J Maki Winery

Shipping Wine in Pennsylvania

J. Maki — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:38:02 +0000

Honestly, Pennsylvanians…

You may purchase wine online from licensed Pennsylvania wineries and have it shipped anywhere in the state. This is not against the law; it is a right you possess as a resident of this state.

The combination of high gas prices and our low shipping charges, which we just began to publish, have resulted in shipments to customers as little as 35 miles from our winery.

However, misinformation continues to flow; folks making 200 mile sojourns from the Pittsburgh area with the sole purpose of buying a case of wine, believing it is illegal to have it shipped to them. We appreciate the visit and the loyalty, but please – there’s an easier way to experience the J. Maki varietals!

The state legislature creates the laws – verify with the state legislator in your district, if you must.

Champagne Cocktail

J. Maki — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:34:50 +0000

Fine champagne brings a celebration of life with every taste. The Champagne Cocktail allows for the inclusion of champagne at every meal, for any occasion, and for any palette.
The best Champagne cocktail starts with a fine dry champagne and is usually matched with a fruit juice that compliments the complex fruit flavors of the wine grape varietal.

Valentine’s Cocktail
1 bottle ( 750ml) J. Maki Winery Rouge Champagne
1 cup red grape juice.
Original and unforgettable!

The Underdog

J. Maki — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:07:29 +0000

America loves the underdog ever since the colonists fought the greatest military force in the world at the time; remember JFK vs. Nixon, Clay vs. Liston, the New York Jets with Joe Namath, Rocky Balboa, the Red Sox of a few years back, or the NY Giants vs. the New England Patriots.

Well folks, meet the J. Maki Winery at French Creek Ridge Vineyards near little ‘ole Elverson, 50 miles west of Philadelphia.

Yes, we…

are in Pennsylvania, a state not noted for premium wine.
have a female winemaker, a rarity in the wine business.
are small, but growing.
create some of the best champagne in the world, year after year, from our grapes.
are the underdog.

(Search Google, keyword J Maki Winery, reference “We are the Champagne-ions”)

But, as we have learned, underdogs frequently surprise… taste and you shall know.

Self Serving Buying Tip From the Parisian Files

J. Maki — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:28:03 +0000

The French know wine … and how to buy it.

Fine wine purchase quantities are doubled and half are stored.

Reason: Foresight is rewarded… the ageing of fine wine brings a bigger smile when tasted a few years later; the greater depth and complexity enhances enjoyment… and investment value.

Our 2003 Blanc de Blancs champagne, just released, is as fine at this early juncture as any we have ever released, including the 1997 international gold medal winner…

Sage Advice: buy a case, consume six bottles, and then two a year for the next three years…you’ll grow to appreciate the value of this discipline, especially when you observe the price change over three years… plus you’ll be in control of celebrating life!

Types of Champagne

J. Maki — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:57:08 +0000

There are only two classic types of Champagne: Blanc de Blancs, made from Chardonnay grapes, and Blanc de Noirs, made from Pinot Noir grapes. There is a third authorized grape from the Champagne area of France called Pinot Meunier and this is used primarily to make a blend. The other element that determines ‘type of champagne’ is the Residual Sugar (RS) in the dosage, which is used in the finishing of the champagne.

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Serving Ice Wine

J. Maki — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:22:16 +0000

Ice wine is usually served with dessert after dinner (it loves chocolate!) or with cheese and fruit anytime. Because of the intense concentration of the grape’s essence, it is served in half glass quantity. Serving temperature should be cold- refrigerator temperature. The bottle should be at the correct temperature if chilled the morning of opening. A 375 ml bottle will serve 6 half glasses at a dinner party.

What is the Difference Between Sparkling Wine and Champagne?

J. Maki — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:20:02 +0000

Champagne is the name of a wine producing area in France and the name of a wine product. Champagne from this region must only be produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes and made in a traditional method called Methode Champenoise, where the secondary fermentation occurs in the champagne bottle.

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What are Champagne Grapes?

J. Maki — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:56:04 +0000

In the Champagne region of France there are only three authorized grapes grown for champagne production: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Tasting Room Etiquette

J. Maki — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:49:57 +0000

The Tasting Room is a special place at the winery where you, the consumer, have a rare opportunity to taste wines where they are produced. The winery offers you a tasting of a selection of wines that showcase what is available for purchase, usually in exchange for a tasting fee or purchase. The winery personal are familiar with the wines and help provide information for the taster.

Tasting wine is experiential, which means that each time you taste there is an opportunity to learn - about the wines, the winery, and your own palette. Because it is a chance to experience something new, respect should be given for each taster.

And we always say “come to the tasting room ready to taste!” And that means a lot of things:

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