Clearance Sale at the State Store!

While perusing yesterday's newspaper over a cup of coffee (did I mention I love my job?), I noticed a brief blurb mentioning a sale on wine at PA Wine & Spirits Shoppes. That's right - a wine sale!!! In an attempt to clear out past Chairman's Selection wines to make room for the new, the state store slashed prices, some up to 80 percent off! Of course it was first on my to-do list after work.

Arriving at 5:30, I was surprised to find the parking lot empty and had the store mostly to myself. However, within 15 minutes, the crowds rushed in, snatching up $9.99 bottles of Sesbastiani Meritage Secolo 2005 and many more. I managed to fill my cart with quite a few bottles for under $15 each, many scoring 90 points or more from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.

I can't wait to begin trying these wines! For more information and a list of sale wines (if you can still find any on the shelves!), visit www.lcb.state.pa.us and click on the "Chairman's Selection Sale" button.

Day in the Vineyard

In my professional life, I am lucky enough to have the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail as a client (shameless plug - sorry!). The nine family-owned wineries produce some great wines, most of which are under $15. A few weeks ago I attended Day in the Vineyard, a cooperative event between three of the wineries: Clover Hill, Vynecrest and Pinnacle Ridge. Each winery conducted a tasting/food pairing with three of their favorite wines at Clover Hill, followed by lunch at Vynecrest and dessert at Pinnacle Ridge. It was a great day and I was able to sample some fantastic local wines.

I'd have to say my favorite of the day (and it was hard to choose!) was Clover Hill's 2006 Oak Vidal Blanc. Aged for nine months in American Oak barrels, this wine has a wide variety of flavors including toast and spice from the oak mixed with lemon and caramel. This acidic wine pairs well with seafood, chicken and pasta with cream sauces.

Listed at $12.99, Oak Vidal Blanc is available at most PA Wine & Spirits shoppes, all Clover Hill locations and online at www.cloverhillwinery.com.

Song to sip to: I Can't Get No Satisfaction, Cat Power

Red Truck Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

We'll start off with a better-known wine that I think is great with pizza and pasta: Red Truck Cab, available for $10.99. Based in Sonoma, Red Truck has been getting a lot of attention lately, especially with its really cute mini-barrels of California Red wine. I have yet to try the California Red, but the Cabernet Sauvignon has bright fruity notes and an easy finish, pairing well with thin crust pizzas, my friend Megan's delicious red pesto pasta and similar foods. (I'll work on getting her recipe.)

According to Red Truck's vineyard notes, "the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two select vineyards on the central coast, the Sweetwater Vineyard in Monterey and the Firehouse Vineyard in Paso Robles, both have well drained soils and plenty of heat to ripen grapes beautifully. The long 'hang time' creates the luscious richness balanced with the smooth finish."

Pick up a bottle at your local wine & spirits shop or order directly online from redtruckwine.com. On another note, Red Truck offers organic wines, something I will definitely have to try in the future. Bottoms up!

Music to drink to: Peel me a Grape, Diana Krall

*Photo copyright: Red Truck Wine.