Upcoming Events & About Us

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Upcoming TWITs Events:  

June 20th, 2013 - "I Don't Always Drink White Wines, But When I Do, I Drink This One" - hosted by Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt

July 2013 - TBD - hosted by Mr Les & Ms Melissa
August 2013 - TBD
September 2013 - TBD

• September 15 2013 - October 13, 2013 - Museum of Design Exhibition-  Barrique: Wine, Design, and Social Change -   This exhibition spotlights a wine barrel (barrique) recycling project taking place at Europe’s largest residential treatment center for young men and women recovering from drug addiction and social exclusion. Located in San Patrignano, Italy, the 1,300 residents of this treatment center learn professional skills – including viticulture, wine making, and woodworking – and produce more than 450,000 liters of wine each year, aging it all in 230 liter French oak barrels.  The fact that these barrels can be used for only three years led the community of San Patrignano to develop an innovative design project for the recycling of old wine barrels. They reached out to thirty well-known designers and architects — including Marc Sadler, Karim Rashid, Angela Missoni, and Alessandro Mendini — asking each of them to design a piece of furniture using wood reclaimed from wine barrels. Then, the residents of San Patrignano crafted the pieces of furniture out of old barrels, effectively demonstrating how design innovation can be used to achieve social good.   The furniture crafted in this project was displayed to great critical acclaim at the Salone del Mobile in 2012 and will be on display at MODA in 2013 as part of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Year of Italian Culture” in the United States.

October 19th, 2013  - TWITs Georgia Winery Tour  - details will be emailed to those who RSVP and send in a deposit to secure their spot on the bus.  :)

We have a Sister Club based in Orlando, Florida called the TWOTS (The Winos Of The South).  If you are travelling to Orlando, and want details, ping me.

October 19th, 2013 - TWITs Georgia Mountain Winery Bus Tour

October 19th, 2013 - TWITs Georgia Mountain Winery Bus Tour

Details will be emailed to those who RSVP and send in a deposit to secure their spot on the bus. :)

September 2013 - Museum of Design Exhibit: Barrique: Wine, Design, and Social Change

Barrique: Wine, Design, and Social Change

Sunday, September 15, 2013 - Sunday, October 13, 2013

This exhibition spotlights a wine barrel (barrique) recycling project taking place at Europe’s largest residential treatment center for young men and women recovering from drug addiction and social exclusion. Located in San Patrignano, Italy, the 1,300 residents of this treatment center learn professional skills – including viticulture, wine making, and woodworking – and produce more than 450,000 liters of wine each year, aging it all in 230 liter French oak barrels.
The fact that these barrels can be used for only three years led the community of San Patrignano to develop an innovative design project for the recycling of old wine barrels. They reached out to thirty well-known designers and architects — including Marc Sadler, Karim Rashid, Angela Missoni, and Alessandro Mendini — asking each of them to design a piece of furniture using wood reclaimed from wine barrels. Then, the residents of San Patrignano crafted the pieces of furniture out of old barrels, effectively demonstrating how design innovation can be used to achieve social good.
The furniture crafted in this project was displayed to great critical acclaim at the Salone del Mobile in 2012 and will be on display at MODA in 2013 as part of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Year of Italian Culture” in the United States.

June 20th, 2013 - I Don't Always Drink White Wines, But When I Do, I Drink This One - hosted by Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt

June 20th, 2013 - "I Don't Always Drink White Wines, But When I Do, I Drink This One" - hosted by Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt

Theme: As we know, many of the TWITs members are red wine fans.  However, some folks like to drink white wine in the summertime.  We want to know what your favorites are.  Bring your favorite white wine, and come prepared to tell us WHY it's your favorite white wine.  (singles price point for a bottle $20 or less, couples price point $20-40/bottle)

TWITs Tasting Notes:
tbd

May 14th, 2013 - Italian wines - hosted by Ms. Deb & Mr. Jaffett

May 14th, 2013 - Italian wines - hosted by Ms. Deb & Mr. Jaffett at Sherlocks Wine Merchant 

Theme:  Italian Wines, these wines were selected by Tyler himself, TWITs attendees just need to bring $20/person, and ensure they are RSVP'd so we can be certain to have enough wine for everyone. Also, this event starts at 6:30pm ET, not our usual 7pm, so please keep that in mind.

TWITs Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  NV Borgo del Col Alto - Prosecco - $10.99
11% alcohol
light, nutty, beautifully viscous, almonds, clear/pale straw color

1) 2010 Mormoraia Vernaccia (San Gimagnano) - $12.99
12.5% alcohol - 100% Vernaccia
Mormoraia started making wine in the 1970s.  Stretches out over 90 hectares of land, 30 of which are cultivated as vineyards in the heart of Tuscany in San Gimagnano (San Jimmy-NA-no) in stainless steel.  Straw yellow in color, this vino offers intense fresh fruity aromas, with hints of hawthorn and apples.  On the palate it remains harmonious, balanced, and persistent with a pleasantly sour finish.

2) 2011 Pra Soave (Veneto) - $14.99
13% alcohol - 100% Garganega (Gar-ga-NAY-ga)
Pra has been making (biodynamic) wines since the early 1980s.  Sitting on white soils deriving from chalky rock, ancient clay, ,and marine sand.  La Morandina is located on rubble and schist that envelops the fine from the trunks to the roots as they burrow down in their search for water.  Water preserves the plant and gives it the essential minerals needed for making wines with elegance and complexity in their aromas.  100% Garganega, the wine is fermented and matured in stainless steel vats.  Aromas of hawthorn and jasmine are particularly prominent, as are exotic yellow and white fruits, such as peach and apricots.  On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and flavorsome, full of fruit, with clear mineral notes.

3) 2009 Barberani Orvieto (Umbria) - $13.99
13% alcohol - Varietals:  Trebbiano Procanico, Grechetto, Verdello, Malvasia, Drupeggio
The Barberani family started making wine in 1961.  This is the area of production of the wine also named Orvieto, one of the oldest and most prestigious wines, also called "Classic".  There are 100 hectares, 55 of which are made of vineyards.  the soil combination: volcanic, sedimentary, and limestone-argilaceous soils.  Produced by an accurate quality selection in our vineyards, it expresses all the potential of an area extremely suitable for grape production.  GRAPES:  Trebbiano Procanico, Grechetto, Verdello, Malvasia, Drupeggio brilliant.  Straw-yellow color, fruity, with an intense and complex bouquet mineral and persistent.  It has natural drinkability and structure.

4) 2008 Mormoraia Chianti (Tuscany, San Gimagnan) - $12.99
13.5% alcohol - 100% Sangiovese
Mormoria intense ruby color.  Aromas of ripe fruit, spices, plum, and tobacco.  Ample Sangiovese flavors with soft tannins and a persistent and satisfying finish.  Best with grilled meat, meat stews, soup, cold cuts, and aged cheeses.

5) 1998 Sant'Elena Ros di Rol (Fruili) - $21.99
13% alcohol - 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Sant'Elena was founded in the late 19th century.  Dominic Nocerino purchased the estate in the 1980s.  The Sant'Elena estate has a surface of approximately 40 hectares in a single plot.  Our wines are made with tremendous care and a dedication to quality that starts in the vineyards with the cultivation and maintenance of the grapes.  Sant'Elena is situated at the intersection of the cold continental air flows from the east and the Sirocco (Mediterranean) winds from the south.  This climatic alteration proves positive in terms of thermal variation, while the Giulie Alps mountain range protects the vineyards from the icy winds of the north.  50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot, done in French oak for 18 months.

6) 2003 Fattoria Paradiso Barbarossa (Emilia-Romagna) - $29.99
14% alcohol - 100% Barbarossa
The estate dates back to the 15th century.  The current family purchased the estate in the 1990s and changed the name.  There's a total of 80 hectares. all of which are vines.  The wine is 100% Barbarossa, only to be founded on the Fattoria Paradiso Estates.  Its aged 3 years in Slavonian oak, 6 months in barrique, 12 months in the bottle.  Intense and persistent, reminiscent of wilted rose and sweet violet.  Dry, frank, and generous, firm structure in a soft, velvet texture, full of character on the palatte. Discovered in 1955, the ancient vineyard had been out of production for 150 years.  The name honors the red-bearded German Emperor Frederick.

Bhojanic wine and tapas - April 30th

Bhojanic wine and tapas - April 30th

Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt attended this Wine & Tapas tasting at Bhojanic - Authentic Indian Cuisine.  Our friend Daniel, who also happens to be the new manager there, is revamping their wine list.  He was miraculously able to find some great wines to pair with spicy Indian foods.  

Among my personal favorites were:

The 2011 Sula (Nashik, India) - 100% Chenin Blanc.  Tasting Notes from Daniel:  "The largest and by far best winery in India.  Rajeev Sula vineyards is producing wines which are now available on an international level.  This Chenin Blanc is a perfect complement for the spicy character of Bhojanic food, with stone fruit, a hint of citrus, and a touch of viscosity."

The 2011 La Follette (North Coast California) - 100% Pinot Noir.  Tasting Notes from Daniel:  "Greets with a symphony of red fruit, complimented by notes of forest floor and cinnamon bark.  With time in the glass, raspberry and rose petals emerge.  Greg La Follette has delved far more deeply than most into the science behind the art of winemaking.  He also fosters a fervent fascination with old world winemaking techniques.  Both have fueled Greg's intense interest in the texture and mouth feel of wine leaving an indelible mark on the wines he creates"

Abbie's comments:  Daniel also explained that while this is indeed a 100% Pinot Noir wine, the grapes were blended from different sites.  60-70% from Hawks Roost vineyard, the rest from either Manchester Vineyard or Mendicino Ridge.  Absolutely DELICIOUS wine.  I love this one!

The 2010 Domaine Du Grand Planal (Corbieres, France) - 50% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 25% Carignan.  Daniel's notes:  "Established in 1850, the winemaking tradition at this Domaine has been passed down from generation to generation.  Their use of concrete tanks allows the fruit to shine.  The Mourvedre here is unctuous with dark fruit and terrific mouth-feel.  While the Grenache and Carignan offer finesse and backbone."

A truly lovely wine.  Yum!

April 18th, 2013 - Pinot Noir - Ms Kathy & Mr. Jamie

April 18th, 2013 - Pinot Noir - Ms Kathy & Mr. Jamie

Theme: Pinot Noir, a red wine varietal. "Pinot noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, but the grape is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. It is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world, but is a difficult variety to cultivate and transform into wine."

Bring:  TWITs should bring a bottle of Pinot Noir ($20 or under for singles, $40 or under for couples). and we can have everyone pick their favorite bottle at the end. The one who brings the bottle with the most votes wins a prize!

Tasting Notes:
  Welcome Wine:  La Marca Prosecco

1) 2008 Destino Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley - $17 on Wines Till Sold Out
14.5% alcohol
tart cherry, raspberry, bark, honey, not potent on the nose, light spice on the nose
tart apple finish, not jammy, crunchy fruits, really fruity,
TWITs Guesses:  classic Sonoma coast (Rheinallt), 13.5% alcohol (Marilyn)

2) 2008 Westrey Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir, McMinnville Oregon - $43 @ Sherlocks Wine Merchant
13.5% alcohol
very different nose, old world, funkytown, horse manure, oak, age, wheat grass, earthy,
double legs, ruby color
very light, refined, flaccid, cherries, milk chocolate, flabby ending, it runs away quickly
TWITs Guesses:  Kokomo Pinot Noir (Abbie), Russian River Valley (Rheinallt)

3) 2010 St. Innocent Justice Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills Williamette Valley - $41 or 42 at Alons
13% alcohol
more clarity in color than the others, brown around edges, has some age
burgundy, cedar, vanilla, oak, like an old dresser, earthy, mushroom, French-ish,
palate backs it up, first whiff of bell pepper (short whiff), lingers a bit longer, easy to drink,
Quote of the evening so far:  "It's seen a lot of wood" - Rheinallt
TWITs Guesses:  Sonoma (Rich)

4) 2004 Meursault Les Durots Pierre Morey, Cote D'Or - $17 at Garagiste.com
13% alcohol - French Burgundy
Nose: leather from the cow ass, chaps - no chaps are assless, fermented broccoli, saddle sway, horse manure, "this is a nose twinger", anise, funkiest funk of a pinot noir, talcum, granite,
Palate:  bubble gum, bitter, root, tastes like farm, barn, cotton-ball on the finish, celery root, tart, dry, harsh finish, "like, go away!", throttling grip.
"sucks all the moisture out of your mouth" - Abbie
"Aw it's terrible" - Ken

5) 2009 Cote Du Beaune-Villages (Cote D'Or) Marnay Sorelles - $33 @ Le Caveau
13% alcohol
good legs,
sweeter smell, new world, latex, perfumey, sweet cherry, rubber (like a floatie), bubblegum, high alcohol on the nose
nice palate at first, but then flabby.

6) 2011 Jenner Pinot Noir, Sonoma - $24 @ Total Wine
14.5% alcohol
WE HAVE A WINNER!  This wine won the prize!  Congratulations to KEN for bringing the winning bottle!  He won a candle made from a Giuseppe Quintarelli bottle.
oaky, jammy nose, raspberry, all spice, blue cheese
fruity, spicy, eloquent, elegant, spicy, leather, delicate raspberry, very lovely, head and shoulders above the rest, "Jamie Approved"
TWITs Guesses:  Southern California - Rheinallt

7) 2011 Meiomi Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara/Monterey/Sonoma Blend - $20 @ PH Wine Merchant
13.9% alcohol
SECOND PLACE - way to go Janssen!
more purple "Ooh, stand back, this is nice" lighter nose, spice, floral, oaked, caramel, cinnamon
drying, off-tart, more full-bodied, rich body, it's got mint, chocolate, smooth, so smooth, "the Justin Timberlake of wine",  not French, alternative Hipster Pinot, multi-layered, it's like cake ice cream, light sugar, "could drink all day and all night", smells like Grenache, "its not like any pinot I've had"

8) 2010 Bench Break Cambria Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley - $35 from direct winery club shipment (NOTE: this is where they filmed the "Sideways" movie)
14.3% alcohol
THIRD PLACE - way to go Val & Rheinallt !
funky, alcoholic nose, latex, ocean breeze candle,
Raspberry then spice, pepper, like a mix of 6 and 7, Love it!
TWITs Guesses:  Russian River Valley or Santa Barbara County (Rheinallt), Dry Creek (Brian)

9) 2011 The Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dahlonega Georgia - $33 from winery
(bottled by Monteluce) 13% alcohol
cloves, juices, subdued, banana, like a Belgian Beer, Hefeweizen, barky, bubble gum, Irish Spring Soap, banana laffy taffy, yeasty, cake, vanilla, old lady perfume,
it does not taste the way it smells, banana pudding batter, cinnamon toothpaste, light rich candy, leaves a film on your mouth

10) 2011 Kudos Pinot Noir, Williamette Valley - $16-17 @ Total Wine
13.5% alcohol
funk on the nose, fresh manure, "Maceo Parker wine", sulfur, ammonia, perm solution,
flaccid, terrible, deflated balloon, impotent, funky cold medina
"Rheinallt is this one of your jokes?" - Jaffet
This is the first time Jaffet dumped his wine out into the spit bucket.
"South Georgia Pinot?" - Matt

11) 2011 Acacia Pinot Noir, Carneros Sonoma - $14.99
gooseberry, floral nose, sharp fruit, standard pinot Sonoma County, "this isn't horse shit"
sweeter, too normal, a good 2nd or 3rd bottle into the evening.  not French, too fruity, I'd give it a 3.

Janssen made us a Photosynth photo here. Other photos are below.