Page 14 - Italian-American Herald - July 2024

14 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | JULY2024 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD THE CHEF’S PERSPECTIVE
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the aroma of lemon candy, stone fruit, and flowers. This blend of Chardonnay, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Traminette may sound complex. When paired with crabs and spaghetti or with shrimp fra diavolo,
the citrusy acidity with hints of underripe pineapple, star fruit, kumquat and white florals is perfection.
I am enamored with the Pinot Noir. I have tried their standard Pinot Noir as well as the reserve. The standard is steps above others that I have tried. The reserve is even better.
The aroma of the 2020 Pinot Noir is of red fruits, mushrooms with a hint of vanilla. On the palate are fresh cherries and strawberries, with notes of orange peel and hibiscus tea, finishing with baking spice. This wine pairs perfectly with some of my favorite dishes. Baked salmon, mushrooms, duck breast, and gruyere cheese are even more delicious.
The 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve is much more complex. It is deep ruby red with the nose evoking black cherry, baking spices, bergamot, and earth. The flavor involves strawberry, bramble, beetroot, baked rhubarb, with undertones of clove, dried florals, and vanilla. This is a smooth-bodied wine with a delicious acidity that brightens the finish.
Carley mentioned that the Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a popular Abruzzi dish called arrosticini, which is lamb skewers grilled over an open fire. Traditionally, the lamb is not seasoned before grilling. Salt to taste is applied immediately after the skewers
come off the grill.
I could go on and on because Penns
Woods produces nine reds, including their world class Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve,
and their Chambourcin Reserve from 100% Chamboursin Grapes. The winery produces two Rose wines, their Moscato Rose and
their Gold Medal Rose, which won 91 points rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute. There are six whites rounding out the selections. In addition to the Sauvignon Blanc and the Wildflower White that I already described, their Chardonnay Reserve and the Viognier Reserve are top of the class.
Penns Woods Winery encompasses some 40 acres, part of which is a national park. Gino started the tradition of representing what Pennsylvania provides in the wines. He views his wines to be a tribute to the regional Italian Americans that brought
so much to realizing his vision. Carley carries on these same values, successfully sustaining her father’s vision. She has formed a strong collaboration with the community’s artisans and is active in the community.
Call the winery at (610) 459-0808 to reserve a tour and tasting. Visit the website pennswoodswinery.com to keep up with the latest winery news and to visit their online shop. IAH
MurraySchulman, acolumnistwiththe Italian-American Herald, for 12 years, has worked in the food business for more than
50 years, sharing his expertise in kitchens, offices and classrooms spanning several states. He retired in 2017 as head of prepared foods forDelawareSupermarketsInc. Helivesin Pennsville, N..J.
The Pinot Noir standard is steps above the competition, and the Pinot Noir reserve is even better
PHOTOS BY MURRAY SCHULMAN
Carley mentioned that the Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a popular Abruzzi dish - lamb skewers grilled over an open fire.
Carley Razzi and her dog Vino on the sprawling grounds of Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford, Pa.
PHOTOS BY MURRAY SCHULMAN