Looking at the latest model runs leads me to believe this week’s nor’easter will stay far enough off the coast to keep us out of the main precipitation bands. That, and the trend toward above-freezing surface temperatures, means that we’ll most likely…

Last night we ran into Petsmart. After I paid (with a check card) I realized that they did not give me the sale price on one of the products that I purchased. I was overcharged by $2. When I pointed this out to the cashier she called for a price check, which confirmed that I […]

The GFS setup for 6 pm Monday March 8th. It’s still a long way off but it could be a chase day in the southern Plains, especially when the upper level winds are considered. Can it be long before we start seeing daytime CAPE in the Mid-Atlantic?

The graphic shows yet another strong nor’easter off the Virginia capes next Wednesday morning. Both this model -the GFS – and another long range calculation – the European model – indicate this storm will stay close enough to the coast to throw signi…

We only have a few left…they are going fast!

kybecca wine & gourmet February 6 for $60 – Great Finds From South Africa
South Africa, especially the coastal parts, has an ideal climate for growing grapes. Not too hot or cold with plenty of sun, the winemaking potential for the country has been recognized since it was first colonized. Over the last twenty years production has greatly increased along with exports and today South Africa is recognized as one of the top wine producing countries in the world. Here are six wines which represent some of the various styles and grape varieties grown there.

Oracle Chardonnay – Chardonnay is a grape that seems to be grown everywhere and South Africa is no exception. The Oracle Chardonnay was fermented in stainless steel tanks and then half of it was aged in French oak barrels and then blended back together. This ensures that the wine gets some oak influence without being dominated by oak. Ripe tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and melon with creamy vanilla notes as well.

Paarl Heights Chenin Blanc– Many wine producing countries have particular grape varieties that are favored, and for South African white wines that grape is Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc seems to attain a fantastic ripeness in the South African climate. The Paarl Heights Chenin is a textbook example. Floral and citrus aromas with flavors of ripe tropical fruit and honey (without the sweetness). A very under-rated grape variety in America. Excellent with seafood.

Bradgate Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc– Sauvignon Blanc is also widely planted in South Africa and blending it with Chenin is very common. What you get are the honeyed fruit flavors of the Chenin mixed with the citrus and grassy notes from the Sauvignon. This one is made in the Stellenbosch area.

The Wolftrap – Here is a South African style field blend modeled on the blends of southern France. This one is 65% Syrah, 32% Mouvedre and 3% Viognier. Oddly, adding the Viognier actually darkens and strengthens the wine. The Wolftrap is has flavors of spicy black fruits and a full body from aging in French oak.

Kanonkop Kadette – This is what’s known as a Cape Blend, based on the Pinotage grape, a grape made and cultivated in South Africa. The Kadette is 45% Pinotage, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Cape blends often take Bordeaux varieties and blend them with PInotage. The result is a full-bodied red with flavors of blackberries and cassis, herbal notes, and smokey notes from the PInotage.

Man Vintners Pinotage – PInotage is the South African variety. Made by a university professor, it is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (called Hermitage in South Africa, hence the name PInotage). Although Pinot Noir is a parent Pinotage is very different. Like the Man Vintners, it is usually medium to full bodied with flavors of dark fruits and a characteristic smokey aroma and flavor. Very good with gamey meats like Venison.

Here’s an early heads up.Commencementa t UMW this year will be split into two events.On Friday evening May 7th, the graduate schools will be hosting their ceremony at Dodd Auditorium – this will be for 200 masters students and their families.On 9 am Sa…

I usually have a few students parking on my block – it’s pretty easy to spot even when none of them have UMW stickers on their car (half of them have out of state plates). This month I lost my patience they occupied several shovelled out spaces afte…

Northern Virginia Magazine did a piece this month on Wine Bars. Fredericksburg’s kybecca wine bar & shop was among the featured shops. Locals know that in addition to wine, kybecca also boasts an excellent craft beer selection; both in the wine bar…

Mr. Hurley of UMW reported that Eagle Village was still on schedule to open for the Fall semester. The main campus side of the foot bridge may not be fully completed in time, though he expects that a temporary walkway will be used from the base of the…

I just got back from the Town Gown Quarterly meeting. Here is a brief summation of the highlights (at least what I found interesting).The representative from the consulting firm working with UMW on the new master plan started the meeting with a presen…