The Other 46

Terroir is the French term in wine used to describe the role geography, soil and climate of a certain place plays on a grape variety.  To put simply, you either have it or you don’t. Glen Manor Vineyards, located in Front Royal, Virginia, certainly has it.  Owner and winemaker Jeff White has turned his 4th generation family farm into one of the true gems in Virginia wine and has produced a noteworthy lineup of wines that showcase the true potential of the state.  His mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc is one of, if not the best, example from the state. The Hodder Hill and Vin Rouge red blends deliver razor-sharp focus and balance, challenging whether or not Viognier should be promoted as the states signature grape (another story for a different day).

Situated on the western flank of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vines grow high on steep mountain slopes, in very deep and well drained rocky soils.  Nearby mountains, ranging between 1400 and 3400 feet in elevation, surround the vineyards forming a “Glen”.  The vineyards are comprised of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot vines. A $5 tasting fee affords visitors the opportunity to taste what I consider to be some of the best wines the state has to offer.  It’s difficult to choose a favorite.

Glen Manor is a special place.  The kind of place you plan an entire trip around. Stressing quality over quantity and staying true to his farming roots, Jeff has built a winery that not only does the state proud, but makes me proud to pour Virginia wine.  Cheers!

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll remember my prior review of the Smoky Hills Merlot, a wine produced from grapes grown outside of the state (We’re Not in Kansas Anymore). It’s no secret that I’m not a proponent of this practice and would prefer wineries source grapes from within the state.  Be it a hybrid or even a fruit wine, I’d much rather pour a local wine. So when I received an email from Magdalena Rahn to revisit Kansas wines, I jumped at the opportunity.

Since 2005, the number of licensed wineries in Kansas has risen from 13 to 25.  A renewed focus on quantity and quality, the state is proving there’s more to Kansas than fields of corn and magical red slippers.  2010 Jefferson Cup Winner, Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery, is helping to rebuild the once world-famous Midwest grape growing and wine industry.

Located just 20 miles south of the cultural hub of Kansas City, the family-owned winery began operations in 1998.  With more than 8000 vines of 14 different varieties, Somerset Ridge is sure to offer a wine for every palate.  Tonight I feature their meritage and port-style wine.

The 2009 Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery Ruby Red is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chancellor.  Aged 18 months in Missouri American oak barrels, the fruit-forward blend displayed ripe red fruits on the nose.  Cherry, raspberry and black licorice on the palate.  A dry, medium-bodied wine that retails for $17.  1200 cases produced.

In the mood for dessert?  Be sure to try the Somerset Ridge NV Ruby Port, a port-style wine fortified with brandy.  Aged 2 years in neutral oak barrels, the Ruby Port retails for $19.99.  Smooth, rich and delicious.  400 cases produced.

Curious to learn more about Kansas wine?  Be sure to follow @WineKansas on twitter, a nonpartisan state committee representing the Kansas wine industry.  Cheers!

Click here to vote TheOther46.com as your favorite wine blog!

Syrah is renowned throughout the Rhône Valley in France, famous across Australia (Shiraz) and continues to grow in popularity in California.  So imagine my surprise when I pulled the cork on a varietal Syrah from Ohio.  You read correctly, Ohio!  The Syrah hails from Kinkead Ridge Vineyard and Winery, located in Ripley, Ohio.  I’ve raved about their wines before, and tonight, I showcase their estate Syrah.

The Kinkead Ridge 2008 Syrah showed a deep ruby red hue in glass with wild berries, pepper and spice on the nose – and a subtle hint of smoke that lingers after the first swirl.

In the mouth, blackberry, plum, vanilla, cloves and tobacco flavors shine through. A balanced, medium-bodied wine with great acidity and refined tannins, making this age-worthy Syrah a perfect match with dinner.

Only 194 cases were produced, and at $19.95, Kinkead Ridge delivers one of the best quality to price ratio Syrahs in the United States.  Once again, Kinkead Ridge has proven that Ohio has the terroir (and talent) to produce world-class wines.  Cheers!

Kinkead Ridge 2008 Syrah

Kinkead Ridge cork photo by Megan Nadolski.

Click here to vote TheOther46.com as your favorite wine blog!

With the Wine Bloggers Conference right around the corner, I may have a slight bias towards Virginia wines for the next two months. Plus, considering it’s in the state I was born and raised, all the more reason to drink Virginia wine and share my thoughts on the current state of the industry (and trust me, I have many).  Tonight, I’ll focus my energy on a winery that I have long enjoyed visiting, Gray Ghost Vineyards.

A family owned and operated winery, Gray Ghost Vineyards is located in Amissville, Virginia on the Blue Ridge WineWay, just under an hour drive from Washington DC.  A veteran on the burgeoning Virginia wine scene, Gray Ghost opened their doors in 1994 and currently cultivates over 8000 vines on 13 acres including varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc.

Gray Ghost Victorian Red

The Gray Ghost Victorian Red is a light, semi-dry, rosé-style wine produced from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay (fermented in stainless steel if my memory serves me correct).  Bright red fruit flavors with notes of cranberry and strawberry.  A bit pricey at $15, but served slightly chilled in the right atmosphere, the Victorian Red is an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing wine.  Cheers!

Click here to vote TheOther46.com as your favorite wine blog!