Our event went really well this weekend- there were 52 people and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Wines Tasted:

Vilarnau Cava Brut NV, (Penedes, Spain) [Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada]
Gran Sarao Cava Rose NV (Penedes, Spain) [Trepat]
Conde Villar Vinho Verde Branco Seco 2008 (Minho, Portugal) [Loureiro, Trajadura]
Quinta do Crasto Douro 2007 (Douro, Portugal) [Gouveio, Roupeiro, Cercial, Rabigato]
Txomin Etxaniz, Getariako Txakolina 2009 (Basque Region, Spain) [Hondarrabi Zuri]
Colli di Lapio di Romano Clelia Fiano Di Avellino 2009 (Campania, Italy) [Fiano Di Avellino]
Benito Ferrara Greco Di Tufo 2008 (Campania, Italy) [Greco Bianco]
Palazonne Terre Vineate Orvieto Superiore 2009 (Umbria, Italy) [Grechetto, Procanico]
Gini Soave Classico 2008 (Veneto, Italy) [Garganega]
Huber Zweigelt 2007 (Traisental, Austria) [Zweigelt]
Zantho St. Laurent 2006 (Burgenland, Austria) [St. Laurent]
De Angelis Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio Rosso 2008 (Campania, Italy) [Piedirosso]
El Castro de Valutille Mencia Joven 2007 (Bierzo, Spain) [Mencia]
Cavallotto Freisa Bricco Boschis 2006 (Langhe, Piedmont, Italy) [Freisa]
La Colombaia Valpolicella Ripasso 2007 (Veneto, Italy) [Corvina, Rondinella]
Cantina Anotonia Caggiano Irpinia Aglianico “Tari” 2007 (Campania, Italy) [Aglianico]
Summers Winery, Villa Andriana Vineyard Charbono 2005, (Napa Valley, Calistoga, CA) [Charbono]
Warre’s White Port NV (Pinhao, Douro, Portugal) [Arinto, Codega]

New York

Seated: Greg dal Piaz From Left standing: Greg Kozar, Peter Conway, Steve Raye, Constance Chamberlain, Karen Page, Andrew Dornenburg and Tony Fletcher.
Not pictured: Anatoli Levine

Here are the grapes we tasted:

Narince, Kalecik Karasi, Zierfandler, Dolomiti, Osalecta, Muller-Thurgau, Riesling, Silvaner, Kerner, Plousard, Romorath, Faire Sevedou, Moscofilero, Assyrtiko, Aidani, Agiorgitiko, St Laurent, 3 different types of muscat, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Touriga, Pinot Noir and Viognier, and a port (we don’t know how many grapes!)

That’s at least 30 for us! : )
-Constance Chamberlain

Also, check out Tony Fletcher’s excellent post on the event:

Grape Wines (not your usual suspects)

London

Paula Sindberg and our sole Quattro member, Tom Reagan Jr.

Paula Sindberg’s Weird & Wonderful Tasting was great fun – Paula usually scores with the goods and this was no exception. It was also a special treat that Tom Reagan, our current grape champ with 426 varieties, came to the event from Atlanta with a couple of very interesting wines.

There were lots of obscure grapes, but the two that stood out for me were the Jacky Preys 2007 Cuvée de Fié Gris Vielles Vignes “Terroir Pierre à Fusil” Touraine (white grape variety: Fié Gris) and the Lorenzo 2005 “Vigna Paradiso” Lacrima di Moro d’Alba (red grape variety: Lacrima). Not only were they new grapes for me, they were deliciously interesting wines. The Fié Gris was vaguely reminiscent of Loire Sauvignon Blanc, but with gun flint and nettles. The Lacrima di Moro was a big red powerful red, very aromatic and herbal – almost like vermouth/Campari – very unique and charismatic. Interestingly enough, several tastings throughout the world had Lacrimas – I could be the next must try red from Italy, a little like Sagrantino.

Here’s a list of all of the wines that we tasted:

Le Petite Chambord 200 Cour-Cheverny (white variety: Romorantin)
Ameztoi 2009 Txakolina de Getaria (white variety: Hondarribi Zuri and a little red Hondarribi Beltz even though the wine was white)
Chateau de la Mirande 2008 Picpoul de Pinet (white variety: Picpoul)
Ciu’ Ciu’ 2008 Offica Pecorino “Le Merlettaie” (white variety: Pecorino)
Cantina Valle Isarco 2006 Sudtirol Kerner (white variety: Kerner)
Domaine Jacky Preys 2007 Cuvée de Fié Gris Vielles Vignes “Terroir Pierre à Fusil” Touraine (white grape variety: Fié Gris)
Domaine Berthoumieu 2008 Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Sec Vieilles Vignes (white grape varieties: Gros Manseng, Courbo & Petit Manseng)
Afros 2008 Vinhão Vinho Verde Tinto (red grape variety: Vinhão)
Cos 2008 Frappato (red grape variety: Frappato)
Orovela 2004 Saperavi Rouge Georgia (red grape variety: Saperavi)
Les Cretes 2006 Torrette (red grape varieties: Petit Rouge, Mayolet, Tinturier and Cornalin)
Tiger Mountain 2006 TNT Georgia USA (red grape varieties: Touriga Nacional & Tannat)
Fattoria San Lorenzo 2005 “Vigna Paradiso” Lacrima di Moro d’Alba (red grape variety: Lacrima)
Clos Lapeyre La Magendia de Lapeyre (white grape variety: Petit Manseng)

Hong Kong

We were about 30 people, all very very much like the concept. We held the event in a wine bar called tastings (www.tastings.hk) which is a special place in that it prominently features enomatic machines and have 40 labels on offer at anyone time. We charged hkd 250 to each participant and this included a hkd 200 sampler card as well as some snacks. We had 3 distributors sponsor some wines and some participants were so eager that they also brought some unusual wines to taste. We plan to hold even every second month and most likely tastings will be the place to meet. our goal is to be informal and casual and offer anyone a chance to learn and go off the beaten path. We will emphasise grapes but also wines from unusual regions like China, Thailand, India, and the like. In the evening, we confirmed the following members:

Nellie Lee (co-founder)
Ron Taylor
Ian Symonds
Agata Meuti
Paolo Fassina

with myself, it means the we are now 6 members in hong kong!

JC Viens

Here is a list of wines tasted:

Redwood City, CA (SF Bay Area)

Last night, we toasted the Century Club at Savvy Cellar Wine Shop and Wine Bar in Redwood City, California. We tasted 3 different wines: a Bugianen Freisa d’Asti from Domenico Capello, a Castello di Verduno Pelaverga, and a Blaufrankisch, whose producer escapes me. I thought the Freisa might be tasted by someone else, but I was pretty sure the Pelaverga would not be on your list – amazingly, I guess someone tasted it last night. As of right now, a brief look through the list doesn’t reveal that anyone tried a Blaufrankisch, so maybe that’s our winning contribution!

-Marni Rubin

Hendersonville, NC

The French Broad Chapter in Hendersonville enjoyed the following on The Anniversary.Trebbiano de Lugana, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zin. Barbera, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet, Falanghina, Chenin Blanc, Sauv. Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli, Vignoles, Chessalas.

Keith Dalbec

Milton, DE

WE JUST FINISHED OUR TASTING FOR THE FIRST STATE COASTAL CRU IN DELAWARE AND WE CAN ADD THE KLEVENER DE HELIGSTEIN GRAPE FROM ALSACE ONE, WE ALSO HAD A BOTTLE OF GODELLO FROM MONTENOVO AND SOME OF US STARTED OFF THE DAY WITH A BOTTLE OF BACCHUS FROM ENGLAND. WE ALSO SIGNED UP 27 NEW FUTURE MEMBERS. HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

-Bernie Knowllinger

Aiken, SC

The Aiken, SC Wrath of Grapes chapter of the Wine Century Club had an impromptu meeting of four members. The evening started with Ironstone Vineyards SYMPHONY 2005 paired with pimento cheese spread. The next course was bacon-wrapped shrimp, accompained by Perrier Jouet NV Brut (assumed to be PINOT NOIR & CHARDONNAY with other grapes in too small a percentage to take credit for). The meal of pork loin medallions in mushroom sauce was paired with Picchetti TEROLDEGO 2007 and Linne Calodo “Cherry Red” 2007 (ZINFANDEL, MOURVEDRE, SYRAH). Dessert was fresh Aiken county strawberries, lightly marinated in Brachetto D’Acqui, accompanied by (of course) Pineto BRACHETTO D’ACQUI DOCG 2007. Dishwashing was made more pleasant with a half bottle of Quady Elysium 2007 (BLACK MUSCAT).

Cheers and Happy Birthday!

Columbus, OH

Happy 5th… here are some more varietals… not adding the ones already reported… Bukettraube (South Africa), Roscetto (Italy – even though the bottle turned out to be corked!), Tocai Friulano, Verdicchio, Traminette… but wait a minute… didn’t anyone have Lambrusco & Champagne( Pinot Meunier) to celebrate the Anniversary?

running total:

314!

Alfrocheiro
Alicante Bouschet
Alphonse Lavallee
Ansonica
Aramon
Arinarnoa
Aspiran
Aubun
Barbera
Bourboulenc
Bobal
Bonarda
Brachetto D’Acqui
Cab Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Canaiolo
Cardinal
Carignan
Carmenère
Catarata
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Ciliegiolo
Cinsault
Clairette
Colombard
Cornalin
Courbu
Fié Gris
Frappato
Gewürztraminer
Grenache
Gros Manseng (syn: Izkiriota)
Hondarribi Beltza
Hondarribi Zuri
Italia
Kerner
Lacrima Di Morro
Lladonner pellut
Malaga Blanc
Malbec
Marsanne
Mayolet
Merlot
Mollard
Morrastel Bouschet
Mourvedre
Muscat Blanc
Muscat de Hambourg (Black Muscat)
Nebbiolo
Pecorino
Petit Bouschet
Petit Manseng (syn: Izkiriota Ttippia)
Petit Rouge
Petit Verdot
Picpoul
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
Ribolla Gialla
Riesling
Romorantin
Roussanne
Sangiovese
Saperavi
Sauvignon Blanc
Syrah
Tannat
Tempranillo
Terret Gris
Terret Noir
Tinturier
Touriga Nacional
Varousset
Vernaccia
Vinhão
Viognier
Zinfandel
78. Pinotage 11:57 AM EST
Casetta
Prieto Picudo
Groppello
Gamay
Kiralyleanyka
Savatiano
Baco Noir
Mencia
87. Dornfelder 4:03 PM EST
Palomino
Pedro Ximénez
Valiant
91. King of the North 4:28 PM EST
Cayuga White
Rkatsiteli
Sereksiya
Norton
Seyval Blanc
Pignolo
Castelao
Nero D’Avola
Falanghina
Gaglioppo
Schioppettino
Silvaner
Susumaniello
Pugnitello
Cjanòrie
Montonico
Arrufiac
Petit Courbou
Rubiana
Graciano
Fer Servadou
Tinto Cão
Regent
Feteasca Neagra
Ruché
Pelaverga
Negrette (syn: Negretto)
Aligote
120. Siegerrebe 5:12 PM EST fron Twitter #wine100 mainly thanks to the Puget Sound Chapter!
121. Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia 5:06 PM EST
Grüener Veltliner
Negroamoro
Touriga Franca 5:23 PM EST
Roupeiro
Cercial
Rabigato
Nerello Mascalese
Fiano
Greco Bianco
Grechetto
Procanico
Piedrosso
Agiorgitiko
Zweigelt
Freisa
Garganega
Loureiro
Trajadura
St. Laurent
Corvina
Rondinella
Charbono
Arinto
Aglianico
Trepat
Macabeo
Xarello
149. Parellada 7:00 PM EST Washington DC tasting list
150. Cortese 12:30 PM EST
Taminga
Airen
Roter Veltliner
Black Monukka
Sercial
Boal
Tinta Negra Mole
Coda di Volpe
Savagnin (from Klevener de Heiligenstein)
Godello (syn: Gouveio)
Bacchus
Kisi
Symphony
Teroldego
Roussette du Bugey
Obaideh
Merwah
Athiri
Cabernet Pfeffer
Grignolino
Tinta Barroca
Uvalino
Verdejo
Catwaba
175. Semillon (5:00 AM EST)
Montepulciano
Poulsard
Kalecik
Narince
Oseleta
Chardonel
Trebbiano de Lugana
Malvasia Bianca (syn: Malmsey)
Orange Muscat
Muscat Canelli
Vignoles
Chessalas
Muller-Thurgau
Solaris 1:11 PM EST
Cesanese
191. Moschofilero 6:17 AM EST Thanks to Diane and Mark Freeland via email
Bukettraube
Roscetto
Friulano
Verdicchio
196. Traminette 1:09 PM EST Thanks Raj and Columbus, OH! – yes, didn’t anyone have a Lambrusco or Champagne?
197. Frontenac 2:46 PM EST
Budeshuri
Roobernet
Torrontez
201. Monica 3:32 PM EST Thanks to Doppel Member Tad Dibbern via email
202. Mauzac 2:15 PM EST Thanks to Donald and Teresa Corbett
203. Vranac 4:22 PM EST Thanks to Mary Williams
Albarola
Albarossa
Aleatico
Alicante
Ancellotta
Arneis
Avanà
Avarengo
Barbera bianca
Becuet
Bianchetta Tevigiano
Bianchetta Veronese
Bombino Bianco
Bombino Nero
Bosco Nero
Brocciola
Brunello
Bussanello
Canina
Carica l’Asino
Cataratto comune
Catarrato
Chatus
Colorino Nero
Cormalim 1
Cornarea
Croatina
Crovassa
Dolcetto
Doux d’Henry
Durasa
Durasca (Dolcetto di Boca)
Enanto
Erbaluce
Favorita
Franconia
Friesa di Chieri
Friesa di Nizza
Gargiulo
Grillo
Incrocio Manzoni
Lambrusca di Alessandria
Lumassina
Maiolica
Malvasia di Casorzo
Malvasia di Schierano
Malvasia Istriana
Malvasia nera lunga
Manzoni bianco
Marzemino
Michele Pagliari
Lambrusco Maestri
Moscato bianco
Moscato giallo
Moscato nero di Acqui
Moscato Rosa
Nascetta
Nebbiolo ( Bolla)
Nebbiolo ( Rosè)
Nebbiolo (Lampia)
Nebbiolo (Michet)
Neretta Cinese
Neretta cuneese
Neretto di Bairo
Nero Buono
Nero d’Ala
Neyret
Pampanuto
Pelaverga (di Pagno)
Peleverga piccolo
Petit Arvine
Pigato
Pignola Nera
Pinot bianco
Pollera 1
Portugieser
Prosecco
Quagliano
Raboso Veronese
Rebo Nero
Refosco da Peduncolo Rosso
Riesling italico (syn: Welschriesling)
Riesling Renano
Rossese
Rossese bianco
Schiava
Schiava Gentile
Schiava grossa
Sylvaner Verde
Timorasso
Tocai Rosso
Torbato
Trebbiano Toscano
Uva di Troia
Uva rara
Veltlimer Fruhrot
Verduzzo Trevigiano
Vermentino
302. Vespolina 5:28 PM EST 103 additional thanks to the Giribaldi Cento Uve
Mune Mahatsa (syn: Folle Blanche)
304. Txori Mahatsa Thanks to Doppel Member Henry Richardson
305. Blaufrankisch Thanks to Marni Rubin and the Redwood City, CA group
Carrucante
307. Souzo Thanks to Ted Judd
Kalecik Karasi
Zierfandler
Dolomiti
Osalecta
Plousard
313. Moscofilero Thanks to the NYC group at Snooth

314. Grenache Blanc Thanks to Jeff Grossman

We’re now 721 members strong and growing! Included in this number are 24 Doppel Members and one Treble Member.

This year, we’re again going to celebrate online (and in local groups in) recognition of the international nature of the club. With a little diligence, focus and graptitute we should be able to make short work of last year’s formidable number of 159 grape varieties collectively consumed.

Wherever you may be, please raise a glass of something interesting and delicious on May 8th in honor of the club and the glory that is you. And if at all possible please post a short note about the wine you had in the notes below or on Twitter using hashtag #wine100. The note can be as simple as the name of the wine and its grape variety(ies).

There are also several meet-ups organized or being organized that you may want to join:

New York City:
Snooth.com Headquarters
a BYOB party from 4:30-7 pm May 8th (note new time)
Snooth, Inc.
162 Madison Ave, Floor 4
New York, NY 10016
rsvp: Constance Chamberlain constance_chamberlain @ comcast.net

Kansas City, Missouri
Wines by Jennifer Wine Garden
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM May 8th
405 Main Street
Parkville, Missouri 64152
RSVP: Don and Jennifer Stanton 816.505.WINE

Washington, DC
Washington Wine Academy
Tasting of 25 Uncommon Varietals
May 8th 7-9PM
$36.50
1201 South Eads, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22202
contact: Alex @ WashingtonWineAcademy.org

Redwood City, CA (SF Bay Area)
Savvy Cellar
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM May 8th
2048 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA
RSVP: Marni Rubin marnirubinwines @ ymail.com

Hendersonville, NC
Blue Water Seafood and Wine Cellar
532 Kanuga Road,
Hendersonville, NC
May 8th
BYOB w/ $15.00 cover.
RSVP: 828.697.0503 Keith Dalbec kpdalbec @ morrisbb.net

Milton, DE
Oak Creek Wine and Spirits
28266 Lewes Georgetown Highway
Milton, DE
May 8th 4 to 7 p.m
Wine Tasting and Membership Drive! Our goal is to sign up 50 new future members!
RSVP: 302-684-2929 Bernie Knowllinger

San Antonio, TX
Wine 101
14743 Old Bandera Road
Helotes, TX 78023, United States
(210) 372-9002
May 8th 7 p.m
$10 plus the cost of the wine you drink
RSVP: 302-684-2929 fahnert @ aol.com

Columbus, OH
Tutto Vino
Wine Cellar & Bistro
7178 Muirfield Drive
Dublin, Ohio 43017
Saturday, May 8
5:00 pm to 8 pm
$30 per person plus the cost of the wine you drink
RSVP: 614/799.9222 molly @ tutto-vino.com

Hong Kong
Tastings Wine Bar
May 8th 18h00
RSVP JC Viens jcviens @ grandepassione.com

London
The Ultimate Wine Company Tasting
contact: paula @ ultimatewines.co.uk

This page will be continuously updated with the latest event information – if you have updated info, please contact Steve De Long steve@winecentury.com

Lisa Donneson, having gained her Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma in 2006, set up Bouké wine to promote the wines of Long Island NY. Yes you have it correct – Long Island (NY) wines, – from internationally known vitis vinifera grape varieties. In French terms Lisa became a négotiant – éleveur (a person who buys grapes, – it could be wines, but not in her  case -, for the purpose of making and selling wines under her own name) With many of the French major red and white vine varieties represented (as they are grown commercially in the area around Long Island), what better name for her company than a play on the French word ‘Bouquet’ for the name of her company.

The wine making expertise comes from Giles Martin (no relation to yours truly) who hails from the Rhône Valley in France and honed his expertise with the likes of Roederer and Delas Frères. Together they select the grapes from the local growers and then produce some excellent quality wines.

Due to the complexity (and I put it mildly) of the US state and national wine laws, most of the wines are sold within New York and New York State, although some representation has been negotiated with merchants outside of this region.

Promotion and advertising of her wines is mainly through hotels, restaurants, and specialist functions – often allied to the fashion industry. Full details of these events can be found on her website (www.boukewines.com).

I only wish that I had the opportunity to attend some of these promotions, especially those that are food related. That is not possible as I live in a small village situated in the Hautes Alpes region of France. Lisa and I go back in time to her study days when I was given the task of marking some of her ‘dummy’ essays from past WSET Diploma papers. It was obvious from the research she made before going into print with her essays that it was only a matter of time before she became fully involved with wine. Her strength of character was also indicative of ‘going it alone’ rather than be involved in some multi-national operation.

It is these ‘boutique’ operations that keep variety, quality, and variation in this wonderful world of wine and for those of us that enjoy, without wine snobbery entering the lists, long may it continue. Personally I try to avoid branded wines, produced at a price point, and launched through every major supermarket group.

Tasting Notes on Bouké wines
There are 4 wines currently in the range – a red, a rosé, a white and a white dessert wine that is fortified. By keeping the individual wine varieties separate, the blender can adjust them to suit not only the style of the wine but also the variations in the growing conditions from year to year. It is here that the true ‘art’ of the wine maker comes into its own.

Bouké – White -  2007 – Carefully selected grapes, well blended produce this excellent wine (What a change from just another Chardonnay). The make up here is Chardonnay (of course) but with substantial contributions from Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and to give a hint of spiciness, 7% Gewurztraminer. Faintly aromatic, crisp and well balanced, make this wine  the perfect aperitif. It will also match with poultry and fish dishes, provided the latter is not too bland.

Bouké Red – 2007 – A blend of the Bordeaux grape varieties with the addition of 15% Syrah. The latter adds depth to the colour and a hint of spiciness and liquorice to the taste. Using the produce of vines around 15 years of age ensures that there is a maturity in the wine from the onset. Full bodied, around 13% by volume alcohol, makes it a perfect marriage with full bodied red meat dishes, and venison. I accompanied it with a mutton, fruit curry with Caribbean vegetables – the recipe based on a traditional goat meat and fruit curry from Barbados (see photo) was accompanied by okra, plantain, sweet potato mash and Basmatti rice.

Bouké Rosé – 2008 – With the huge revival in the popularity of rosé wine, production of such a wine has become a necessity rather than a fad. Bouké rosé combines both accepted methods of producing ‘pink’ wines – purpose made – short term skin contact and the ‘saignée’ (bleeding) method that is so popular in France. (Taking away some of the juice at an early stage allows more colour to develop for the red wines).
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – the major constituents of the Bordeaux blend – , Bouké rosé is salmon pink in colour, with soft summer berry fruits on both nose and in the taste. It is an ideal aperitif, but also pairs well with barbecued fish and chicken, crab or fish cakes and the lighter styles of cheese.

Bouquet Dessert Wine – NV – 17% by vol alc – (37.5cl bottles) – This is a true bit of innovation. Using Gewurztraminer, mellowed with a small percentage of Chardonnay, fortifying the wine to stop the fermentation (Port style) with chardonnay based grape spirit, the result is a delightfully sweet, spicy wine that still retains a crisp acidity (one advantage of the cool temperatures of Long Island).

Ideally, this is a wine to accompany the ‘petits fours’ at the end of the meal, but try it with ‘fois gras’ (if you like it and can get it!)

If you are around the New York area contact Lisa for her list of up and coming events, or ask for your nearest stockist. Failing that, contact Bouké Wines on their website. (www.boukewines.com or email  – lisa@boukewines.com)

Grahame Martin AIWS
October 2009 ©

London, England
Paula Sindberg hosted an incredible tasting of 12 obscure Swiss varieties: Gwass, Resi, Himbertscha, Humagne Blanche, Amigne de Vetroz, Lafnetscha, Petite Arvine, Heida, Eyholzer Roter, Humagne Rouge, Gamaret and Cornalin! Ted Lekas was able to grace us with his presence all the way from Greece.

Miami, Ohio, USA
Charter Member John Keegan hosted a big party that netted 10% of the grapes on the list.

Minneapolis
Kent Benson drinking with Max Riedel. No unusual varieties tasted but Kent convinced the Riedel company to make a dedicated glass for Susumaniello. (word just in: the Susumaniello part is a complete fabrication.)

Thanks again to everyone who participated. If you have a photo from that night that you would like to share, please send it to me at steve@winecentury.com.

159!

Varieties tasted so far (in order of appearance):

1. Viura (synonym: Macabeo)
2. Malvasia (synonym: Malvasia Fina)
3. Grenache Blanc
4. Chambourcin
5. Tinta Roriz (synonym: Tempranillo)
6. Touriga Franca
7. Touriga Nacional
8. Malvasia Istria
9. Refosk (synonyms: Terlano, Teran)
10. Cabernet Sauvignon
11. Merlot 10:40 AM EST
12. Coda di Volpe
13. Regent
14. Negroamaro
15. Primitivo (synonym: Zinfandel)
16. Freisa
17. Feteasca
18. Babich
19. Lasin
20. Plavina
21. Codega
22. Rabigato
23. Donzelinno
24. Viosinho
25. Arinto
26. Falanghina
27. Vermentino di Sardegna
28. Trebbiano
29. Grechetto
30. Montepulciano
31. Cannonau di Sardegna (synonyms: Grenache, Garnacha)
32. Nero d’Avola
33. Sagrantino
34. Incrocio Manzoni
35. Susumaniello
36. Riesling
37. Sauvignon Blanc 2:23 PM EST
38. Grignolino
39. Malbec
40. Norton
41. Syrah
42. Verdelho
43. Chenin Blanc
44. Tinta Cao
45. Tinta Amarella
46. Petit Verdot
47. Petite Sirah
48. Gwass
49. Resi
50. Himbertscha
51. Humagne Blanche
52. Amigne de Vetroz
53. Lafnetscha
54. Petite Arvine
55. Heida
56. Eyholzer Roter
57. Humagne Rouge
58. Gamaret
59. Cornalin
60. Koshu
61. Picpoul (syn: Folle Blanche)
62. Prosecco
63. Tocai Friulano
64. Verdicchia Nera
65. Moscato
66. Nebbiolo
67. Treixadura (syn: Trajadura)
68. Godello
69. Loureira (syn: Loureiro)
70. St. Laurent
71. Cinsault
72. Viognier
73. Negrette
74. Gruener Veltliner
75. Vidal Blanc
76. Assyrtiko
77. Garganega
78. Rousanne
79. Marsanne
80. Pinotage
81. Albarino
82. Pinot Noir 7:56 PM EST
83. Müller-Thurgau
84. Feteasca Regala
85. Dragon Eye (aka Longyan, a native Chinese varietal)
86. White Feather (aka Baiyu, aka Rkatsiteli)
87. Vignoles
88. Muscat Canelli
89. Chardonnay 9:22 PM EST
90. Gamay
91. Mourvedre
92. Cabernet Franc
93. Aglianico
94. Pinot Meunier
95. Carignane (syn: Carignan)
96. Prieto Picudo
97. Vilana
98. Graciano DING DING DING DING!!!!!! Lori puts us over the top at 10:35 PM EST
99. Mazuelo
100. Arinto
101. Moschofilero
102. Harslevelu
103. Kekfrankos (syn: Blaufrankisch)
104. Corvina
105. Covinone
106. Tinta Negra Mole
107. Bukettraube
108. Semillon
109. Muscadelle
110. Grapello
111. Marzemino
112. Barbera
113. Procanico
114. Trincadeira
115. Aragones
116. Souzo
117. Alicante Bouschet
118. Pinot Gris
119. Airen
120. Palomino
121. Pedro Ximenez
122. Mavrodaphne
123. Xynomavro,
124. Agiorgitiko,
125. Carmenere
126. Tannat
127. Pecorino
128. Rondinella
129. Molinara
130. Marselan
131. Auxerrois (the white one and not a synonym for Malbec)
132. Gaglioppo
133. Bosco
134. Albarola
135. Parellada
136. Xarel-lo
137. Lagrein
138. Traminette
139. Edelweiss
140. Vespolina
141. Dornfelder
142. Neuberger
143. Bastardo
144. Mencia
145. Zammarica
146. Verdello Tinta
147. Serodio Tinta
148. Welschriesling
149. Romorantin
150. Obaideh
151. St. Pepin
152. Insolia
153. Teroldego
154. Torrontés
155. Symphony
156. Sangiovese
157. Savagnin
158. Poulsard
159. Trousseau

Deborah and I have kicked off the our 4th Birthday today in London with a 1998 Marques de Murrieta YGAY Rioja Gran Reserva Blanco, a traditionally styled white Rioja. A slightly sherryfied, golden-hued, nutty, complex and delicious wine. It also scored us 3 grape varieties: Viura (synonym: Macabeo) 90%, Malvasia (synonym: Malvasia Fina) 5%, Grenache Blanc 5%.

This evening we’re going to join Paula Sindberg at her giant Swiss wine tasting. We’ll be toasting the anniversary there with Heida (Païen), Cornalin, Resi, Lafnetscha, Gamaret, and Gwäss (obscure Swiss grape varieties!).

Members please mention the wines(s) you’ve tasted today in the comments below. Don’t forget to list the grape varieties in each wine – no matter how small a percentage – so we can update the running total above.

Three years ago, 3 Williamsburg area wine enthusiasts decided to organize the Williamsburg area chapter –Wine Cellar 100 of the Wine Century Club (W.C.C.) This Club’s mission is to encourage members to go well beyond the popular grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, etc to Catarratto, Malvasia, Cseizegi Fuszeres, Rodinella and beyond. In fact Italy, which boasts  3000 years of winemaking and some 2000 grape varieties, provides a fertile country to expand one wine varietals “count”.

The Wine Century Club was founded in New York City by Steve De Long  in early 2005 to encourage all wine drinkers to expand their wine drinking horizon by seeking out unusual grape varieties—“ The W.C.C. is for all adventurous wine lovers. If you have tasted at least 100 grape varieties, you are qualified to become a member by completing a checklist available at www.winecentury.com

In early 2006, the 3 Williamsburg area wine enthusiasts – Heather Dunn, Bill Bean and Paul Luchsinger formed the Wine Cellar 100 chapter at the WINE SELLER in Monticello Marketplace with each new member completing the W.C.C. checklist with 100 or more grape varieties. Since that beginning, the local chapter has gained more than 20 members in the Historic Triangle area while worldwide the W.C.C. has grown to over 500 members. The state of Virginia has 45 members and leads the U.S. in membership by state (yes—even more members than New York or California!). It should be noted that only 3% all applicants who seek an application form submit a completed form with a minimum of 100 grape varieties.

Hence, it was only natural that the Wine Cellar 100 club should choose an Italian restaurant in Williamsburg that could supply a special requested list of wines for the wine tasting dinner. The scene was the new Italian restaurant “Francesco’s” on Richmond Road where 18 members and spouses gathered to taste 9 different wines representing unusual grape varieties from 6 Italian wine regions. Wine Century Club member Dusty Kennedy of Williamsburg discussed the special white wine features of  Vernaccia from Tuscany, a blend of Ansonia/ catarratto from Sicily, and Fiano from Sicily. Among the red wine grapes were Aglianico from Campania, Dolcetto from Piedmont, Nero d’Avola from Sicily, Primitivo from Puglia and finally a special blend of Cannonau and Cabernet Sauvignon from Sardinia. It was a great evening of “wine touring “ and most members added 2-3 new grape varieties to their list.

After the special tiramisu dessert was served by Chef Francesco, it was time for a group photo and a special presentation for wine tasting accomplishment. W.C.C. member Andy Engel of Grafton, Va. was presented with the “DOPPEL MEMBER” recognition for reaching the level of 200 grape varieties tasted (Doppel meaning double in German or 2 times the minimum requirement for becoming a member of the Wine Century Club)

According to Genevelyn:

The concept of the tasting is simple. We will drink unusual grape varietals in hopes of attaining centurion status. As far as status symbols go,the spoils are minimal, mostly bragging rights, and if you didn’t participate in science fair in high school, then here’s another shot at a certificate to hang on your wall. Mostly, it’s an excuse to try something new. Being a Taurus, I need prodding. And, there will be thoughtfully prepared, good food.

If you ever wondered how a tiny state like Delaware can have so many members, it’s all thanks to Bernie Knollinger, the owner of Coastal Wines in Milton Delaware.  He was the first state’s first member and has been motivating grape nuts there for over a year.  Their chapter is called the First State Coastal Cru have 35 members 19 of whom have qualified as Members of the Century Wine Club.

They held a Red, White and Blueberry tasting on July the 4th open to the general public for free at Coastal Wines in Milton Delaware. The wines we tasted included Gruet Demi-sec from New Mexico, the Horton Vidal Blanc from Virginia, the Biltmore Chardonnay sur lees from North Carolina, Ballet of Angels from Connecticut, a Sweet Spiced Mountain Wine from West Whitehill in west Virginia and finally from our local winery Nassau Vineyards here in Delaware True Blue Blueberry Wine.  Over 100 visitors attended and all had a good time.

Cheers to the First State Coastal Cru!

The Wine Century Club celebrated its 3^nd birthday on April 14^th 2008 in New York City. The room was packed once again with some of the brightest minds, sharpest wits and most delicate palates in the wine world today. As could be imagined, the accompanying wines were outstanding. . .

Two incredible old oddities came from Tom Reagan: a Royal Oporto 1896(!) Vintage Port and a Wisdom & Warter NV (bought in 1945) Golden Cream Sherry. They truly fit the theme Unusual, Delicious and Slow!

Another favorite of the crowd was the 2006 Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli. Both Kathleen Lisson and Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg brought bottles of this truly remarkable New York State wine.

Sadly, one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the club couldn’t make it; Thom Perry passed away 2 months ago. He was responsible for many people joining the club, especially Thom’s fiancée Kathy Wertalik and friend Tom Reagan who both attended the party. We all raised a glass for Thom in his memory and honor.

Once again, the amazing Jeff Grossman brought his inimitable brand of contagious enthusiasm and charm all the while taking copious notes:

Impressions from the Century Club (third anniversary gathering) party:

1. Ewald Gruber NV? “Punkt Genau” - sparkling brut gruner veltliner from Austria’s Weinviertel; pleasant and crisp …Good (Gruner Veltliner)

2. Bonny Doon 2007 Albarino “Ca del Solo” – lemony, texture is a bit watery but there is a persistent finish …Good (Albarino)

3. Amesguren 2007 Getariarko Txakolina “Rubentis” – good zing but over a too-sweet candied flavor …Good (Hondarribi Zuri (white), Hondarribi Beltza (red)

4. JSC Corp year? Georgia White Dry Wine “Tsinandali” – Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, moldy and bitter …Poor (ed: probably corked) (rkatsiteli and mtsvane)

5. S. Dona 2006 Gelber Muskateller – floral nose, of course; clean and crisp with a long finish …Good+ (Muscat Blanc)

6. Vino Graben 2004 Rumeni Plavec, Bizeljsko-Sremic region – the grape name means ‘yellow blue’; a tired white wine …Fair (Rumeni Plavec)

7. Joan d’Anguera 2002 Montsant “El Bugader” – decanted 2 hrs ahead; pretty nose, creamy in the mouth with fine tannins and a good finish; a little too much wood for my tastes …Good (Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon)

8. Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Rkatsiteli - “Giggle Juice!”; crisp, bright, grapefruity, zingy …Excellent (Rkatsiteli)

9. Clos du Gravillas 2004 Minervois blanc “L’Inattendu” – complex honeyed nose, a little closed otherwise …Good+ (Grenache Gris)

10. Wisdom & Warter NV Golden Cream Sherry – According to Tom, this was purchased in 1945 and held safely from then till now; The paper strip for the store lists the phone number as “Templeton 8-7500″ ! The wine is cloudy and brown; it is caramelly and sweet but not cloying; the acidity is quite soft; pleasurable …Excellent (Palamino)

11. Terredora Dipalo 2006 Falanghina Irpinia – a bit leafy, a little low in acid …Good (Falanghina)

12. Dr. Parce 1993 Collioure “Les Junquets” - probably a mourvedre blend; earthy, metallic (which I sometimes get from brett), something like an old Burgundy …Good+ (90% Syrah, 5% Roussanne, 5% Marsanne)

13. Dom. l’Aigueliere 1995 Montpeyroux – barnyardy, flavors of deepest mulberry and black raspberry; the finest furry tannins; nice secondary development …Excellent (Carignan, Syrah, Grenache)

14. Burlotto 2005 Pelaverga – zippy, lightweight, strawberry candy, wow …Excellent (Pelaverga)

15. Cascina Tavijn 2006 Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato – dark, vigorous, muted nose of fig and black raspberry, kinda closed tonight …Good (Ruche)

16. Plouzeau 2005 Gamay “Sans Tra La La” – clove, face-powder (ed: ?), fruity …Good (Gamay)

17. Royal Oporto 1896 Light Tawny Rich – After a protracted fight with the cork, Tom and I finally just push it in and use a screen when we pour. Another brown and cloudy wine, but it’s alive!: still fruity, brown sugar (but not caramel), chocolate and cocoa, just OMG wine …Excellent, Excellent, Excellent (most likely Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz (syn: Tempranillo), Tinta Barroca, Tintã Cão, plus some others)

18. Black Rock 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon – varietally correct, nicely made …Good+ (Cabernet Sauvignon)

19. Black Rock 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon – less rich than its sibling, the wood is sticking out …Good (Cabernet Sauvignon)

20. De Silva 2006 Alto Adige Lago di Caldaro Scelto “Peterleiten” – lightweight and suave, a bit green? …Good (Schiava)

21. Yoakim Bridge NV Courrier Red – a blend of 04 cab, 04 merlot, 05 zin, and 05 petit sirah; interesting effort; would love to try this again in 5 years …Good (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Zinfandel)

22. Marco Carpineto 2004 Lazio Rosso “Dithyrambus” – montepulciano and nero buono, bland …Fair (Montepulciano and Nero Buono)

23. Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2004 Etna Rosso “Calderara Sottana” – good acidity, shapely, bright cranberry flavors …Good+ (Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio)

24. Sabon 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Prestige” – this seems very soft, is something wrong? …? (Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Terret,
Counoise, Vaccarese and Muscardin)

25. Dom. Monte de Luz 2006 Tannat “Carquera” – buttery and smooth but fruitless …Fair (Tannat)

26. Dom. Martinho (Q. do Carmo) 2002 Alentejo – bland …Fair (Aragonez (syn:Tempranillo), Alicante, Castelão, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah)

27. Grgich Hills 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon – varietally correct, not as woody as I feared it would be …Good (Cabernet Sauvignon)

28. Santomas 2005 Big Red Reserve – from Slovenia, really really dark refosco, big black fruit, I like it …Good (Refosco)

29. Chignin 2006 Vin de Savoie “Anne de la Biguerne” - varietal jacquerre; it’s whispering in a room full of shouting wines …Fair (Jacquerre)

30. Stadlmann 2006 Zierfandler – another indifferent white …Fair (Zierfandler)

If you tasted all 30 wines, you would have had 44 different grape varieties!

As Jeff said, it was a room full of shouting wines so it was difficult for the more subtle ones to shine. Bear this in mind just in case you think your wine got a poor rating. Personally, my Dithyrambus got robbed!!!

In the fiercely contested blind tasting competition, Angela Romano edged out Rodolphe Boulanger for top honors. She took home an official Wine Century Club shiny spittoon.

The blind tasting wines and delicious Gruner Veltliner bubbly were all supplied by LeNell’s – thank you for the excellent wines and for gracing us with your company, Lenell!