The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, notoriously abbreviated PLCB, has long been the butt of many jokes, endlessly moaned and complained about, and derided by any number of wine connoisseurs, including myself. However, over recent decades, they have loosened up a bit, if glacially, and many stores offer free wine tastings on Fridays and/or Saturdays. In fact, I regularly attend those at the 11th and Chestnut Streets for (always) interesting and sometimes surprising selections, curated by Max and James, whom I trust as very knowledgeable and helpful wine geeks, if I may use that term graciously.
For many years, the PLCB has offered specially discounted wines under the rubric of Chairman's Selections. I have often availed myself of these (usually) exceptional deals, the only caveat being that they are for the most part "once and done", meaning once the supply is exhausted, you may not see it again. Nevertheless, they are always worth seeking out.
Which leads me to the theme for a recent wine dinner among a small group of friends where I featured a tasting of five Chairman's Selections, two white and three red, all of which were enthusiastically imbibed by the dinner guests. (Once again I regret that I neglected to take pictures of the delicious food laid out by our gracious hosts, for which I will no doubt be reprimanded!)
In any event, I highly recommend seeking out any of these featured wines for a delightful accompaniment to your next meal. Salud!
(P.S. I purchased all of them at the Ardmore location, but most should be available at specialty Wine and Spirits stores throughout Pennsylvania.)
Monte del Frà Cà del Magro Custoza Superiore 2021
Varietals: Garganega, Trebbiano Toscan, Cortese, Incrocio Manzoni
Production/Tasting
Notes: Unoaked;
fresh and bright with notes of peach,
apricots, lemon, melon, honeysuckle, quince paste, beeswax, almonds; lively
acidity; extra virgin olive oil texture
on the palate(?); medium to full-bodied with layers of mineral, pepper and
smoke; long salt-tinged finish. (91
points Wine Spectator; 93 points, James Suckling)
Food
Pairing: Aperitif; light appetizers; fresh water fish;
vegetarian and Mediterranean fare
Alcohol:13%
Jean-Claude Mas Allnat Vermentino 2023
Varietals:
100%
Vermentino
Production/Tasting
Notes: Light, fresh and elegant nose with floral notes of
hawthorn, lime blossom, fresh pear and touch of lemon; juicy, textured palate
with integrated acidity;
Food Pairings: seafood salad; scallop carpaccio with citrus
vinaigrette; langoustine flambéed with pastis; fillet of red mullet
Alcohol: 13%
Bodegas
Manzanos 111 Reserva 2018
Origin: Rioja DOCa (Spain)
Varietal: Tempranillo; Garnacha; Graciano
Production/Tasting
Notes: Aromas of blackberry, red apple peel, vanilla;
pleasant mouthfeel; abundant tannins; flavors of black cherry, black raspberry,
cherry pipe tobacco, clove, mint; touch of salinity on extended finish. (93
points, Wine Enthusiast)
Food
Pairing: tapas; olives; roasted pepper; smoked meat; Serrano
ham
Alcohol: 13.5%
Casa Silva Dona Dominga Gran Reserva Cabernet
Sauvignon 2022
Origin: D.O. Valle de Cochagua, Chile
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Production/Tasting
Notes: Complex,
elegant; up-front notes of calendula and dried currant; spiced currant and
cranberry developing into chocolate-covered raspberry nuances; well-notable
structure and depth on the mid-palate; lengthy finish. (92 points, Wine Spectator)
Food
Pairings: Grilled meat; roast beef; mushroom stroganoff; Havarti;
Guyere
Alcohol: 14.5%
Courtois La Grange Vinsobres 2020
Origin: Appellation
Vinsobres Contrôlée (Côtes-du-Rhône)
Varietal:
55%
Grenache; 45% Syrah
Production/Tasting Notes: Layered and complex; full-on flavors of boysenberry, plum, violet, cherry amply sprinkled piquant white pepper; smoked herbs; densely packed with streaks of salinity and iron fused with firm tannins; well-structured, powerful. (90 points, Wine Spectator)
Food
Pairing: beef stew, lamb, roasted or grilled red
meats
Alcohol:
14%
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