
Cabernet from Bordeaux, Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Sangiovese from Tuscany: These are the classic grapes from traditional wine regions.
As the wine world has expanded, so have the number of unexpected places that certain varieties are being planted. Here, then, are some of our favorite grapes from less-than-expected places.
Thomas Fogarty 2006 Gewurztraminer, Monterey
Yes, you read it right: Gewurztraminer from Monterey. Sounds odd, but this wine's combination of perfume, fruit, and structure will make you a believer in no time.
$17.99. Code: 18074.
Cascabel 2006 Tempranillo Graciano, McLaren Vale
It's tempting to think of Australia is fairly monolithic terms. But this bbq-ready red proves how wrong that is, and how food-friendly and gulpable unexpected varieties can be when grown and vinified with care in the land down under.
$27.99. Code: 22994.
Inniskillin 2004 Vidal Sparkling Icewine
Not for everybody, but that almost seems to be the point of this unusual, unexpected sparkler. It's rich and sweet, but the bubbles somehow cut it all down to manageable size. It's the perfect way to end a nice summertime dinner with close friends or family; you won't want to share this with everyone.
$39.99 for a half-bottle. Code: 10640.
Naia 2006 Naia Des Verdejo
What makes this wine unusual isn't where it's from but the grape variety itself. Verdejo, after all, is still sadly underappreciated by too many wine-lovers. But this one, hopefully, will start to chip away at that: At $27.99, it's affordable enough to be approachable. And its old-vines, barrel-fermented character is sure to make it a favorite by the end of your first glass.
Code: 29828.
Find these wines near you using our Wine Finder

The Wine School of Philadelphia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

All July Wine Classes
are 25% Off!
Discount Code: HUFFYTIME
Friday, July 17th
The wines of Germany and Austria are some of the most drinkable, enjoyable, and downright refreshing in the world. They are the perfect Summer wines!
Thursday, July 30th
Italian wines are loved by American connoisseurs. At this point, more premium Italian wines are consumed in the USA than in Italy itself. In
Thursday, July 30th
In this class, you will discover the profound and exciting wines from this Italian wine region.

The Summer Accelerated Program
Summer is here, and the thriving world of wine is waiting for you. Now is the perfect time to uncork your passion.
In August, we are offering the Core Program in an accelerated format, meaning that you can earn both your Foundation and Global Intermediate certifications in a single week!
Our Core students graduate with a level of skill & knowledge that could make Robert Parker blush. For more information, follow this link.

The PLCB had a huge sale last week which was supposed to be a one-day sale of select wines at huge discounts. They didn't sell all the wines, and they never bothered to change the prices back. Here is the short list of the best ones still available.
FYI, we gave everyone a heads up about the sale on Twitter, so if you Twitter, make sure to follow us for last-minute good wine deals: http://twitter.com/wineschool
Chapel Hill 2006 Verdehlo
$6.99 Code: 27159
St. Michelle 2005 Ethos Merlot
$14.99 Code: 12358
Kilikanoon 2005 Covenant Shiraz
$14.99 Code: 28495
Kilikanoon 2005 Prodigal Grenache
$11.99 Code: 27961
Simonnet Fevre 2005 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses
$14.99 Code: 21259 (this one is only available online)
And here is one that wasn't part of the sale, but a great deal:
Shirvington 2005 Shiraz
$29.99 Code:15469
Find these wines near you using our Wine Finder |
A moment from our recent Cru Wine Club trip to Bordeaux. This photo was taken moments after the infamous sighting of the Bordeaux Monster near Smith Haut Lafitte.
Smackdowns, New Regions, and Courses (Oh My!)
Say what you will about us here, but we don't really sit around drinking all day (much as we'd sometimes like to!). No, we actually work hard to make sure that our classes and programs are as fresh and exciting as possible.
The only problem is that it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of all the new and exciting things that are happening at The Wine School. So a quick update seems to be in order.
We also have a series of interesting regional classes that we're only holding once a year, from Bordeaux to Burgundy to Austria and Germany--so definitely keep an eye out for those. And, finally, the upcoming Sommelier Smackdowns include some very special guests and unusual formats (wine vs. cocktails sound fun?), so keep your eyes open and your taste buds primed for those, too. Who says summer is the time for relaxing? |
|

Experiment...There's Too Much Out There Not To!
It's lately become more apparent than usual that sticking with the same old wines is a great way to ensure a boring wine life. And while we talk about this regularly here at The Wine School, this seems like the perfect time to reiterate it. Because this time of year, with casual food and regular outdoor get-togethers, most people aren't thinking of opening their prized bottles of First Growth Bordeaux or Grand Cru Burgundy. Rather, this is the season for easy-drinking, unexpected wines. Here's a selection of some of our favorites in the state system right now.
Ponzi Vineyards 2007 Arneis, Willamette Valley
If Arneis from its home-base in Piedmont is unfamiliar to most American wine consumers, then its Oregon incarnation is likely to be downright bewildering. But one sip of this fruity, stony white will be enough to convince you that it's worth a go--and maybe even a second bottle. $24.99. Code: 18113.
Baumard 2005 Savennieres, Loire Valley
From one of our favorite producers comes this stunning Chenin Blanc. And it's from a great vintage. And it's reasonable priced at $23.99. And it's almost crazily delicious. And its code is 24811.
Find these wines near you using our Wine Finder
Feudi di San Gregorio 2007 Greco di Tufo
Anyone who has ever taken one of Frank Cipparone's classes on Italian wines knows his love of obscure, less-familiar bottlings. And long ago it became clear that, in matters of all things Italian and unfamiliar, it's best to follow his lead. Take this wine, for example--he's been extolling its virtues for years now, and with good reason. $20.99. Code: 25229.
Muga 2006 Blanco, Rioja
Reds from Rioja are familiar to most people; the whites, somewhat less so. Whether you've tasted one before or this is your first, the Muga '06 is a great place to start. Autumn and stone fruit dominate, but are kept in check by a charming edge of austerity. Lovely. $13.99. Code: 26173.
Find these wines near you using our Wine Finder
Have a great week!
The Wine School of Philadelphia |