age-worthy wine with a fuller body.  We’re looking for fresh cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry, figs, cloves, white pepper and black tea notes with more tannin at the close.   (70% Cabernet Sauvignon - 10% Merlot -   10% Petit Verdot - 10% Syrah)

Barrel #3 is our California Red Blend.   Also known as a Bordeaux style.  This will have more fruit forward notes with a plumb and black cherries with medium body and acidity.  (52% Cabernet Sauvignon - 27% Merlot - 17% Cabernet Franc - 4% Petit Verdot) 

This year we are able to reduce cost, available for only $143 per case.   (12 bottles per case)  59 cases reserved.

This includes the bottles, labels, cork, and foil top of your choice. 

Reminder:  AWS September Meeting is Wednesday 23 at 7 PM

News and Updates 

Some California wines, allegedly tested high levels of aesenic.  

If you are curious to see what this list is click on link below.   

Full list available:

http://patch.com/georgia/cumming/which-california-wines-reportedly-contain-poisonous-arsenic-0

                                                                   News & Updates

The AWS Grapes are here so come on down to Make Wine With Us 

this Saturday morning 10 AM to learn the first part of making wine! 

For great deal on wines visit www.winesforthetimes.com

 

2015 Harvest - Special Selection Wines

Hello Everyone,

Here are the selections for this years harvest, so tell your friends and family to get on board with your cases.

Barrel #1 Old Vine Zinfandel, This falls in the upper medium body red, with red cherry, blueberry, jam flavors with pepper spice undertones.  (100% Old Vine Zinfandel)

Barrel #2  Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, the goal on this is to get a polished and age-worthy wine with a fuller body.  We’re looking for fresh cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry, figs, cloves, white pepper and black tea notes with more tannin at the close.   (70% Cabernet Sauvignon - 10% Merlot -   10% Petit Verdot - 10% Syrah)

Barrel #3 is our California Red Blend.   Also known as a Bordeaux style.  This will have more fruit forward notes with a plumb and black cherries with medium body and acidity.  (52% Cabernet Sauvignon - 27% Merlot - 17% Cabernet Franc - 4% Petit Verdot) 

This year we are able to reduce cost, available for only $143 per case.  (12 bottles per case)   

Instructions:   

1. Please send me an email and state which barrel number & number of case(s) you like from that barrel.   

2. I will check on availability and reply back with confirmation.    

3.   Come down to Make Wine With Us with check or credit card  (pay at least 50% of total cost to reserve your cases and remainder of balance within 3 - 4 weeks)      Be sure to state your there for the AWS Special Sections lot.

    We still have cases available from all 3 barrels.   Hurry to reserve your AWS 2015 vintage wines. 

We will send you a notification of when grapes will arrive so you can partake on first step of wine making destemming before fermentation process.     

(NOTE: We only have 12 cases left)

August meeting was a “full house” so thank you all for the on-going participation.   

News & Updates

* For your entertainment pleasure, Make Wine With US is hosting a Comedy Night on Saturday September 19^th, at 8 PM.   This is a fantastic event so be sure to get your tickets early.   Contact MWWU @ 201.876.9463 or visit web site http://www.makewinetasting.com

** Don’t forget we will meet this week, September 2 - Wednesday night at 7 PM.   We need to make our selections for our Next AWS group Wine Barrels.    This year we have an opportunity of utilizing “Opus One” oak barrels for our batch.    Make Wine With Us will have approximately 20 various bottles of varietals and blends to select from or make our own blend as last year.   Come, sample, and vote for your favorite!   

Learn thought teaching: We welcome anyone in the group interested in doing a presentation for the team.  The assembly will be happy to assist with setup, materials, or theme.   Always looking for participation from the group so feel free to share your passion and knowledge. 

Our Next AWS Meeting will be on September 23, which is a Wednesday night.  Update your calendars!

Everyone did a fantastic job at expressing the unique characteristics of Italy’s Piedmont region wines.    Our sampling of various and distinctive variety of grapes included the following:  (3) Whites & (4) Reds

NV     Nando Asti (Spumante)    (Grape variety: Muscat Blanc)

2014  Tenuta Villa Rosa Gavi di Gavi  (Grape variety: 100% Cortese) – a group favorite

2013  Ceretto Blange Langhe Arneis   (Grape variety: 100% Arneis )

2012  Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne Vietti    (Grape variety: 100% Barbera)

2012  Marchesi di Barolo Madonna di Como Dolcetto d'Alba    (Grape variety: 100% Dolcetto)

2010  Cascina Bruciata Barbaresco   (Grape variety: Nebbiolo di Barbaresco)

2010  Poderi Oddero Barolo   (Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo) – a group favorite

 -------

2011 Marchesi di Barolo Gatie  Brachetto d'Acqui    (Grape variety: 100% Brachetto)  This was our desert wine, paired with the Baked Ricotta w/ choco chip.

AWS Meadowlands Chapter

Wines from the Piedmont region of Italy   

Presenter: Jerry Rizzo 

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2015    7-9 PM.

Location: Make Wine With Us 21 Currie Avenue in Wallington, NJ 

Piedmont region is nestled at the foot of the western Alps in Italy.  This month we explore this regions fine wines and discuss attributes about their aroma, flavor, and origin.

You’ll have an opportunity to taste selected grape varietals such as Muscat, Arneis,  Brachetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and more.    Join us and see for yourself why Piedmont region has gain such success in the Italian wine industry.   

  

 All are welcome 

$15 AWS Members / $20 Visitors

Please RSVP to WineClub201@gmail.com  (Please let me know if you’re bringing a guest)

 photo by Stefano Pertusati

NOTE:  There is a list of wines that allegedly tested high levels of aesenic.  Full list available:

http://patch.com/georgia/cumming/which-california-wines-reportedly-contain-poisonous-arsenic-0

AWS Members - our NEXT meeting will be on 

Thursday -AUG 27th 

Wines from the Piedmont region of Italy

Meadowlands Chapter Wine Barrel 

Many of our AWS members were intrigued in the wine making process.  

We all participated in the entire process from the beginning when we received the grapes, destemming, crushing and fermentation, punch down, pressing, and final bottling.

Barrel Lot # 406 was a HIT and the California red blend wine is Delicious

We will do this again, send me an email if your interested in our next batch.  

I will have more detail during our August meeting.  

HAVE  A  FANTASTIC  SUMMER  

If you looking for a change of pace from the usual cold Rieslings and Pinot Grigio try some Vinho Verde.   These are young and fresh wines from Portugal that are ready to drink now.    The following recommendations are perfect for cooling off during the hot summer parties.

From Portugal, these have a fantastic light crisp taste with a hint of citrus notes, melon and pears with light berry and apple aromas.   These have a slight effervescence which makes them wonderfully refreshing served cold.    

-          Casal Garcia Vinho Verde  -white is a cool buy for $6

-          Aveleda Vinho Verde – white about $9 a bottle.  Voted Wine Enthusiast best buy 2 years in a row.

Hello everyone,

We sold out - We were able to maximize capacity for the location so I have no doubt the evening will be lots of fun.  Noches de Colombia has received many high marks and praise for their food.  

 Thanks again for your ongoing support and participation.  

AWS Team

The First Annual Food and Wine event will take place on
June 25th.    Event will be held at
Noche De Colombia located at 19 Elm St. Montclair, NJ


Our casual dining will include the following:
- Appetizer
- Main Course
- Dessert with coffee, espresso or tea.

Cost will be $45 per person - this covers gratuity and selected wines during the meal.

We will email a copy of menu shortly.

Thank you
AWS NJ Meadowlands



                   2015     SCHEDULE                                                                                                                                 

·         June - Restaurant: Noche De Colombia, June 25th .
·         July - No meeting - Have a safe and wonderful Summer!
·         August 27 –  Wines from The Piedmont Italian region  (updated)
·         September 23 – Wednesday Night - to be announced  (updated)
·         October 22  - to be announced 
·         November - Wagner Family Wines - California    (updated)
·         December is our annual chapter wine party at Make Wine With Us.   Friday 11^th or Saturday 12^th   Date will be confirmed by Septembers meeting.  

Thank you again for attending last night’s meeting as we sampled various cabernet sauvignon from around the globe.  List of cabernet sauvignon presented:

2013 Three Thieves Cabernet – US

2013 Luc Pirlet - Les Barriques  Cabernet – France

2012 Trapiche Vinyards Cabernet – Argentina

2012 Yalumba Y Series Cabernet – Australia

2011 KWV Cathedral Cellars Cabernet – South Africa

2010 Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Reserve - Spain

2009 Carpineto Farnito Cabernet - Italy

Top Growers of Cabernet Sauvignon are France, Chile, USA, Australia, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, and Argentina.

Some Key points about Cabs:

Cabernet needs a warm or hot climate in order to fully ripen. It will not fully ripen in cool climates or in cool years.

Cabernet Sauvignon are often aged in oak, conveying spicy and oaky flavors.

Cabernet Sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region of France

Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of crossing two other varieties: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet needs a warm or hot climate in order to fully ripen, often aged in oak, originated in the Bordeaux region of France,.

Cabernet is often blended with many indigenous varietal to build structure, complexity and add unique nuances to the final product.   

Here is another label to choose from... post your favorite.
Label #5

New labels submitted for review.  

Label # 3                                                                                          Label # 4 

Time to bottle our AWS wine barrel... which one do you like to see on your bottle?    Stay tune for more creative labels.

Label 1                                                                                             Label 2

Pairing Wine and Food from Wine Folly

Food and wine pairing from Wine Folly

News update: Another fantastic meeting!  

Sauvignon Blanc Tasting was presented by Danny Klein

The selected wines reflected unique and wonderful characteristics of this varietal grape by regions and its global presence.  Sauvignon Blanc presentation did not disappoint. 

Sauvignon Blanc Region Yr Price (est)

• C. Salmon Sancerre Viellas Vignes        France               2013 (20)

• Bayten  SB Constancia                         South Africa       2012 (15)

• Brancott Estate SB       Marlborough     New Zealand     2014 (12)

• Columbia Crest H3 Columbia Valley     Washington        2013 (13)

• Bulgariana       SB                                 Bulgaria              2013 (10)

• Santiago Station  Devils Back               Chile                   2014 (5)

• Titus SB Napa                                     California             2013 (20)

• Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau Bordeaux     France                2012 (18)
• Chateau Cantegril Sauternes                 France                2010 (40)

Join us for our next meeting on May 21st. Featuring: Cabernet Sauvignon varietal

Cheers,

Angel Martinez

NJ Meadowlands Chapter President

wineclub201.blogspot.com

Join the American Wine Society – NJ Meadowlands team.   http://www.americanwinesociety.org

Learn how to make wine, come to the award winning wine school:  http://www.makewinewithus.com
- Food and Wine Pairing Posted from Wine Folly posted.

Please note lineup changes and updates. - Don't worry it's all good!

April 30th  meeting update:

Presenting various selections of Sauvignon Blanc from around the world.  

Please note that May's meeting will take place on Thursday May 21st.
      May Meeting:  05/21/2015 -  Cabernet Sauvignon

Don't forget to update your calendars.  I will send out a friendly reminder early next month.

Hello Everyone,

April's meeting  "Sauvignon Blanc from around the world" will be hosted by Regional Vice President of American Wine Society Danny Klein.

Last month was a HIT and had a full crowd so don't miss out.   Please join us, SAVE April 30th on your calendars right now. 

Please be sure to RSVP so that we can save a seat by sending response to wineclub201@gmail.com (let me know if you are bringing a guest)

Angel Martinez

President Meadowlands Chapter

American Wine Society

WineClub201@gmail.com

Join the NJ Meadowlands team today, visit American Wine Society: www.americanwinesociety.org/

Learn to how to make wine at Make Wine With Us:  http://www.makewinetasting.com/

We were very fortunate to have had an opportunity to sample specially selected wines from Hudson Valley Wines region.    Carlo Devito author and owner of Hudson-Chatham winery hand selected some of the region’s highly acclaimed wines and ciders for the AWS Meadowlands team and guests to enjoy.      

The selected wines reflected this region's unique and wonderful characteristics.  What a HIT!

Selected Whites:

True Thirst Hard Apple Cider made at Brotherhood in Washingtonville, NY

Hudson-Chatham Seyal Blanc Block 1 2013

Tousey Chardonnay 2013

Whitecliff Chardonnay Reserve 2013

Selected Reds:

Tousey Pinot Noir 2013

Hudson-Chatham Baco Noir Old Vines 2013

Millbrook Cabernet Franc 2013

Whitecliff Estate Cabernet Franc 2013

Hudson-Chatham Empire 2012

Brookview Station Estate Frontenac

Hudson Valley has the ideal geography and conditions for growing a variety of grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and a fantastic Baco Noir which are expressed wonderfully in these wines.   

It was a very successful tasting, prompting much interest in visiting the area in the spring and summer to sample more of these wines.  I provided additional web site links below.    Please note, these are also available at various local stores.   

Now you know that you don’t have fly out all the way out west, just take a short day trip to Hudson Valley Wine Country instead to visit up to 40 local vineyards. 

Special Thanks to:
Carlo Devito for the selection and presentation.
Diane and John of “Make Wine With Us” for their hospitality.
Danny Klein - American Wine Society - Regional Vice President

Visit Hudson Valley Wine Country:   http://www.hudsonvalleywinecountry.org

Learn more about Carlos Devito’s ventures and passion visit: https://carlodevito.wordpress.com

Hudson-Chatham Winery: http://www.hudsonchathamwinery.com

Learn how to make wine, come to the Award winning wine school:  http://www.makewinewithus.com