DAN'S PAPERS, April 30, 2010 Page 54 www.danshamptons.com
Over The Barrel... with Lenn Thompson
Photo by Lenn Thompson
I spent last weekend in Northern Virginia wine country attending — and speaking at — the Drink Local Wine 2010 conference presented by the Virginia Wine Board and organized by the folks behind DrinkLocalWine.com. It was a whirlwind of traffic (I drove down), wine, writers and ideas. I don’t have enough space in this column to share all of my thoughts, but I’ll hit the high notes for you. Before the conference even started, a few writers and bloggers got together, bringing a variety of regional wines to share and enjoy together. We tasted wines from Hawaii, Maryland, Utah, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, Virginia and, of course, New York. As the provider of the New York bottles, I’m proud to report that the Lenz 2001 Merlot was deemed the red of the night by the group, which Channing Daughters Winery’s 2008 Ramato blowing the minds of many, and Billsboro Winery 2008
Drink Local Wine Riesling (from the Finger Lakes)and Roanoke Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc also turning heads. The highlight for me was a Windham Winery 2004 Cabernet Franc, which showed loads of varietal character — surprisingly rare in VA cab franc it seems — and great balance. I visited three wineries and tasted wines from another dozen or so wineries and would generally describe the style of Virginia wines — especially the reds — as somewhere between Long Island and the west coast. A longer, warmer growing season brings added ripeness to the wines, but not to California levels. And only moderate temperature changes between day and night means that many Virginia wines lack the natural acidity that New York wines provide. The standout wines of the weekend were: Breaux Vineyards 2002 Merlot Reserve, Michael Shaps 2007 Meritage, Michael Shaps 2008
Viognier, Veritas 2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc and Veritas 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. It’s interesting to taste with and talk to those in the wine industry in Virginia, particularly because it seems as though they are still trying to hone in on what grapes they think they can excel with, both locally and in the larger wine market. But one thing is clear — few are trying to push grapes that are already done extensively in the U.S. like Long Island’s signature red, merlot. Instead, the future of white wines is focused more on Viognier, Albarino and the little-known Petit Manseng rather than chardonnay or riesling. On the red side, it seems as though Norton (a native grape) and especially Petit Verdot are the up-and-comers, with cabernet franc right there too. To a person, everyone I talked to said that cabernet sauvignon shouldn’t be grown in Virginia because of the high humidity. They don’t have the cool ocean breezes we have here. Regardless of grape choices or anything else, the future of Virginia wine is bright. Those in the industry are intensely passionate and seem to be doing things the right way — except for those buying bulk juice from California and trying to pass it off as “local wine.” I have no time or respect for that, anywhere.
North Fork Events
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FRIDAY, APRIL 30 CANCER BENEFIT - Winery event to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Clovis Point Winery, Jamesport. 631-886-1357. SOUTHOLD MOTHERS CLUB - Kites and Bubbles at Veterans Memorial Park, Mattituck, noon. Bring kites, pails, shovels and lunch. ROCK AND ROLL CAMP - Rock and Roll Boot Camp with The Contractors Band, 7-9 p.m. for ages 12-18 in Southold High School Auditorium. Jam with professional
musicians, learn tips on vocal performance and learn how to compose a set list. Musical experience not required. 631298-7642. SATURDAY, MAY 1 HORSE RESCUE - North Shore Horse Rescue barn sale and open house, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Baiting Hollow. Rain date Sunday, May 2. Music, pony rides and bargains. Proceeds benefit rescue program. 631-334-8258. SPA SCIENCE AT THE LONG ISLAND SCIENCE CENTER - 3-5 p.m. at Long Island Science Center, Riverhead. For Mom, Dad, caregiver and kids. Create your own soap, bath fizz and lip balm. Complimentary snacks and punch. Parent-child package $22; additional sibling/friend $18. Register: 631-208-8000. ELIH AUXILIARY PLANT SALE - 9-11 a.m. at The Opportunity Shop, Greenport or Latham’s Farm Stand, East Marion. Hearty flowering annuals, flats of geraniums or regular impatiens, hanging baskets and more. 631-4772047. ALIENS DISCUSSION - Are We Alone in the Universe? 8 p.m. at Custer Institute and Observatory, Southold. Discussion with Dr. Urszula Golebiewska. Suggested donation $13; members $10; full-time students $5. Refreshments and observing (weather permitting) follow. 631-765-2626. SUNDAY, MAY 2 THE NORTH FORK ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OPEN HOUSE- Noon-3 p.m. at North Fork Animal Welfare League’s new shelter facility, Peconic, in celebration of Be Kind to Animals Week. Shelter tours, light refreshments. All welcome. Donations of peanut butter, canned cat food, blankets, liquid laundry soap, sheets, dishwasher soap, towels, dog biscuits and more appreciated. LIVE MUSIC - The No Doubt World Famous Monday Night Band, 2 p.m. in the Howard Hovey Auditorium at Pulaski Street School, Riverhead. 2010 Scholarship Winners Concert features Louis Lafata on clarinet, Angelina Modica on flute, Sara Rice on bassoon, performing works by Henry Fillmore, Percy Grainger, Flank Loesser, John Philip Sousa and more. Musical director John Eyre. Free. Donations gratefully accepted. 631-727-6538.
ONGOING EVENTS SOUP KITCHEN - Community supper, free soup kitchen for those in need, 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church parish hall, located on Sixth Street in Greenport. For more info., call 631-765-2981. WEIGHT LOSS - The second Tuesday of every month, Dr. Russ L’HommeDieu, a physical therapist, holds a free weight management lecture and discussion session for people battling weight loss problems. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Russ, who has himself upheld a 200-pound weight loss. Space is limited. For more info., contact New Life in Progress at 888-446-7764. HEALTHY COOKING MADE QUICK & EASY - The second Friday of every month, a Quick and Easy Healthy Cooking demonstration is being offered. The demo will be performed by Dr. Russ L’HommeDieu, DPT; a certified Wellness Coach who has himself maintained a 200-pound weight loss for the last four years. This would be a great place to gain insight on how to cook and eat healthier. Dr. Russ will be offering some GREAT ideas on how to cook healthy food for the whole week when you’re pressed for time. He will also be discussing the health benefits of including whole grains in your diet. If you eat, you don’t want to miss this! Space is limited. Reservations are required. There is a small materials fee. Call 888-446-7764 right away to reserve your spot! REIKI CIRCLES - Reiki Circles Monday Nights at the Grace Episcopal Church on the last Monday of every month. Meetings are held at the Peconic Bay Medical Center. For more info., contact Ellen J. McCabe at (631) 727-2072. SKATEBOARDING - Great skate park in Greenport offering ramps and a half pipe. For hours and other info., call 631-477-2385. INDIAN MUSEUM - In Southold, open 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. For more info., call 631-765-5577. CUSTER OBSERVATORY - Weather permitting, Custer staff will be on site to assist visitors in observing the night sky and in using their telescopes. Open from sunset until midnight in Southold. For more info., call 631-765-2626. MEDITATION - Buddhist meditations, 7 p.m. on Monday evenings at the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street in Southold. For more info., call 631-949-1377.