Pam J. Bernd

What a better way to ring in the New Year then with a bottle of sparkling wine. The hard question is what kind to choose. Sparkling wine can be a little confusing so here is a little breakdown.
The most popular is Champagne. A little thing to remember is Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagnes. Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France. One of the coldest and most northerly wine growing regions make it suitable for sparkling wine. Only three grape varietals can be used to create this bubbly; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Since the region is cold, these varietals produce high level of acidity, which is great for producing Champagne.

Production of champagne is done in the methode champenoise process. This process is done by creating a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation. Champagne houses can produce a number of styles of champagnes:
• Non Vintage (NV) Champagne accounts for more them three-fourths of production. NV represents the blending of wine from various vintages.
• Vintage Champagne can only be produced in the best years. The wine used for vintage Champagne must be from the year indicated on the label. These cannot be released until the January three years from harvest.
• Blanc de Blanc is produced from white grapes only. Chardonnay is the only white grape allowed in Champagne.
• Blanc de Noir (white from black) is produced from using a black grape to create white Champagne. Usually, Pinot Noir is used.
• Rose is blended by allowing the red grape varieties (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) skin to be in contact with the grape juice to extract some color from the skins.

Different levels of sweetness can occur in Champagne. Brut Nature has no sugar added. This will be the driest of Champagne. Extra Brut has less then 6 grams of sugar. Brut has less then 15 grams of sugar. Brut is the most popular. Extra Dry is an off dry style having 12 – 20 grams of sugar. Sec is a slightly sweeter with 17 – 35 grams of sugar. Demi-Sec means semi-dry but in reality is sweet with 35 – 50 grams of sugar. Doux is very sweet with more then 50 grams of sugar. The sweetness levels are determined by the amount of dosage that is added to the wine. Dosage is a wine- sugar mix. To get a real understanding of how the sweetness relates, Minute Maid Original Orange Juice has 24 grams of sugar. Minute Maid

Here are my recommendations for a few Champagnes:
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve NV – Pleasant aromas of almonds and pears bring together a fresh and balanced finished. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve Average price is $36.00.
Pommery Maxi Pink POP NV – For the ladies … A beautiful rose color that ties in aromas of strawberry with a fresh fruity red berry finish. Pommery Maxi Pink Average price is $40.00.
Krug 1998 – For a special bottle, search out Krug 1998. Aromas of flowers and toast with a creamy texture deliver harmonious bubbles to your mouth. Krung 1998This may set you back an average of $260.00 but is well worth it in my book.

Let us move to another region of the world, Italy. Here we can find two different styles of sparkling wine. Italy is known for its sweet Asti Spumante. Produced in the Asti region of Piedmont, Moscato is the grape. Many times, we see the word Asti Spumate, which Spumante actually means, “foaming”. Asti’s tend to be fruity, light and sweet. This can often consumed with desserts. A well know Asti is M & R Asti M&R Asti. Average price is $11.00.

Another famous sparkling in Italy is Prosecco produced in Veneto. Prosecco are produced from an ancient grape variety Prosecco. Most tend to be refreshing, light, affordable and fun to drink. Check out Bisol Crede Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 2007 Bisol Crede Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Persistent bubbles bring out a scent of fresh fruits followed with a combination of pears and apples. This ends with an elegant creamy mouth feel. This is a little higher in price for a Prosecco, but well worth it. (Average Price $24.00.)

A not well know country for producing sparkling wine is Spain. The northeastern region of Penedes is where Cava is mainly produced. Cava is produced in the same way as Champagne. Three classical varietals are used to produce cava; Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Marques de Gelida Cava Brut Exclusive Reserva 2006 is one of my favorites, not just because it comes in a stand out orange bottle Marques de Gelida Cava Brut. This is a terrific value for a sparkling wine averaging around $14.00. This Cava is light with hints of lemon and roasted almonds finishing with some toasty bubbles.

California can produce some fine sparkling wines that should not be looked over. These tend to be high quality and often value priced. Most of these sparklers use the same grape varieties as in Champagne, France. Carneros and Anderson Valley in Mendocino County have a cool growing climate, which is perfect for the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Domaine Chandon Brut NV produces a lively sparkling with aromas of apple blossoms, which lead to creamy flavors of pear and fresh baked bread Chandon Brut. The price for this averages around $20.00.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year. Please remember to toast in the New Year with a great bottle of sparkling wine while drinking safety.

As ProLong Magazine’s official Wine Expert, Pam J. Bernd is excited to share her knowledge and advice with readers and show that even the most hardcore beer drinker can become a fan of wine. Pam started her college years wanting to work in the field of Information and Technology. Bachelor’s degree in hand she started selling wine. After learning about the different regions that make up the wine world, she started teaching a beginners class. Now she purchases wine for a retail organization. Having moved from her home town, she always enjoy going home and hanging with friends.

Essential Bottles For Thanksgiving

By Pam J. Bernd

I awake to loud noises…pots and pans, shutting of the oven.  I walk out into the living room; the windows are covered with steam.  The smell of Thanksgiving lingers.  This is always my first memory of Thanksgiving Day.  This same scene repeats itself every year.  I am usually not happy about the loud noises, but I give thanks that I have this…and wine.

I have become the person everyone looks forward to seeing during the Holidays.  My only problem is half the family likes dry wine and the other half enjoys sweet.  I have this dilemma every year.  I used to serve them “pop” wines, but little by little I’ve tried to wean them away.  If you have the same quagmire, here are my suggestions for Thanksgiving.

Click on the Wines for More Information.

Sweet Wines

Selbach-Oster Riesling Spatlese Bernkasteler Badstube 2007brings a touch of sweetness to the table ($30 average).  Ripe Riesling flavors flow through this creamy structured wine, with hints of baking spices. Sokol Blosser Evolution brings together 9 different grape varietals to complete this slightly dry and aromatic wine full of nectarine, mango and melon flavors ($15 at the winery).  Evolution is a little drier then the “pop” wines, but a nice transition.

A red that is a nice pairing for turkey is a Beaujolais Nouveau.  Nouveau is the first wine of the year in Beaujolais.  Beaujolais lies in the Southern Burgundy region of France.  The only varietal allowed is Gamay.  Nouveau day is always the 3^rd Thursday of November.  By law, Nouveau cannot be sold until this day.  This day is hugely publicized and marketed all over the world with the traditional phrase, “Le Beaujolais est arrive!” (“The new Beaujolais has arrived!”).  The wine is about 6-8 weeks old.  Grapes are hand harvested and produced using carbonic maceration.  Carbonic maceration is the process of taking whole berry clusters and letting the grapes ferment before the grapes are crushed.  This creates a fresh and fruity wine with low tannins.  Most are very easy to drink and can be chilled.

My recommendations would be the most famous Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 ($10 average).  This should be available at every retailer.  A lesser known producer would be Domaine Chatelus de la Roche Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 ($11 average).  Check your local wine retailer to see if they are hosting a Nouveau tasting.

Dry Wines

Now that we’ve covered some sweeter style wines, it’s time to talk drier.  For whites, I suggest something from Northern Rhone.  The region is mainly known for its 100% Syrah reds, but produces some amazing whites.  Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are the three varietals that can be used in this region.  Guigal St. Joseph White 2007 is a perfect choice ($30 average).  Luscious peach and melon notes bring together this blend of 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne.  Oak aging brings some hazelnut and creaminess to the wine.  This would pair wonderfully with an apple and walnut stuffing.

Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from Oregon are nice addition to the Holiday table setting.  Pinot Gris is a mutant clone of Pinot Noir and referred to as Pinot Grigio in Italy.  Pinot Gris from Oregon can produce a delicate floral and light wine to a rich and full-bodied wine. King Estate Pinot Gris Signature 2007 brings pear and apple aromas with a lively citrus finish ($17 average).  My go to Pinot Noir from Oregon is Montinore Estate Pinot Noir.  The 2007 has sweet aromas of raspberry with ripe cherry and vanilla, hints of cinnamon that is rounded out by soft tannins ($18 average).

We tend to think of Rose as sweet wines, like White Zinfandel.  These days most Rose are produced in a dry method with can be great with Turkey for any wine drinker.  Roses are made by taking red grapes and leaving the skins in contact with the juice to produce a light pink colored wine.  Turkey Flat Rose 2008 is more on the dry French style rose.  Fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas rise from the wine with a clean, medium body finish ($15 average).

Don’t Argue With Your Taste Buds

Please remember that wine is fun.  These are just some suggestions that would be great with Thanksgiving dinner.  Regardless of the suggested pairings, the best match is what tastes good to you.  Drink what you like.

As ProLong Magazine’s official Wine Expert, Pam J. Bernd is excited to share her knowledge and advice with readers and show that even the most hardcore beer drinker can become a fan of wine. Pam started her college years wanting to work in the field of Information and Technology.  Bachelor’s degree in hand she started selling wine.  After learning about the different regions that make up the wine world, she started teaching a beginners class.  Now she purchases wine for a retail organization.  Having moved from her home town, she always enjoy going home and hanging with friends.

By Ryan Matty

There are beers for all seasons, beers for all occasions.  Nothing beats sharing good times and good beers with great friends.

After visiting dozens of breweries and brew-fests, and bellying up to countless bars, I’ve drank plenty of noteworthy brews. Below is a list of ten that you have to try.

I’m not going to lie, as a Pennsylvania resident, I have a slight bias to my local PA breweries.

But hey, I’m not saying these ten beers are the best in the world, I’m just saying that they are some of my favorites and for good reason: they are incredible.

What are you waiting for? Read the list, call your friends, and get down to the pub.

Ten Great Beers You Must Experience Now:

1. Dogfish Head 90/120 minute IPA. No other IPA has the superb balance of a malty and sweet backbone with the perfect hop kick. Both of these beers are delicious, but sip them carefully as they are tremendously high in alcohol. Milton DE’s Dogfish Head Craft Brewery produces unique and tasty brews, so the “off-centered” brewery’s products are worth checking out.
2. Southern Tier Pumpking Imperial Ale. Southern Tier has been making some great beer since its inception in 2004. This pumpkin ale from the Lakewood, NY brewery, at 7.9% ABV, should be sipped in a goblet in order to appreciate its full quintessential fall flavors. With subtle hints of toasted pumpkin and spices, the beer is smooth in the mouth and has a wonderful hop presence to crisp up the finish.
3. New Belgium Fat Tire. Based out of Fort Collins, CO, this beer is the uber-sustainable brewery’s flagship offering. With a biscuit-like malty body, the beer is impeccably balanced with the perfect amount of hops. If you are a fan of amber ales, this is one of the best examples of the style along with Newport Storm Hurricane or Long Trail Ale.
4. Brooklyn Brown Ale. The name says it all. Brooklyn, NY’s Brooklyn Brown Ale is a tasty American brown ale style. With caramel and nutty flavors, this beer is certainly worthy of a taste. Also, Brooklyn’s brewmaster, Garret Oliver, holds celebrity status in the craft beer industry, as does Dogfish Head’s Sam Caligone.
5. Victory MoonGlow Weizenbock. This heavily carbonated dark and strong wheat beer pairs perfectly with some good cheese. Downingtown, PA’s finest, Victory, is most famous for its Hop Devil IPA, but Moonglow is a “fly under the radar” offering. If you like wheat beer, this one is worth a try, but be prepared as it most certainly has some intense flavors of banana and clove. A word of caution though: pour slowly if pouring from the bottle since it is heavily carbonated.
6. Lancaster Brewing Company Milk Stout. Simply put, this beer is dessert in a glass. Lancaster, PA, well known for its heavy Amish population, should also be known for Lancaster Brewing Company. This milk stout, a quintessential example of the style, is sweet and not hoppy at all. The beer is incredibly smooth and one should drink this beer after it has been sitting at room temperature for about 20 minutes to really appreciate its flavor. Looking for a twist? Try mixing this beer with Lancaster’s Strawberry Wheat for an interesting blend of tastes.
7. Sly Fox Rauchbier. Good luck finding this, but this gold-medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival is like drinking a campfire. I know that sounds harsh, but it is a compliment. The smoky overtones dominate the taste of this ale. The whole experience of drinking Rauchbier reminds me of sitting at a campsite with friends and a roaring fire blazing in the background. Phoenixville and Royersford, PA’s gem of a brewery is Sly Fox. The brewery has always been my go-to staple for a refreshing brew and a quick bite to eat.
8. Belfast Bay Lobster Ale. Every sip of Belfast Bay’s Lobster Ale reaffirms my love of New England. The giant lobster claw tap handle sparked my interest right away. After finishing my pint, I wanted another, but I had to leave for an event, but the beer is definitely quaffable. It has a slight hop bite at the end, but the beautiful red-brown color and smooth mouthfeel make for an incredible drinking experience.
9. Samuel Adams Summer Ale/Octoberfest. Now I am torn here. I want to make these separate entries, but I have to leave room for one more amazing beer. These are two styles that epitomize the seasons. A hot summer day is to a cold Sam Summer Ale as a crisp fall afternoon is to a cold Sam Octoberfest. Boston’s Samuel Adams generally makes top notch beers, some of them pretty extreme, but these are 2 of my favorite seasonals of all time from any brewery.
10. Chimay- Red Label. What beer list is complete without a Belgian beer? Chimay is a wonderful example of what Belgian beer is. Brewed by monks in the Trappist style, flavors of clove and banana dominate the balanced and refreshing brew. Drink this from a goblet to experience everything it offers.

I am always excited to try new and different beers. What do you recommend? Comment below.

Always a science person, Ryan Matty works as an Analytical chemist at a major Biotechnology Company. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Environmental Science and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Environmental Science. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys golfing, lifting weights, hiking, flag football, company softball, watching Steelers football, camping, and jogging. He tries to be green so he practices what he preaches. He drives a VW Golf TDI and eats a healthy, organic diet. In addition, Ryan loves good beer and what the craft brewing industry has done in the last 25 years. His favorite season is Autumn.

Read Ryan’s article, “Ten Reasons Why Pumpkins Make Autumn Great“.