This autumn, Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike,610-388-6221) will introduce their first ever Craft Cuveé Series, ultra-boutique small “scratch” lots designed to allow the Chaddsford winemaking team to experiment and their fans to test and try-out some new and exciting wines. The 2009 Craft Cuvees include: Dry Rosé of Syrah; Washington State (Yakima Valley) Riesling; Barrel Select Chardonnay; Micro-Release Cabernet Franc; and Jansen Estate Vineyard Chambourcin.
“Our new Craft Cuvee Series is an opportunity for me to exercise my creativity, producing wines that are unusual and special in extra small batches (of around 200 cases) that I could not experiment with on our typical lots of 2000-5000 gallons,” says winemaker Eric Miller. “I am also committed to offering them at an affordable price.” Miller says he looks forward to sharing these treats with old and new friends – and to creating many more of them in future.
Chaddsford’s Craft Cuvee wines are all produced in hyper-small lots, and are priced at less than $20 per bottle. The Rosé (200 cases), a single vineyard, single vintage cuveé using all of the ’09 syrah from the winery’s own Miller Estate Vineyard, is super concentrated with driving acidity, “undoubtedly the best rosé we have ever made,” says Miller. The Riesling (254 cases), Chaddsford’s first wine from Washington state, is a true high-elevation Pacific Coast Riesling, loaded with fruit and bright acidity. The Barrel Select Chardonnay (249 cases) is oak aged, a style they have not produced since introducing their “Naked” Chardonnay six years ago, and boasts great acidity and fruit balanced by lots of fresh oak. The Cabernet Franc (118 cases), a single varietal wine that the winery has not bottled since 1988, is a medium-bodied red that Miller has hinted he may temper with a small amount of Merlot. The Chambourcin (236 cases) has pretty fruit, spice and wonderful vibrancy; Miller calls it “the perfect little red.”
These Craft Cuveés will make their formal debut at Chaddsford Winery beginning in October with the release of the 2009 Barrel Select Chardonnay, which will be offered in one of the winery’s special Wine Flights every Saturday and Sunday. Wine Flights, guided by their team of Wine Educators, are offered from 12 noon until 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday; reservations are not required, and guests are encouraged to bring a friend and try more than one flight, essentially creating their own tasting. The Barrel Select Chardonnay will be debuted in “The Portfolio Collection Flight” that includes four other (red) limited-edition specialty wines (for $20). In addition, winery visitors can try a Dry White Flight ($10 for four wines), a Dry Red Flight ($10 for four wines), or a Sweet Flight ($10 for four wines).
Special Release Event with Victory Brewing Company
On Tuesday, October 26, the winery will partner with local brewing powerhouse Victory Brewing Company for a special joint tasting event to introduce the Craft Cuveés. Winemaker Eric Miller and his cellarmaster Jim Osborn will join forces with Victory president and brewmaster Bill Covaleski to host a side-by-side tasting of some of their finest beers and the new Craft Cuvees at Victory’s Brew Pub in Downingtown. One highlight will be showcasing Chaddsford’s Yakima Valley Riesling alongside Victory’s popular Yakima Twilight, a malty black IPA that showcases domestic hops. Guests will receive a limited edition co-branded Chaddsford and Victory wine glass, and will be treated to four wine, beer and food pairing stations throughout the Brew Pub; limited tickets are available, so please visit www.victorybeer.com/events for price and reservation information.
Chaddsford Winery is Pennsylvania’s premiere winery. Winemaker Eric Miller was honored by the American Wine Society with their 2009 Award of Merit, a designation that is granted to just one wine professional annually. Chaddsford was awarded eight medals at the 2009 Pennsylvania Wine Association’s Pennsylvania Wine Competition, and their 2007 Chambourcin was named the overall winner at the Pennsylvania Wine Society’s 2009 Wine Excellence Awards. They have earned multiple “Best of Philly” nods from Philadelphia magazine, and in 2008, Wine Enthusiast named Chaddsford Winery one of “America’s Top 25 Tasting Rooms”; to be considered for this honor, “wine quality was paramount,” but “decor, staff savvy, amenities and more ephemeral characteristics, such as overall quirkiness or warmth” were considered as well.
Chaddsford wines are available directly from the winery in Chadds Ford or at their Bucks County Tasting Room in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska. Many wines may also be ordered online at www.chaddsford.com; Craft Cuvees will only be available at the winery and tasting room. Please visit their Web site or call (610) 388-6221 for more information on wines, events, upcoming festivals and tastings.
Victory Brewing Company Event Details:
Downingtown, Pennsylvania 19335 Get Directions
The Yakima Valley of Washington State provides many of the hops that brighten our ales here at Victory, like Yakima Glory. But the valley also yields quality grapes, some of which went into the new Craft Cuvee release from our friends at Chaddsford Winery. Join us as we welcome the winemakers and four of their wines including the Chaddsford 2009 Yakima Vally Riesling. Our Chefs will prepare a four course sampling menu paired with four of our beers and the wines.
Cuvee Series Release Menu
Pairing Stations
Mixed winter nut and cilantro encrusted sweet crème brie
Chaddsford 2009 Barrel Select Chardonnay and Victory Zeltbier
Smoked duck canapé with caramelized onion marmalade
Chaddsford 2009 Jansen Estate Vineyard Chambourcin and
Victory Scarlet Sunset
Yakima glory braised short rib with ginger accents
Chaddsford 2005 Merican (Cabernet Blend) and Victory Yakima Glory
Birchrun Hills Farm’s Fat Cat profiteroles with cranberry vanilla chutney
Chaddsford 2009 Yakima Valley Riesling and Victory Harvest Ale
