I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love sparkling wines.  I especially love sparklers that hail from the other 46 states.  Wineries in New York, Virginia and New Mexico are quickly earning a reputation for producing excellent value sparkling wines that are competing directly with California and France.  Quality is rising and the mainstream media is taking notice.

I recently had the opportunity to check off another state from my list of excellent sparkling wine producers when I opened the 2006 Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs from Biltmore Estate.  Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore is producing a quality Blanc de Blancs from 100% North Carolina Chardonnay grapes that retails for a very fair $29.99.

Tiny bubbles set the stage for a lovely and balanced wine sure to impress.  Paired with food or served solo, the sparking wine from North Carolina is a winner.  Cheers!

Biltmore Estate Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs - 2006 North Carolina

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Biltmore Estate 2008 Chardonnay

Home to more than 90 wineries and the country’s most visited winery in Biltmore Estate, North Carolina is on the up and up when it comes to local wine.  Focusing on native Muscadine and European-style vinifera grapes, the number of wineries have more than quadrupled since 2001 [1].  Ranked 7th for wine production in the United States, North Carolina recently recognized it’s 3rd American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the Haw River Valley, joining Swan Creek and the Yadkin Valley.

Located in Asheville, Biltmore Estate Winery opened its doors in 1985 and welcomes over 1 million visitors annually to sample their award-winning estate wines.  In addition to their portfolio of wines produced from their 94-acre estate vineyard, Biltmore also produces a variety of wines from grapes sourced outside of North Carolina.

Tonight I feature the 2008 Estate Chardonnay.  Retailing for $15.99, the dry, full-bodied Chardonnay displays aromas of oak and tropical fruit on the nose.  On the palate, much of the same.  Buttery, oaky, and fruity were some of the words tossed around.  A simple, straight-forward wine that begs for a patio, a nice cheese platter, and good friends.  Cheers!

Works Cited
[1] Dosier, Susan. North Carolina Wine Fact Sheet. “http://media.visitnc.com/news/55/102/Wine-Industry-Facts/d,mediakit.html” (accessed April 19, 2010)

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Sharpe Hill Vineyards 2007 Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay

I recently poured a local wine that left me completely speechless and with a big smile on my face.  The wine, a 2007 Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay from Sharpe Hill Vineyards, is easily the best kept secret on the east coast.  Featured in the April ’09 issue of Wine Spectator, the Chardonnay won the magazines “Final Four Taste Off” against another highly regarded winery, Chaddsford Winery in Pennsylvania.  Located in Pomfret, Connecticut, Sharpe Hill also produces the popular Ballet of Angels (read my earlier review), the best selling wine made in New England.  Needless to say, Sharpe Hill offers an award-winning portfolio of wines for every wine lover.

The Chardonnay is a 100% estate grown blend of Chardonnay and Melonde Bourgogne.  On the nose, equal parts of citrus and apple aromas give way to a hint of vanilla and oak.  Burgundian in style bringing balanced fruit and minerals to the palate, the wine is crisp and clean with a beautiful finish (I must admit, I may have poured a little more in my glass).  The Spectator scored the Chardonnay a solid 88, but is an easy 90 plus wine on my palate.  A superb wine that is a steal at $16.99.

I urge my readers to experience Sharpe Hill Vineyards for themselves, whether in person, or online.  And be sure to tell them TheOther46.com sent you.  Cheers!

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I had the opportunity to meet Rob Beecham, COO of Beecham Builders, and also part of the leadership team at Montaluce Winery and Estates late last year in Orlando.  Down visiting Disney World, I welcomed the chance to meet up and discuss Montaluce and their first vintage.  Montaluce is the first of its kind in Georgia, a development conceptualized and planned around wine, food, and community.  Located just outside of Dahlonega and north of Atlanta, Montaluce provides the perfect backdrop for a long weekend wine rendezvous or a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

Montaluce 2008 Chardonnay

Before bidding adieu, Rob gave me a bottle each of their 2008 vintage Chardonnay, Viognier, Risata, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Tonight I focus on their white wines.  Coincidentally, I happened to pair each wine with scallops.  On the nose, the Chardonnay displayed consistent notes of green apples and pears, followed by lemon, honeysuckle, and a hint of minerality in the mouth.  A crisp, balanced Chardonnay that pairs perfectly with shellfish or salad.  A few nights later, I opened the Viognier.  This happened to be my first Viognier from the state and will definitely not be my last.  A floral nose gives way to peach, apricot, and citrus.  A delicious example that showcases the varietal expression of Viognier.  Bravo.

Stressing quality over quantity, Montaluce has all the key ingredients for a bright future in Georgia.  I look forward to enjoying a bottle very soon on my next visit to Georgia’s wine country.  In the meantime, I recommend a visit to Montaluce (and to my Georgia friends, what are you waiting for) and be sure to tell them TheOther46.com sent you.  Cheers!

* FYI, the beautiful photo (and icon) displayed on the home page was shot by Biskuit and can be seen on Flickr.

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Whatever kind of mood you’re in tonight.  Hopefully everyone is familiar with Billy Joel’s, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.  Tonight I feature two wines (a red and a white) from Pend d’Oreille Winery, located near the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho. Winemaker, Steve Meyer, uses traditional French methods with grapes sourced from world-class vineyards of the Pacific Northwest to produce multiple award-winning wines.

With a lineup of various cheeses ready from Whole Foods, I pulled the cork on the 2008 Chardonnay.  Barrel fermented and aged in 100% French oak and retailing for $16 a bottle, 675 cases were produced of this Vickers Vineyard Chardonnay.  A nice floral nose, showing a hint of oak and toasted almonds in the background.  On the palate, flavors of apples and melon dominate before a toasty finish.

Last, but certainly not least, was the 2006 Snake River Valley Pinot Noir.  Aged 20 months in 100% French oak, the $22 Pinot Noir is sourced from the Kuna Butte Vineyard, located in Kuna, Idaho.  The nose is ripe with cherry and raspberry fruit.  The palate is similarly ripe with cherry, spice and plum.

Another impressive showing from Idaho and especially Pend d’Oreille Winery.  I also recommend trying their Bistro Rouge, a popular red blend.

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One of eight wineries located on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail in southeastern Pennsylvania, Twin Brook Winery is a 67 acre farm complete with estate winery, vineyards, and plenty of picturesque views.  Located in Gap, Pennsylvania, the property includes a restored 19th century barn, making it the perfect location for picnics, concerts, and more importantly, award-winning wines!  Winemaker Tim Jobe planted the first grape vines in 1985, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, among many others (12 to be exact).  Tim kindly sent three whites for me to sample, a “Naked” Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio, and last but certainly not least, the Reserve Chardonnay.

Up first in the lineup included the 2008 Pinot Grigio.  A medium-bodied, dry wine, retailing for $16, citrus dominates both the nose and palate.  A wine for the masses, I can see this wine flying out of the tasting room (not surprisingly, the wine is sold out).  Next up included the 2008 Naked Chardonnay.  At $16 retail, the medium-bodied wine is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish or a lazy afternoon.  My top prize was awarded to the 2008 Chardonnay Reserve. Barrel aged in American oak, the Chardonnay is easily one of the best East Coast examples I’ve had to date.  Retailing for a very reasonable $18 (California take note), I’d love to have a case of this sitting around.

Out of the gate, Pennsylvania has impressed with great value.  It may be time for Pennsylvania to change its’ license plates from:

You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania to We’ve Got Great Wine in Pennsylvania

Cheers!

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After several visits to Virginia’s wine country, I decided it was finally time to cross the state line to experience Maryland and the growing wine industry for myself.  I’ve repeatedly had my sights set on a visit, but for whatever reasons, always ran out of time.  Thankfully, I followed through and jumped on the Frederick Wine Trail.  Our first stop, and the focus of my post tonight is Elk Run Vineyards.  Located in Mt. Airy, Maryland and situated in the rolling hills of Frederick County, the winery has two vineyards totaling 24 acres.

Elk Run Vineyards

Elk Run offers two tastings, a featured flight of 6 wines for $5 OR your choice of 6 wines for $8.  I opted for the latter, considering I had already zeroed in on a few wines prior to my visit.  My lineup included 2 whites and 4 reds.  Up first, the Cold Friday Chardonnay, was fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak.  A full-bodied Chardonnay with vanilla and oak notes.  The second wine, a 2008 Gewürztraminer, took first place for the whites and is a consistent winner for Elk Run. The 2009 Winemasters Choice gold medal winner, the Gewürztraminer firmly cements Maryland’s place on the wine map.  Bravo.

Elk Run Vineyards

For the reds, the 2007 Cold Friday Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were the runaway winners.  The Cab Franc is a spicy, peppery wine that can stand alone or pairs well with food.  The Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) was my wine-of-the-day and will be featured later this week in a separate post.  Stay tuned.

If you haven’t visited a Maryland winery, what are you waiting for,  just do it!  I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

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The next stop on the Monticello Wine Trail included a visit to Keswick Vineyards.  Located at the historic 400-acre Edgewood Estate in Keswick, Virginia, the winery was recently awarded the 2009 Virginia Governor’s Cup for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (see my earlier post on the Governor’s Cup).

Keswick offers two tastings, a regular ($5) and select ($8 and includes the glass).  I opted for the select tasting which included 7 wines, three whites and four reds.  The whites were solid, with my top scores going to the Chardonnay and the Les Vents d’Anges, both from the 2008 vintage.  A textbook Chardonnay retailing for $18.95, was fermented and aged in a combination of French and American Oak.  The Les Vents d’Anges ($17.95 retail) is a stainless steel Viognier that was simply delicious.  Beautiful citrus on the nose, followed by good acidity on the palate.

Keswick Vineyards

As advertised, the reds were impressive and scored highest on my tasting sheet.  I enjoyed all four, with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Touriga taking the top spots.  A fruit bomb, the Touriga retails for $19.95 and is blended with Chambourcin, a hybrid grape that is doing very well in Virginia.  Last, but certainly not least, is the Governor’s Cup winner.  Although not worth the price tag of $59.95, the Cab is a solid effort that shows the potential of the variety in Virginia.

I’m excited to visit Keswick in the future and recommend my readers do so as well.  Pack a picnic or enjoy a cheese ball with a bottle of their award-winning wines.  Cheers!

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Travessia 2007 UnOaked Chardonnay, Massachusets

This past weekend I opened a Chardonnay received from Marco Montez, owner and winemaker of Travessia Urban Winery.  Located in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, Travessia is an urban winery focused on producing wines from grapes grown exclusively in Massachusetts.  Sourcing its grapes from Running Brook Vineyards, the 2007 vintage includes Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc.  Two reds, a Merlot and Cabernet Franc are due to be released this coming Fall.  Sharing my same passion for local wines, Marco is helping to put Massachusetts on the wine map!

The wine clocks in at 13.7% alcohol and retails for $14.  Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, the dry white wine was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel tank.  I’m a big fan of “naked” Chards and find myself drinking more and more over its oaked counterpart.  Paired alongside sushi, the wine proved to be a big hit.  At $14, who needs to spend big dollars on Heitz or Cakebread!  I highly recommend a visit to Travessia, and at the very least, be sure to visit them online.  Cheers!

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Breaux Vineyards Entrance Sign

Whenever I visit Northern Virginia, there are three wineries that are must visits.  One of those, Breaux Vineyards, is located in Purcellville, VA on the Loudoun Wine Trail.  Easily one of the most picturesque wineries in Virginia with sweeping views of the valley between the Blue Ridge and Short Hill Mountains.  The 404 acre estate has over 100 acres planted in 18 different grape varieties, making it one of the largest growers in the region.

We visited on a Wednesday where Breaux is one of the few Virginia wineries open during the week.  The tasting room was quiet and the weather fabulous to sample some of Virginia’s best.  The tasting fee is $10 and includes 13 wines.  If I were to include all of my notes, this post would become a small novel, so I’ll stick with the highlights.  Up first were the whites.  The ’07 Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier were my winners of the group.  The Sauvignon Blanc was outstanding and has me very excited about the potential of this grape variety in Virginia.  A dry, crisp wine with good fruit left me wishing I had driven to Virginia versus flying.  I’m limited to what I can pack in my suitcase and of course, it’s no time to be shipping wine to Florida in this heat.  The Viognier, on my palate at least, was a unique example for Virginia (which I appreciate).  Beautiful orange blossom and pineapple dominated throughout.  The ’06 Select Barrel Chardonnay and the ’05 Madeleines Chardonnay are great examples of the contrasting styles of this variety and are highly recommended.

A View of the Vineyards

After enjoying the whites, I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Breaux, Director of Sales & Hospitality.  After introductions, we jumped right into the reds, where Jennifer and the tasting room associate provided background on their current reds.  Up first was the Equation.  A blend of Merlot from the ’05 and ’07 vintages, with a splash of Petit Verdot, the wine retails for $15.  A great quality to price ratio for a Virginia wine!  Up next included the ’05 Marquis De Lafayette, a 100% Cab Franc.  I had written down black pepper and plum on my tasting sheet.  Lighter bodied than I had remembered, and once more, a great example of a Virginia Cab Franc.  Breaux has a great Cabernet Sauvignon program, producing age worthy Cabs.  We sampled the ’03 which was complex, earthy, and well-balanced.  My wine of the day featured the 2002 Merlot Reserve, which made its way to Florida safe and sound in my luggage.  Expect an upcoming review of this wine.  The last of the reds included the much-praised, small production Nebbiolo.  Coming in at $48, the wine exhibits nice fruit and complexities with earthy, cherry, and tobacco characteristics.  We finished off our tasting with a selection of dessert wines.  I had mentioned the tasting included 13 wines, but our tasting associate pulled out the recently bottled Nebbiolo Ice Wine, that is certain to become a Virginia classic.  A beautiful wine that my wife and I went on and on about.  One bottle came home and will be reviewed at a later date.

Breaux Vineyards

I’ve tried to do my best summing up Breaux Vineyards, but sometimes words can’t describe and pictures don’t do justice. From the customer service to the wine, Breaux Vineyards is a must on every itinerary when visiting Virginia wine country.  I’ve noticed a jump in my site traffic thanks to all of my Virginia fans.  As a thank you, I will send two free Breaux tasting passes for the tenth comment telling me their favorite Breaux wine OR a favorite Breaux story.  Hurry up and plan that trip to Breaux Vineyards and be sure to tell them The Other 46 sent you.  Cheers!

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