VIDA Fitness and Fabbioli Cellars

VIDA Fitness with Fabbioli Cellars

As a way to thank their Penthouse Pool Club members, VIDA Fitness on U Street has recently added special events to their membership privileges. Their recent wine tasting for Penthouse Club clients featured Fabbioli Cellars who provided seven of their wines for the evening. A brief presentation of each wine and four finger-sized food pairings were proffered by Fabbioli's wine educator, James F. Koennicke and other Fabbioli staff members.

The Leesburg, Va., based winery started the tasting with their non-vintage, Una Para, a 100% pear wine, described as off-dry and paired with spiced apple jelly on toast. The apple jelly was amazing and I was told it was made at Center Mountain near Front Royal.

Fabbioli's 2011 Paco Rojo (also described as off-dry) and 2010 Cabernet Franc paired with a spicy sporessata were up next. I found the Paco Rojo more oaky and less-dry than expected, but had the most unique bouquet of the wines presented. The Cabernet Franc could easily be paired with anything smoky or spicy.

The 2010 Tre Sorelle, a Bordeaux blend, was paired with a mild white cheddar cheese and the 2010 Tannat, with its heady flavor, was served on its own.  It should be noted that the 2009 Tannat won both the Gold Medal and Best of Class Award at the 2012 Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Two non-vintage raspberry wines closed the tasting: Raspberry Merlot, paired with dark chocolate and Rosa Nera, a black raspberry wine. The Rosa Nera was a little sweeter, stronger and heavier (being port-like), and one could taste the effort that went into making this wine.  Fabbioli states that half a pound of handpicked, fresh black raspberries go into each bottle and that careful attention shows.

VIDA was the perfect host and I hope that these events will grow in popularity with their Penthouse Club members. Penthouse clientele have access to all the VIDA Fitness centers in the DC metro area and seasonal access to the 60-foot heated rooftop pool replete with cabanas, an excellent food and drink menu, as well as access to all the fitness center's amenities. They are currently accepting applications for Penthouse members, but act quickly since these memberships are limited.