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| Figure 1. |
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| Figure 2. |
Update: Based on a wise suggestion, I am creating a preference so that a user can select which option they prefer, cluster or marker:
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| Settings |
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| Menu |
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Google Mapping: To Cluster or Not to Cluster
I've been making progress with the Android version of the WineCompass mobile application and have implemented the major search features - by location, zip code, and state. Each establishment is display on a Google map with its marker corresponding to its category - winery, brewery, and distillery. The last major decision I need to make is how to show markers for populous states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. Should I just map each location as in Figure 1? Or is that too busy and instead, should I implement clusters, where clicking on a particularly cluster zooms the mapping coordinates to that location? See Figure 2. Once again I would appreciate your thoughts.
Friday, April 5, 2013
North American Wine Roads - Virginia - Route 211 Wine Trail
Well, the unofficial Route 211 wine way is now "official." The web site for the Rt 211 Scenic Vino Wine Trail is up and running, even though some of the wineries are not.
Members of the 211 Wine Trail are Unicorn, Magnolia (open Summer 2013), Gray Ghost, Narmada, Gadino Cellars, Little Washington Winery, Quievremont, and the Copper Fox Distillery.
While most of the wineries should be familiar to regular readers of this blog, there are two new names in the member winery list of the RT 211 Wine Trail. Magnolia Vineyards facilities are currently under construction, but they are now on their 5th season of growing vines on their property and they are currently making wines at other wineries. Their 2011 vintage wines will be available for sale available in their tasting room once they are licensed and open.
Quievremont is located at the center of center of Reality Farm. Their website says that their 2012 wines should be ready in May 2013. I noticed in an add that they will be at Vintage Virginia this year.
To finish reading about the 211 Scenic Vino Wine Trail, visit New Nothern Virginia Wine Trail.
Friday, March 29, 2013
A #TGTaste of Villa Maria Estate
Starting with the Sauvignon Blanc, the fruit was sourced from vineyards throughout Marlborough, including the Wairau and Awatere valleys. You may want to check out Kiwi Daydreaming to find out more out the Marlborough region. It looks like there was nothing fancy about the fermentation process, and the result is a typical clean and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc - grapefruit and lemon on the initial palette, some grassy flavors in the mid-palette, and a clean refreshing acidic finish. And extremely attractive at the $13 SRP.
The fruit for the Pinot Noir were sourced solely from the Wairau and Awatere valleys in Marlborough. The grapes were cold soaked up to 32˚C, with a majority of the juice fermented in oak and the remaining wine was barreled after fermenting in stainless steel on lees. The total oak treatment lasted 10 months. The resulting wine is all cherry, dark cherry to be precise, with a little plum mixed in. The mid-palette is soft and creamy with the cherry mixed with a few flakes of white pepper. The finish is nice and easy - and as suggested by the screw cap, drink now - and often. Cheers
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
North American Wine Roads - Virginia - Middleburg AVA
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| Courtesy of Boxwood Winery |
In terms of the contemporary Virginia wine making industry, that's ancient history and quite a lot has changed since those early petitions. For instance, the petitioner of the North Fork of Roanoke AVA, Woolwine Winery, was the precursor to Chateau Morrisette and this AVA as well as Rocky Knob are currently home to very few commercial vineyards. In contrast, the number of vineyards in Northern Virginia have escalated rapidly in the past two decades particularly in Fauquier County and its northern neighbor Loudoun County, where there are now over 60 wineries operating between the two.
Back in 2006, Rachel Martin, Executive V.P. at Boxwood Winery thought there was enough similar characteristics in geology, soil, climate and geography between many of these wineries that warranted a petition to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to designate a distinct AVA. The TTB defines an American Viticultural Area (AVA) as
A viticultural area for American wine is a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing features as described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 27 CFR part 9 and a name and delineated boundary as established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to its geographic origin.
Take the term “estate bottled.” Up until now, a wine can be called “estate bottled” only if (a) it is labeled with an appellation of origin, and (b) the bottling winery is located in the labeled viticultural area, grew all of the grapes used to make the wine on land owned or controlled by the winery within the boundaries of the labeled viticultural area; and crushed the grapes (there are some additional restrictions).
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Going Mobile at WineCompass
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| Figure 1 |
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| Figure 2 |
In order for any application to be successful, it must satisfy client or consumer expectations. That's the purpose of this post and below are a few questions to those who would utilize this type of application. Any suggestions by comment or email would be helpful. Thanks and cheers.
- What functionality do you expect from a mobile application?
- What search parameters are most important (location, zip code, state, products)?
- What company information would you like displayed in Figure 2?
- What social networking functionality would suit your needs?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The United Grapes of America - California - Flora Springs Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Franc
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| StarChefs.com: The United Grapes of America |
month. And Dezel also provided me with a bottle of their limited release 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Franc ($50) as a birthday gift last year. A year later, I finally opened the wine. More often than not, I consume either Chinon or Virginian Cabernet Franc, and the Flora Springs was neither; more full bodied than a Chinon, and less peppery and earthy than a Virginian. It was actually more Pinot-ist: fruity, feminine, and creamy with just a touch of pepper at the tail. Basically, it was delicious; the cherry and vanilla flavors melted throughout the palette and the finish was nice and easy. Too bad it's not an annual release. Cheers. Saturday, March 16, 2013
Winerist - A Global Wine Travel Portal
The site currently provides information for 30 wine regions, with France (8 regions), Italy (4 regions), Chile (4 regions), Spain (2 regions), and South Africa (2 regions) having multiple regions represented. In North America, Winerist includes travel information for Napa and the Okanagan Valley - perfect timing for the bloggers attending the 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference. And they've also included other popular regions such as Mendoza, Barossa Valley, Dubrovnik-Dalmatia, Douro Valley, Tokaj, and Santorini. For the last two, I will be providing a short overview of the region's wine history and wineries in the coming months.
Besides self interest, I encourage you to check out Winerist; there's plenty of cool information like Bike & Wine in the Casablanca Valley or Cooking & Tasting in Santorini. Plus with the social aspect, you can contribute your own wine travel experiences. Cheers.
Monday, March 4, 2013
The United Grapes of America - Maryland - Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Comus
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| StarChefs.com: The United Grapes of America |
In 2011, Benoit Pineau took over the wine-making responsibilities and can claim credit for our current profile - the 2011 Comus. The wine's namesake is both the Greek god of revelry and merriment and also the road in which the winery is situated. It is composed of several Bordeaux varieties and aged in used French oak resulting in a flavorful dark fruit and slightly spicy profile. It is medium - full bodied with subtle tannins - easy to drink alone or pair with tenderloin, pork roast and game (as the winery suggests). This is a really nice wine, one of my favorites from the state. The judges at the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition also enjoyed this wine, giving it Best in Class for Bordeaux styled red blends. Cheers to that and to the upcoming DrinkLocalWine.com conference scheduled for April 13th in Baltimore. Spend the day tasting the many quality wines Maryland has to offer. You won't be disappointed. Tuesday, February 26, 2013
A Tale of Two Tequilas: Mañana & Don Nacho
On the other hand, the Don Nacho exudes agave, from the nose to the tail. The family owned distillery uses their own agave farm located in the Jalisco region. It shares a similar citrus nose as the Mañana, but with a shorter finish and less texture. The burn is short, leaving pure agave in the throat. In general, not a bad tequila.
The Mañana is easily, and as expected, the better of the two, but for my tastes, not by much. I miss the agave flavor in the Manana and wish the Don Nacho possessed a little more texture and creaminess. Hopefully I can find the premium Don Nacho soon to compare that to the Mañana. Cheers.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Get Ready for DLW 2013 - Coming Soon to Maryland Wine Country
The Free State consists of four main grape growing regions - the Piedmont Plateau, Eastern Shore, Southern Plain, & Western Mountains. Each region is diverse and hosts a different assortment of grapes - from the more cold hardy variety in the Western Mountains to those that flourish with the strong diurnal fluctuations in the Eastern Shore. The Piedmont Plateau and Southern Plain seem to be the most populous regions and host several wine trails for visitors. The Piedmont Plateau encompasses a large area from the base of the Catoctin Mountains to the west to the head of the Chesapeake Bay. The rolling hills are reminiscent of horse country within Virginia's new Middleburg AVA. The Southern Plain is hot and humid and this is where the Mediterranean varieties excel particularly where the sandy soils can limit yields.
We've visited many of the wineries in these regions through WineCompass, MyJoogTV, and even VirginiaWineTV. And on each visit have been impressed with the wines as well as the dedication and enthusiasm of the winemakers. In the coming weeks we plan to showcase Maryland's wine trails and wines - starting with an old video of Ed Boyce co-owner of Black Ankle Vineyards - discussing why many of us consider him the premier winemaker in the state. Hope to see you in Baltimore on the 13th.
MyJoogTV Episode 3: Uncle Dave Huber at Black Ankle Vineyards from MyJoogTV on Vimeo.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Maker's Listens to Prevailing Winds, Reverses Course
Dear Ambassador,
Since we announced our decision last week to reduce the alcohol content (ABV) of Maker’s Mark in response to supply constraints, we have heard many concerns and questions from our ambassadors and brand fans. We’re humbled by your overwhelming response and passion for Maker’s Mark. While we thought we were doing what’s right, this is your brand – and you told us in large numbers to change our decision.
You spoke. We listened. And we’re sincerely sorry we let you down.
So effective immediately, we are reversing our decision to lower the ABV of Maker’s Mark, and resuming production at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof). Just like we’ve made it since the very beginning.
The unanticipated dramatic growth rate of Maker’s Mark is a good problem to have, and we appreciate some of you telling us you’d even put up with occasional shortages. We promise we'll deal with them as best we can, as we work to expand capacity at the distillery.
Your trust, loyalty and passion are what’s most important. We realize we can’t lose sight of that. Thanks for your honesty and for reminding us what makes Maker’s Mark, and its fans, so special.
We’ll set about getting back to bottling the handcrafted bourbon that our father/grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr. created. Same recipe. Same production process. Same product.
As always, we will continue to let you know first about developments at the distillery. In the meantime please keep telling us what’s on your mind and come down and visit us at the distillery. It means a lot to us.
Sincerely,
Rob Samuels
Chief Operating Officer
Ambassador-in-Chief
The United Grapes of America - Kansas - Davenport Winery Matrot Norton
When regularly traveling to Overland Park, Kansas - many years ago, I settled Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery and Davenport Winery at least once a month. Holy-Field was easiest to reach, situated not far from Interstates 70 and 435 and on course to the airport. Davenport, on the other hand, required a special trip to Lawrence, about 30 miles away. Fortunately, owner Greg Sipes accommodated my schedule by hosting regular business hours until 7PM on Wednesdays - lucky me. Like their neighbors in Missouri, Kansas wine consumers enjoy a good Norton and a couple Kansas wineries such as Davenport comply. Sipes has produced several styles of Norton, with one being the Matrot Norton, named after the Matrot Castle, a Topeka landmark since 1883 and a clandestine Prohibition hangout. Davenport Winery now operates a satellite tasting facility from the castle.into a routine where I would visit both
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| StarChefs.com: The United Grapes of America |
Thursday, February 14, 2013
North American Wine Roads - Texas - Thirsty Oaks Wine Trail
Due to the popularity of our listing of
North American Wine Trails & Regions, we've decided to expand this topic by enlisting the help of regional experts to describe the wine trails in their local. Our first guest writer is Jeff Cope, the Texas Wine Lover, who recently traveled the Thirsty Oaks Wine Trail.
To finish reading about the trip, visit Road Trip to the Thirsty Oaks Wine Trail.
We were invited to spend the weekend at the winery The Vineyard at Florence by our friends Mike and Carol. We gladly accepted the offer and we all tried to determine what other wineries were nearby. After looking at the map, I thought why not look to see what wine trails The Vineyard at Florence was on and it turned out to be the Thirsty Oaks Wine Trail. The wine trail includes four wineries: The Vineyard at Florence, Inwood Estates Vineyards, Perissos Vineyard and Winery, and Pilot Knob Vineyard. That turned out to be our scheduled plan.
Since we would be staying at The Vineyard at Florence villas, we decided to start at the furthest winery which was Perissos Vineyards. Since Mike and Carol would be staying until Monday and we had to leave on Sunday, we met at Perissos when it opened. Owner/winemaker Seth Martin soon greeted us and gave us a tour of the winery starting at the estate vineyard.
We had enjoyed a previous vineyard tour with Seth when they were giving free tours last year so we remembered most of what he told Mike and Carol, but with just the way Seth shows his enthusiasm about growing grapes, it is always enjoyable listening to him. He explained how they are adding another three acres of vines in April which will include Petite Sirah and Malbec. Seth described how he developed his own trellis system for the vines so everything is done at eye level instead of being lower which requires bending over or higher which eventually hurts your shoulders. Another thing Seth does differently than most other wineries is determining when to pick the grapes. Instead of relying on brix, pH, or acid to decide when to pick, he lets his tasting of the grapes determine it. He explained after the brix level is reached, the flavor of the grapes come through at that point, and that is when he prefers to pick just before they eventually would turn into raisins.
We then headed back into the winery to do a tasting of the wines. During the tasting, we were fortunate to do a tasting of the 2012 Viognier which would be bottled in three days. Again we were very lucky to have a vertical tasting of Perissos Tempranillos. These included the 2009 Tempranillo which is a blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Touriga Nacional, 2010 which is 80% Tempranillo and 20% Touriga Nacional, and the 2011 which is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Touriga Nacional. The overall favorite from the group was the 2011 which had the higher percentage of Tempranillo.
Seth Martin
To finish reading about the trip, visit Road Trip to the Thirsty Oaks Wine Trail.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Cakebread Cellars 2008 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon
then aged 22 months in French oak barrels, with almost half in new barrels. The wine starts a little hot on the nose, in which the alcohol eventually dissipates to reveal dark berries and leather. Tart blackberries surface in the palette with a creamy texture and bits of cocoa. The tannins are subtle, creating a fruit forward, easy drinking wine, closer to a pinot than a big Napa cab. To reach its full potential, the wine may need another year in bottle, but this is one that we finished rather quickly. And the 2009 has now been released, so you have two vintages to choose from. Cheers.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Maker's Mark Scrambles to Satisfy Demand by Diluting?
Dear Maker’s Mark® Ambassador,
Lately we’ve been hearing from many of you that you’ve been having difficulty finding Maker’s Mark in your local stores. Fact is, demand for our bourbon is exceeding our ability to make it, which means we’re running very low on supply. We never imagined that the entire bourbon category would explode as it has over the past few years, nor that demand for Maker’s Mark would grow even faster.
We wanted you to be the first to know that, after looking at all possible solutions, we’ve worked carefully to reduce the alcohol by volume (ABV) by just 3%. This will enable us to maintain the same taste profile and increase our limited supply so there is enough Maker’s Mark to go around, while we continue to expand the distillery and increase our production capacity.
We have both tasted it extensively, and it’s completely consistent with the taste profile our founder/dad/grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr., created nearly 60 years ago. We’ve also done extensive testing with Maker’s Mark drinkers, and they couldn’t tell a difference.
Nothing about how we handcraft Maker’s Mark has changed, from the use of locally sourced soft red winter wheat as the flavor grain, to aging the whisky to taste in air-dried American white oak barrels, to rotating our barrels during maturation, to hand-dipping every bottle in our signature red wax.
In other words, we’ve made sure we didn’t screw up your whisky.
Sincerely,
Rob Samuels
Chief Operating Officer
Ambassador-in-Chief
Update: And Maker's reverses their decision. See letter.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Wines of Santorini...from Assyrtiko to Vinsanto
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| Wines from Santorini |
Santorini, we've all seen photos of the picturous villages and white sandy beaches on this Greek archipelago. But many of us are probably unfamiliar of the rich wine-making tradition (3500 BC) on these islands - particular the main island of Santorini. We were very unfamiliar; until we received a care package of wines from the Wines From Santorini. Here's what we learned.
The current geographic layout of Santorini is the result of a massive volcanic eruption in 1600BC that created the central lagoon and surround islands. The inhabitants were destroyed, but a few vines survived which may be the lineage to the most important indigenous wine grape: Assyrtiko. Along with Athiri and Aidani, these grapes comprise the majority of Santorini white wines as well as Vinsanto (Italian: "holy wine"). This is a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, then aged in barrel; a Mediterranean delicacy for centuries.
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| Wines from Santorini |
The first wine we sampled was the Gavalas Winery 2009 Santorini a 90-10 blend of Assyrtiko and Aidan. The Gavalas family has been producing wine for three centuries and the grapes from this wine were harvested from the "vineyard of Santorini" that is considered to be the oldest in Greece; perhaps even the world's oldest continually cultivated vineyard. Pretty amazing. Only 25% of the juice is extracted from the grapes which is then fermented in stainless steel. The wine starts with a citrus aroma mixed in with a slight dose of salty air. The wine tastes fresh and clean, with hints of minerality and decent acidity. Very natural and nicely done.
The next wine was the Gaia Estate 2011 Thalassitis, 100% Assytiko. This winery is a youngster in relative terms, having opened in 1994. The owners, Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, started the winery in part to save an old tomato processing plant from being lost to the modern world - i.e tourism. Their Thalassitis (“Thalassitis Oenos” Greek for sea-originated wine) is named for the ancient practice of mixing wine with sea water apparently for therapeutic reasons. Did they know something we are missing today? Instead the owners of Gaia Estate believe that their proximity to the Aegean Sea creates a similar affect and provides the Thalassitis with a unique flavor. That, and 80-year old vines. The wine is bigger than the Gavalas with even more acidity but with the same mineral and and sea salt characteristics. This is your "Wow" wine, which was simultaneously proclaimed at our table causing a jinx comment from our son. Wow.
Finally, we moved to a vinsanto, the Karamolegos 2005 Vinsanto to be precise - a blend of Assytiko and Aidani. These grapes were sun-dried for twelve days, fermented two months in barrel, followed by two years aging in more oak. The result is a blood orange wine with raisins, honey, nuts, and vanilla popping up at various stages in the palette. The wine is syrupy - but not sickening so - with a long finish that invites you back for more. This is something else. We were first introduced to this style from a Cretan Wine exhibit at the South Beach Wine & Festival years ago and promptly forgot. Not anymore.
Here's to hoping we visit Santorini one day. Cheers.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The United Grapes of America - New Jersey - Tomasello Winery Rkatsiteli
From the plans of the southern Caucasus in the Republic of Georgia Tomasello Winery. The winery is one of the country's oldest, opening right after Prohibition was repealed (license #68). Three generations of Tomasellos have operated the winery, producing an assortment of vinifera, labrusca, hybrids, and fruit wines - can you say New Jersey blueberries. And Outer Coastal Plain Rkatsiteli ($12). We had hoped to share this wine during our Discovering Georgian Wines for #winechat tasting, but the to the outer coastal plain of New Jersey, the ancient Rkatsiteli has found a home at
logistics of online ordering failed us. Oh well. This wine starts with typical floral aromas, and continues with some apricots and spice on the palette. The wine seems drier than the Horton Vineyards and Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars - although the sugar levels are similar. Not as acidic either, but just enough to balance the equation. Kudos to Tomasello Winery for producing a truly unique wine.
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| StarChefs.com: The United Grapes of America |
Saturday, January 26, 2013
2006 Bennett Family "The Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon
After the Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Chardonnay, we finally opened our next wine from the Wine Chateau, the 2006 Bennett Family "The Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon. We were excited about this wine because we tend to shy away from Napa Valley cabs, primarily due to budgetary constraints. However, this one is definitely within our means, on sale for $20 at the online retailer. And what a QPR - particularly now that the wine has been able to mature in the bottle. The wine starts with a big aroma as dark cherry and chocolate engulf the nose. I thought my face was going to get stuck in the glass; I couldn't get enough of this sensation. Dark cherry continues in the palette, combined with bits of earthy dirt and a creamy texture that ends with subtle tannins and a little spice; but a smooth, smooth finish. This is an easy drinking wine where the 14.5% alcohol is barely apparent. Not bad from a family of whisky distillers. Cheers.
Monday, January 21, 2013
North American Wine Trails & Regions
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| Karen Batalo Marketing & PR |
Alabama
Arizona
Baja, Mexico
British Columbia
California
- Alexander Valley Winegrowers
- Amador County Vintners
- Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
- Apple Hill Growers Association Wineries
- Calaveras Wine Association
- Carneros Quality Alliance
- Central Coast Wine Growers Association
- East Bay Vintner’s Alliance
- El Dorado Winery Association
- Fair Play Wineries
- Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Assoc
- Livermore Valley Wine Country
- Lodi Appellation Winery Association
- Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission
- Madera Vintners Association
- Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission
- Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association
- Napa Valley Vinters
- Paso Robles Wine Country
- Placer County Wine and Grape Association
- River Road Wine Trail
- Russian River Valley Winegrowers
- San Luis Obispo Vintners Association
- Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association
- Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association
- Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association
- Sierra Vintners
- Silverado Trail Wineries Association
- Sonoma County Wineries Association
- Southwest California Vintners
- Spring Mountain District
- Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
- Tesla Vintners
- West Sonoma Coast Vintners
- Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
- Wineries of Santa Clara Valley
- Front Range Winery Association
- Grand Valley Winery Association
- Mesas Wine Trail
- Rocky Mountain Association of Vintners
- West Elks AVA
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
- Heartland Rivers Wine Trail
- Northern Illinois Wine Trail
- Scenic Rivers Wine Trail
- Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
- Wabash Valley Wine Trail
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
- Antietam Highlands Trail
- Carroll Wine Trail
- Chesapeake Wine Trail
- Frederick Wine Trail
- Mason-Dixon Wine Trail
- Patuxent Wine Trail
- Piedmont Wine Trail
Michigan
- Leelanau Peninsula
- Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
- Southwest Michigan Wine Trail
- Sunrise Side Wine & Hops Trail
- Wineries of Old Mission
- Eastern Rivers
- Minnesota Gold
- Northern Lakes Region
- Three Rivers Wine Trail
- Twin Cities Region
- Western Prairies
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New Jersey
- Atlantic County Wine Trail
- Cape May Wine Trail
- Gloucester Salem Wine Trail
- Shore Wine Trail
- Sussex Wine Trail
- Warren Hunterdon Wine Trail
- Cayuga Wine Trail
- Chautauqua Wine Trail
- Cooperstown Beverage Trail
- Dutchess County Wine Trail
- Finger Lakes Wine Country
- Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail
- Keuka Lake Wine Trail
- Long Island Wine Country
- Niagara Wine Trail
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail
- Shawangunk Wine Trail
North Dakota
Nova Scotia
Ohio
- Appalachian Trail
- Canal Country Trail
- Capital City Trail
- Grand River Valley
- Lake Erie Vines and Wines Trails
- Lake Erie Shores And Islands Trail
- Ohio River Valley Wine Trail
- Niagara on the Lake
- Niagara Winery Guide
- Prince Edward County Wine Region
- Southwestern Ontario Vintners Association
- Columbia Gorge Wine Country
- Dundee Hills
- Southern Oregon Winery Association
- Willamette Valley Wineries
- Wineries of Lane County
- Yamhill-Carlton District
- Berks County Wine Trail
- Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
- Bucks County Wine Trail
- Groundhog Wine Trail
- Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
- Mason-Dixon Wine Trail
- Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
- Cross Timbers Wine Trail
- Dallas Town and Country Wine Trail
- Dallas Wine Trail
- Driftwood Wine Trail
- Dripping Wine Trail
- Fredericksburg Wine Road 290
- Grapevine Wine Trail
- Guadalupe Valley Wine Trail
- Munson Wine Trail
- Piney Woods Wine Trail
- Red River Wine Trail
- San Gabriel Wine Trail
- Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail
- Texas High Plains Wine and Vine Trail
- Texas Hill Country
- Thirsty Oaks Wine Trail
- Top of the Hill Country Wine Trail
- Way Out Wineries of Texas
Virginia
- Bedford Wine Trail
- BlueRidge Wine Trail
- Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
- DCs Wine Country
- Foothills Scenic Wine Trail
- General's Wine and History Trail
- Heart of Virginia Wine Trail
- Mountain Road Wine Experience
- Monticello Wine Trail
- SoVA Wine Trail
- Wine Trail of Botetourt
- Columbia Cascade Winery Association
- Columbia Gorge Wine Country
- Columbia Valley Winery Association
- North Sound Wineries
- Puget Sound Winegrowers Asscoiation
- RattleSnake Hills
- South Seattle Artisan Wineries
- Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
- Wine Yakima Valley
Friday, January 18, 2013
Wine 101: Corot noir
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| Corot noir courtesy of Double A Vineyards |
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| Hunt Country Vineyards Classic Red |
In Branchport, New York, Al Hunt of Hunt Country Vineyards grows Corot Noir to keep his wines competitively priced. His customers demand wines below $10 and their Classic Red fits that bill. Plus this five varietal, medium bodied blend has won several Golds, including a recent one at the Florida International Wine Competition. We need to get our hands on this one.
Corot Noir seems to have found a home in New York and Illinois, but is also grown in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and even Colorado and South Dakota. Here is an alphabetical list.
- Beneduce Vineyards - Pittstown, NJ
- Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard - Rural Retreat, VA
- Deer Run Winery - Hector, NY
- Dill's Run Winery - Union Springs, NY
- Forsee Vineyards and Winery - Coffeen IL
- Hunt Country Vineyards - Branchport, NY
- Le Fuselier Winery - Canon City, CO
- Prairie Berry Winery - Hill City SD
- Presque Isle Wine Cellars - North East, PA
- Ridge View Winery - Mt. Sterling, IL
- Silver Moon Winery - Lanark, IL
- Taylor Brooke Winery - Woodstock, CT
- Villa Marie Winery and Vineyard - Maryville, IL
Monday, January 14, 2013
The United Grapes of America - Arizona - Arizona Stronghold Tazi
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| StarChefs.com: The United Grapes of America |
Blood Into Wine, the story of Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski quest to Arizona Stronghold Vineyards is a cult winery, popular not only on the left coast but on the right. And on our coast some of their wines are available through Wholefoods by Vino 50 - such as the Tazi - Aromatic White Blend ($23). And aromatics is what you get. Orange and flowers linger on the nose, moving to citrus flavors and a crisp dry finish. Pretty impressive. The 2011 blend consists of 28% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Riesling, 18% Malvasia, & 16% Chenin Blanc; the composition changes year to year - but the results are the same. This is why they turned blood into wine.
produce world class wine in the northern Arizona desert. Ever seen the movie? Well they did it; sorry to ruin the ending. And now their
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