A Rare Shout Out To A PA Vineyard
“That Pennsylvanian wine is delicious!” said nobody ever. Or at least that’s been the stereotype.
Until now. David Schildknecht, a writer for Robert Parker’s internationally acclaimed newsletter, The Wine Advocate, made a special mention to Va La Vineyards in Avondale, PA (just an hour outside of Philadelphia). Very rarely do PA wines ever make it on any sort of accredited wine ranking, and in his recent article labeled “Best of 2012”, Va La Vineyards recieved a nice mention:
” Friends helping me locate potentially interesting growers in Pennsylvania (where I grew up) suggested a visit to Va La Vineyards. After some persistence, I received from proprietor Anthony Vietri an odd reply – clearly not meant to be coy or unfriendly – recommending I spare myself the trouble. I’m sure glad I didn’t, because the highly unorthodox quintet that issues from two dozen (mostly Italianate) cépages (largely in field blends!) on six acres set just back from the main drag of tiny Avondale (northwest of Wilmington, Delaware) is worth a detour; and Vietri is passionate, experimental, articulate, and focused on vineyard excellence. Whether his orange “white” La Prima Donna; his deep rosé Silk; Cinderbox; Cedar; or Mahogany (the smoky and chocolaty-rich 2010 of which was due to be bottled about now, but won’t be released before late this year) these will cause you to lick your lips as you rethink many things you thought you knew.”
– David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate, “Best of 2012”, January, 2013
Va La Vineyards
8820 Gap Newport Pike
Avondale, PA 19311
