The Other 46

Creating a new website is never easy. Creating a website to cover an entire industry is nearly impossible. Several years back, I visited Georgia to taste the current vintages, and more importantly, see where the industry was headed through my own lens. Not surprisingly, and consistent with the other 46 states, the industry was thriving. New wineries, great wines, busy tasting rooms and an enthusiasm from winemakers I hadn’t experienced from the state before. All of these factors usually result in state support, especially given the economic impact. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case to date. I voiced my opinion in an earlier piece titled, “The Georgia Wine Industry, Finding Their Voice“.

Fast forward a few years, the state has lost a bit of momentum with the exit of the iconic BlackStock Vineyards and the award-winning Persimmon Creek Vineyards. BlackStock’s Winemaker and Owner, David Harris, points to the recent bad vintage, but also mentions the importation of grapes and wine eroding the market. Once more, another example where more state support and a single non-partisan organization can help.

One of my primary goals behind TheOther46.com was to promote the states that are too often excluded from the mainstream wine coverage. Whether it be through this blog, social media or some other vehicle. Taking that one step further, I’m excited to formally announce the launch of Georgia’s most comprehensive winery website, VisitGeorgiaWineries.com. An effort that has been in the works for over a year, the new site will allow visitors to view the industry as a whole. The new site includes winery maps, features and reviews. Like any new site, the success will depend on you, and especially the wineries. I’m excited about the potential, and even more so for the Georgia wine industry. Drink local my friends. Cheers!

As Rhône-style wines continue to gain in popularity, a handful of Colorado winemakers are having great success with Syrah, both as a varietal or a blend. One winery in particular, Canyon Wind Cellars, consistently produces one of my favorites from the state. Their minimalist approach to winemaking, combined with the excellent Colorado terroir, makes the Canyon Wind 2007 Syrah a must try. Planted in 2001, the first vintage debuted in 2005 and continues through the present. The cliffside vineyard wine is a 100% Syrah. Rich and spicy, the full-bodied wine is a treat with hearty meats. Highly recommend.

There are moments when I think I could only drink one regions wine and be perfectly happy. The Finger Lakes happens to be one of those such regions. I credit Lenn Thompson and the New York Cork Report for the introduction and making my bank account a bit smaller.

What started with an invite to a Twitter TasteLive event hosted by Lenn and the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association back in 2010, has transformed into a small obsession and me becoming a huge champion of the regions diverse wines. So much in fact I considered renaming my blog to afford me the flexibility to write about New York wines! One winery in particular, Ravines Wine Cellars, had me from hello.

The story begins in 2000 when Morten and Lisa Hallgren purchased a 17 acre parcel of land on a glacier-carved hillside on the Eastern slopes of Keuka lake. This land is located at the widest part of the lake which allows grapevines to receive maximum benefit from its temperature-moderating effects. It has a good slope which keeps the mineral rich soils well-drained, and is situated between two deep ravines, which drain cold air from the land during the winter. These ravines are the namesake of the winery.

Refined whites or complex reds, it’s hard to go wrong with Ravines. The Ravines Wine Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc, a perennial favorite, is a great example of one of the regions signature red grapes. Varietally correct, the fruit-forward wine impresses with black fruit, pepper and spice on the nose and palate. At $19 retail, it’s hard to find a better value. But don’t take my word for it, instead, go out and try for yourself. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Cheers!