Believe it or not, summer is waiting in the wings. The weather for much of the area’s spring season has been getting harsh reviews, but that doesn’t prevent Black Walnut Winery from taking a bow for its spectacular summer wines, all of which are perfectly ripe for a standing ovation.
Whether you decide to take part at the comfy-chic Tasting Room in downtown Phoenixville or head to the rustic-converted barn in Sadsburyville, where the outdoor deck is perfectly produced with colorful flowers, umbrellas and a tranquil garden pond, you’ll be toasting and applauding quicker than you can say bravo.
We asked manager Alan Prescott of the Black Walnut Tasting Room to give us the scoop on the top three wines for summer from the award-winning Black Walnut collection. Sit back and relax as he gives us the skinny:
Sauvignon Blanc 2013
“Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($19) is the star of our dry whites with a grapefruity mid-palate and mineral finish that will complement mozzarella, havarti, brie and other soft creamy cheeses,” noted Alan. Co-starring well with grilled vegetables, rotisserie chicken, pork and fish kebabs as well as fruit-laden salads, tuna or egg salad sandwiches, this wine can also handle simple salads drizzled lightly with creamy dressings like yogurt and crème fraîche blends.
Be daring and skewer a few juicy slices of honeydew or cantaloupe to plunge into your glass of this Black Walnut white and discover a little after-meal encore.
Sassy
Alan continues: “Sassy ($16) shines as a barely sweet blush made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Cayuga grapes that pairs exquisitely with pepper jack and blue cheeses of any kind.” This pink wine can also cut the heat with hot chili marinated meats. A master of all cuisines, Sassy pairs well with prosciutto and melon or cold ham or pork sandwiches.
International flavors also take Sassy’s role to the next level with take-out Thai, Szechuan, Hunan, Creole or Mexican dishes.
Bank Barn Red
Last but most certainly not least, “Bank Barn Red ($16) has been our major tour de force for over a decade,” Alan claims. This lightly sweet, full-bodied fruity red can be served chilled with practically anything you throw on the grill. Friends will want to have a glass of this thoughtfully blended red with baby back ribs, pepper steaks, London broil, lamb kebabs, hot dogs and hamburgers with fat slices of onion, tomato and cheddar.
Plank salmon and red onion salads are good partners, too, and Bank Barn Red is one of the best bases for sangrias and other fruity concoctions that don’t require additional sweetness. Romantic picnics are also the perfect place to imbibe Bank Barn Red with cheddar and other dry cheeses, meat sandwiches with a little horseradish, heroes, grinders and hoagies. Soak thick watermelon chunks in a glass of this red—then enjoy the gushy combination with salty tortilla chips.
Black Walnut Winery is host to several successful events for the month of May. Be sure to enjoy the recently opened outdoor areas during Sunday Funday, the Chester County Studio Tour and the sixth annual Blues Festival. Both locations also showcase live entertainment from local musicians throughout the month.
Catch up on all the latest happenings, special events, musical interludes and wines available for tasting and for sale on the Black Walnut Winery website and Facebook page or the Tasting Room’s Facebook page. Black Walnut is a “bring your own food” establishment, but well-presented cheese plates are available for $10. Be sure to ask about the frequent buyers club, too.
Find Black Walnut Winery at 3000 Lincoln Highway in Sadsburyville; phone: (610) 857-5566. Hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 12–6 p.m. (or by appointment). The Black Walnut Tasting Room is located at 260 Bridge St. in Phoenixville; phone: (484) 924-8740. Hours are Wednesday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m.; Friday, 4–10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Sunday, 1–8 p.m. (or by appointment).
- Photography: Ed Williams
