We’re finally in the United States to study wines outside of California. I didn’t know that all 50 states makes wine nor did I know that we are ranked 4th among the big boys for most wines. One thing I don’t like is that United States are little too lenient on their labeling. They can put anything, such as “reserve” and it doesn’t have to mean anything. Also I wish they would also use AVA in their labeling to show that they’ve done all the trouble to get a special area to grow grapes.
Region: Finger Lakes, New York
Producer: Harvey Estates Vintage: 2010
Grape Variety: Riesling
The color on this wine was pale yellow with hints of green and no viscosity. I smelled pears but others added oranges, orchids and clean. Once tasting it, I knew I found another wine that I would buy. It had low acidity, which reading from the wine label it had low percentage of alcohol. It also tasted like peaches and had residual sugar. This could be a good starter wine for. It can be paired with a creamy cheesy seafood casserole. I could introduce this to my little sister.
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon AVA
Name: The Four Graces Vintage: 2010
Grape Variety: Pinot Gris
My first Pinot Gris. Not bad it was okay. The color of this wine was very transparent with low viscosity. The smell was very much like apples but others added white peach, Asian pears and keylime. The taste was much like apple juice that just about turned and tart. This can be paired with oysters or Chilean sea bass.
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State AVA
Producer: Eve Vintage: 2010
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
The color of this wine was yellow, hay-like and daybright. I immediately smelled apricots with very subtle vanilla due to the oak. This wine was full-bodied, apple juice that has turned a week ago and pears. Interesting taste. This can be paired with chicken with cream sauce or pasta alfredo. I’ll take wine with the foods.
Name: Indian Wells
Producer: Chateau St. Michelle Vintage: 2010
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine was purple maybe dark cherries. It smelled of oak, dry cherries, pomegranate, black peppers, rosemary, thyme and hints of caramel. Interesting combination. This wine was very full-bodied, very dry. It also has some spice, green peppers, pomegranate, oak and sour plum. I didn’t like this wine much. It was pretty sour but it can be paired with a pepper steak.
Region: Virginia Vintage: 2008
Name: Lord Boretourt Red Williamsburg Winery
Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc
This wine was intense and had the color of eggplant with medium viscosity. The smell to me had green peppers, oak, pomegranate and dry cherries. It tasted like spice, maybe black pepper and green peppers. I can be paired with a hamburg with gruyere cheese with shake shack sauce, lettuce and red pepper. This wine was okay but not my favorite.
So many new wines this week! And in the US there are so many more to taste! Explore wines from Oregon, your palate seems to be geared to the aromatic wines you can find there.