WineCompass

syndicated content powered by FeedBurner

• Pomme and Perry Showcase: Single Varietal Ciders

  Posted: 2024-11-18 06:00

  We look at each cider as a story. When we are making our ciders from the year's harvest we take the apples we are given, the characters, and try to blend into a particular story. Some might be more easy going, others might be more edgy. Making single varietal ciders subtracts the whole story and leaves us focusing on the character, which helps us to get to know the stars of the story - APPLES. -- Nate Watters, Keepsake Cidery

  

  Most ciders on the market are blends of various cider apples sculpted to incorporate various aspects of each apple. But have you ever wondered about the unique characteristics of an individual apple variety? Is it sharp (acidic), sweet, tannic as depicted through the Long Ashton Research Station (LARS) classification? 

  By understanding the characteristics of each variety and adjusting production techniques accordingly, cider makers can craft complex and flavorful ciders that showcase the best of each apple. They must factor in the growing conditions of the apples as well as the yeast strains and fermentation temperatures. 

  For instance, there are key differences in growing conditions required for optimal flavor development in various single varietal cider apple varieties. These include:

  • Climate: Cooler temperatures for sharp and full sharp varieties, moderate temperatures for traditional and modern varieties
  • Soil: Acidic soils for bittersharp apples, well-draining soils for dessert apples
  • Orchard style: Traditional cider apple varieties thrive in mature, high-density orchards with a mix of soil types and moderate climate conditions. 
  • Region: Cider apples grown in different regions, such as the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Northwest in the US, may require adjustments to growing conditions based on local climate and soil characteristics. 
  • Apple variety: Single varietal ciders made from heritage or traditional cider apple varieties may require specific growing conditions, such as cooler temperatures and higher acidity, to bring out their unique flavor characteristics. In contrast, ciders made from dessert apples may be more forgiving of varying growing conditions.

  Snow Capped Cider must manage one set of these differing growing environments. The estate cidery is located at the bottom of The Grand Mesa -- the largest flat top mountain in the world. The orchards sit at elevation ranges between 6,130' - 7,000' and they trees are planted in fertile organic soils irrigated naturally by snow runoff.  This natural condition maintains nutrients -- and along with the high amounts of U.V. exposure due to the altitude -- creates a very high sugar concentration in all of their fruit.  Yet the conditions also encourage the development of tannins and acidity - balancing the sugars. Acidity from the diurnal temperatures and tannins from the fruit's ripeness. 

  Different yeast strains and fermentation temperatures can also significantly impact the final flavor profile of single varietal ciders. Yeast strains can introduce various flavor compounds, while fermentation temperatures affect yeast growth, enzyme activity, and the production of volatile compounds. By understanding the characteristics of different yeast strains and fermentation temperatures, cidermakers can experiment and tailor their processes to achieve specific flavor profiles, ultimately creating unique and complex ciders.

  Here are a few single varietal ciders that we have sampled recently - most through the BevFluence Pomme and Perry Showcase.

  

  Hewe’s Crab was the most common fruit variety grown in eighteenth-century Virginia. It is thought to be a cross between the native American crabapple, Malus angustifolia, and the domesticated European apple. It produces a delicious cinnamon-flavored cider that is both sugary and pungent. Jefferson planted his entire north orchard exclusively with this variety and once wrote that crushing the juicy Hewe's Crab for cider was like "squeezing a wet sponge." Its small, round fruit, which ripens in September in Central Virginia, is dull red and streaked with green. (monticello.org)  

  The Hewe's Crab apple is considered Bittersharp with the bitter implying high tannins (polyphenols) and the sharp implying high acidity (malic acid). This is based on the Long Ashton Research Station (LARS) classification. The tannins and acidity can provide this cider the capability to age.  We are holding back the James Creek Cider House Etude No 4 - Hewe's Crab to test that thesis, but for now this is a perfectly balanced cider in terms of acidity and tannins. The apples were sourced from Glaize Old Home Orchard (60%) and Kordick Family Farm (30%) - don't you love that type of information - and aged in French oak. This one is interesting in that there is a sense of the tropics - as in tropical fruit - in this delicious sparkling cider. 

  

  Ashmead's Kernel is an old English russet apple that originated from a seed planted around 1700 by Dr. Thomas Ashmead in Gloucester, England. The apple is lumpy, misshapen, and rather small with green and golden-brown skin, and a distinct crisp, nutty snap.  Interestingly, Ashmead's Kernel is one of a few apple varieties from the Old World that succeeded in the New World.  "When the first settlers arrived in North America they brought with them tried and tested varieties from Europe, yet few adapted to the very different climates of North America and most of the early successful American apple varieties were chance seedlings that evolved in America.  However Ashmead's Kernel did thrive, and today holds a position of respect on both sides of the Atlantic..". -- Orange Pippen

  The Snow Capped Cider 2020 Ashmead's Kernel is a nice representation of the apple as this Pet-Nat styled cider is made using apples grown in their high altitude Colorado orchards (6,130 feet), slowly fermented with natural yeast,  and bottled before fermentation sis complete. This cider has a strong red delicious fresh cider flavor with plenty of juicy acidity and mild tannings. 

  Chestnut Crabapple is a larger crabapple introduced at the University of Minnesota in 1949 as a cold hardy pollinator. However, the apple is one of the oldest in the University of Minnesota apple breeding program and was likely "the product of the original seed collected in 1907/1908 that founded the program".  It is very disease resistant to the most common apple tree diseases such as apple scab, cedar apple rust, powdery mildew and fireblight.  It's known to be sweeter and less tart than the smaller crabapples and that was the case with the Keepsake Cidery Dry Cider Chestnut Crab Single Varietal. This Pet-Nat styled cider was naturally fermented from fruit grown at the Gilchrist Orchard. Despite the dryness there is distinct nutty - apple flavors that mimic sweetness - with a blossoming apple aroma and sizzling texture that lingers long into the glass.
  

  The Baldwin apple was introduced commercially around 1784 and by 1850 it was the Northeast’s most popular apple, more widely grown in the United States than any other variety. But a harsh winter in 1934 wiped out most of the Baldwin apple orchards leading to a waning in its popularity. Too bad, because its well documented history is fascinating. It is named after Colonel Loammi Baldwin, a Revolutionary War veteran who crossed the Delaware with Washington and commanded the Woburn Regiment during the Battle of Concord and Lexington; a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; and he is known as the Father of American Civil Engineering through his canal construction. Plus he was a fervent apple grower and second cousin to John Chapman ("Johnny Appleseed").  The apple is often medium to large with skin that is yellow, flushed orange, and striped red. The flavor is sweet with crisp acidity. The South Hill Cider Baldwin is made using the traditional method champenoise. It is bone dry with lingering citrus notes and a refreshingly effervescent finish. In fact, the amount of citrus is surprising coming from a cider. 

  

  Dabinett is a British cider apple found by William Dabinett in the early 1900s growing as a wild seedling. It is a very reliable variety with high quality juice and is known for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor. The apples are small with red stripes often with red flush and makes a bittersweet cider which is mellow and full-bodied. "The tannins found in the flesh of these apples are the same substance found on the skin of wine grapes, which affects the flavor and acts as a stabilizer and natural preservative in both wine and cider" (Cider Scene)  The South Hill Cider Dabinett Keeved 2022 is made in the traditional French keeving method to achieve a wild-fermented and naturally semi-dry cider.  This process uses a slow 180 day fermentation after a cold maceration, and bottling before fully fermented to create a petillant naturel sparkling cider.  This is such a unique cider both in terms of the fermentation method and the apple varietal. There are layers of complex flavors flowing through the tannic body - some tropical, some earthy funk, some black tea - very complex. 

• Effervescence Unleashed: Champagne Widows: First Woman of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot and the Breathless Brut

  Posted: 2024-10-28 11:24

  In order to help kickoff the BevFluence Effervescence Unleashed program I participated in a book-sparkling wine collaboration between Rebecca Rosenberg's Champagne Widows: First Woman of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot and the Breathless Brut from Breathless Sparking Wines.

  The historical novel follows the life of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot and her role launching the famous internationally recognized sparkling wine house. Rosenberg researched not only Barbe-Nicole early life, marriage to Francois Clicquot, his tragic death, but also Barbe-Nicole's difficulties overcoming his death, making champagne, and the Napoleonic Codes preventing women from owning a business.  Rosenberg fills in the historical facts with dialogue and a writing style that provides insights of personal struggles as well as the geo-political and technological situation of that period. These conditions reverberate to the American historical experience if one contemplates the early 19th century. 

  The Champagne region of France is renowned for its sparkling wines. Still, its history is also rich with stories of resilience and innovation, particularly those of remarkable women who transformed the industry. Among these pioneers, the daring widows of Champagne, such as Madame Clicquot and Madame Pommery, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern champagne trade.

  The Rise of the Widows
  In the 18th and 19th centuries, many women found themselves at the helm of champagne houses after the untimely deaths of their husbands. With limited options, these widows embraced the challenge, often taking on roles that were traditionally reserved for men. Madame Clicquot, for instance, inherited her husband’s champagne house in 1805 and became a trailblazer. She introduced innovative practices, including the riddling process, which clarified champagne, making it clearer and more appealing to consumers.

  Breaking Barriers
  The contributions of these women extended beyond business acumen; they also challenged societal norms. At a time when women had limited rights and were often marginalized, these widows stepped into leadership roles, demonstrating that they could not only run businesses but excel in them. Their stories highlight the intersection of gender and entrepreneurship in a historical context that is often overlooked.

  A Legacy of Innovation
  The impact of these pioneering women can still be felt today. The innovations they introduced in production techniques and marketing strategies laid the foundation for the modern champagne industry. The emphasis on quality, branding, and customer experience that they championed continues to influence how champagne is produced and sold.

  Sonoma's Breathless Wines was the sponsor for the kickoff event, and have provided their Breathless Brut ($29). This is a blend of 54% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir, 6% Pinot Meunier, and 2% Pinot Blanc made the méthode champenoise -- the secondary fermentation process used by the widow Clicquot and all of Champagne. This is a tight effervescent wine with a savory yeasty and melon profile with a touch of green apple Chardonnay. An even more attractive wine when considering the retail price. 

• The Norton Network Launches the Virginia Norton Wine Tour

  Posted: 2024-10-15 18:59

  October is Virginia Wine Month and that coincides with the first-ever Virginia Norton Wine Tour that commences the weekend of October 18 and continues through November 10.  The Norton Network, a collective of Virginia Norton growers, wine producers, and advocates, formulated the tour in order to to highlight the "exceptional qualities of this historically significant native grape across 22 Virginia wineries and vineyards that either grow Norton or feature it prominently in their wines.  Each weekend, participating wineries within a select radius will host events and offer promotions to showcase the diverse expressions of Norton wine — from fruity rosés to bold reds". 

  At the BevFluence Baltimore Speakeasy we had a glimpse of the Norton Wine Tour by sampling an array of Norton wines from Horton Vineyards, Chateau MerrillAnne, and Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard.  This started as a general presentation and tasting to media participants and carried over to a dinner featuring a library tasting showing the age-ability of the Norton grape.  At this dinner of industry professionals we opened the Horton Vineyards 1995, 1999, 2001, and 2010 Norton wines and interestingly all were agreeable with the 1995 and 2010 showing the best integration of acids and velvety chocolate and black fruit. 

  Besides its age worthiness, the Speakeasy participants also learned about the grape's history and versatility (see below for short history).  Chateau MerrillAnne believes there is great potential in Norton/Vinifera blends as evident through their 2021 Marquis Rouge. There's great texture, a full mouthfeel, and length to this 50% Norton, 25% Petite Verdot and 25% Tannat blend. We also received a mini-vertical from Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard of their 2020 Extended Barrel Aged Norton and 2021 Norton (not exactly a vertical - but close).  Not unexpected, the 2020 is tamer (although still acidic) with more rounded fruit and tannins whereas the acidity in the 2021 is more prevalent. Horton Vineyards provided more versatility in the Courage Port (Multiple vintages of Norton Port blended together with a dash of Tannat.).  And being a novice cocktail operative at the Bartender Lab, I took the Courage and added a dash of Bourbon with a pinch of Caramel flavoring. It worked nicely.  Hope to see you on the Norton Wine Tour.

  Norton or Vitis Aestivalis is a native North American grape officially discovered in 1823 (or between 1818 and 1828) by Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton (1794-1842), a physician from Richmond. Dr. Norton cultivated and nurtured this new species in a small plot of land known as Magnolia Farm, just northwest of the city of Richmond. The grape, now named after the Dr., was not created intentionally, but resulted as a chance pollination, possibly between Pinot Meunier and a now extinct hybrid known as Bland.

  German immigrants bring cuttings of Norton from Virginia to the Midwest - particular Missouri where Norton wines win international acclaim. After prohibition it is thought that Norton vines were lost completely, until 1965, when Jim Held, having newly re-opened Stone Hill Winery, discovers pre-Prohibition Norton vines (dating back to the Civil War) on a nearby property and brings the variety back to commercial use. In 1988, Dennis Horton, originally from Hermann and founder of Horton Vineyards, requests a shipment of Norton vines from Stone Hill Winery, bringing the grape variety back to its birthplace.

   The Virginia Norton Wine Tour schedule:

  October 18 – 20
  Arterra Wines, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, Bluemont Vineyard, Cana Vineyards & Winery, Casanel Vineyards and Winery, Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District, Fleetwood Farm Winery, Philip Carter Winery, Rappahannock Cellars, and Slater Run Vineyards.

  October 25 – 27
  Chateau MerrillAnne, DuCard Vineyards, Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, and Horton Vineyards.

  November 1 – 3
  Hampton Roads Winery and Spinning Jenny Vineyard.

  November 8 – 10
  Nokesville Winery, Paradise Springs Winery, Piedmont Meadows, Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard, The Winery at Bull Run, and Twin Oaks Tavern Winery.

  
  

  Update:

  Norton Wine Tour 2024 🍇

  Join us for the first leg of our month-long celebration of Virginia’s native grape, Norton! We’re kicking off the Norton Wine Tour 2024 with Northern Virginia Cluster 1. Stay tuned here for all the latest updates on special promotions and events taking place on October 18th.

  📅 October 18th

  *Arterra Wines

  — Be the first to experience Arterra’s latest release of their Norton, fermented in clay amphora. This ancient winemaking method enhances the beautiful and distinct characteristics of Virginia’s native grape, elevating it to new heights.

  Arterra is also unveiling their Ancestral Chardonnay, a skin-contact white made without added sulfites, also fermented in clay amphora. This traditional technique delivers an unforgettable taste you won’t want to miss.

  Join Arterra for this exclusive release weekend and celebrate these extraordinary wines!
  https://www.arterrawines.com/

  *Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery

  — Join Barrel Oak from October 18th to 20th for the highly anticipated release of their 2021 Reserve Norton and 2023 Sparkling Norton! Savor curated flights paired with delectable bites, all crafted to elevate your tasting journey. Stay tuned for more details!
  https://barreloak.com/calendar/

  *Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg

  –Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg for a special Norton event from October 18th – 20th. Experience an exclusive vertical and preview tasting of their exquisite Estate Norton, and, during the Norton Wine Tour weekend ONLY, enjoy a limited release of the 2022 Estate Norton!
  https://canavineyards.com/calendar/

  *Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District

  Get your tickets today for the Flagship Wine Dinner featuring Norton at Chrysalis Vineyards! This exclusive event (for adults 21+) promises an unforgettable evening where you’ll savor past and present vintages of their finest Norton wines, perfectly paired with a delicious appetizer and a sumptuous four-course meal. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Norton!

  Ticket Options:

  Wine & Dine Ticket: Includes dinner and wine pairings.

  Just Here to Dine Ticket: Includes dinner only.

  For more information and to purchase your tickets today, follow the link below:

  https://www.chrysaliswine.com/events/U-Pick-Norton-Day---Winery-Tour

  *Rappahannock Cellars

  –Head to Rappahannock Cellars for a special “Celebrate Norton” event from October 18th – 20th! Throughout the celebration, take part in a vertical tasting of Norton wines and explore their other Norton offerings, including port, sparkling red, and a refreshing Norton sangria!
  https://www.rappahannockcellars.com/Events

  *Slater Run Vineyards

  Slater Run Vineyards will be offering free barrel tastes of their Norton Port-style wine during the Norton Wine Tour’s Northern Virginia cluster weekend. The wine is currently aging in barrels with an expected release date of fall 2025. Stop by the Tasting Room for a complimentary barrel taste during the weekend of October 18 – October 20!
  https://www.slaterrun.com/

  
  

  📅 October 19th

  *Arterra Wines

  — Be the first to experience Arterra’s latest release of their Norton, fermented in clay amphora. This ancient winemaking method enhances the beautiful and distinct characteristics of Virginia’s native grape, elevating it to new heights.

  Arterra is also unveiling their Ancestral Chardonnay, a skin-contact white made without added sulfites, also fermented in clay amphora. This traditional technique delivers an unforgettable taste you won’t want to miss.

  Join Arterra for this exclusive release weekend and celebrate these extraordinary wines!
  https://www.arterrawines.com/

  *Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery

  — Join Barrel Oak from October 18th to 20th for the highly anticipated release of their 2021 Reserve Norton and 2023 Sparkling Norton! Savor curated flights paired with delectable bites, all crafted to elevate your tasting journey. Stay tuned for more details!
  https://barreloak.com/calendar/

  *Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg

  –Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg for a special Norton event from October 18th – 20th. Experience an exclusive vertical and preview tasting of their exquisite Estate Norton, and, during the Norton Wine Tour weekend ONLY, enjoy a limited release of the 2022 Estate Norton!
  https://canavineyards.com/calendar/

  *Casanel Vineyards and Winery

  –On October 19th and 20th visit Casanel to celebrate their 16th Anniversary!! Casanel is so excited to celebrate 16 years with all of you!

  During this celebratory weekend, enjoy live music from Alex Barnett on Saturday, October 19th, from 2 to 5 PM, and from Nick Staver on Sunday, October 20th, from 2 to 5 PM.

  On both days, seize the chance to bottle your own sparkling wine! They will have both a Chardonnay (traditional blanc de blanc) and their sparkling Norton. Elliotte will explain how they make sparkling at Casanel and let you dosage, cork, and finish your very own bottle of spark!

  Please sign up for 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM. The cost to participate is the purchase of a bottle of spark. Interested in bottling your own spark? Email anna@casanelvineyards.com.

  Throughout the two-day celebration, Casanel will offer a specialty flight of wines made completely from or featuring Norton for $18.00!

  Ready to learn more about Casanel? Join Anna for free tours of the vineyard and winery with a special focus on our Norton grapes at 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM. Email anna@casanelvineyards.com today to reserve your spot.

  https://www.casanelvineyards.com/upcoming-events

  *Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District

  –Celebrate the harvest season at Chrysalis Vineyards on Saturday, October 19th (rain date: October 20th)! During their first-ever Norton U-Pick Day, enjoy a hands-on experience with a light harvest, winery tours, and wine tasting of wines in various stages of production.

  Tickets:

  25lb U-Pick & Winery Tour Ticket: Includes admission, hayride, up to 25 lbs of Norton grapes to harvest, and a wine tasting.

  U-Pick Norton – Child/Young Adult Ticket: Admission for those under 21, includes hayride and the opportunity to assist with harvesting.

  For more information and to purchase your tickets today, follow the link below:

  https://www.chrysaliswine.com/events/U-Pick-Norton-Day---Winery-Tour

  *Phillip Carter Winery

  –Visit Philip Carter Winery for a special vertical tasting celebrating Virginia’s native grape—Norton! Experience a unique tasting featuring three library Nortons paired with a delightful morsel. Plus, enjoy our exclusive ‘this weekend only’ Norton bottle discount!
  |https://pcwinery.com/

  *Rappahannock Cellars

  –Head to Rappahannock Cellars for a special “Celebrate Norton” event from October 18th – 20th! Throughout the celebration, take part in a vertical tasting of Norton wines and explore their other Norton offerings, including port, sparkling red, and a refreshing Norton sangria!
  https://www.rappahannockcellars.com/Events

  *Slater Run Vineyards

  –Slater Run Vineyards will be offering free barrel tastes of their Norton Port-style wine during the Norton Wine Tour’s Northern Virginia cluster weekend. The wine is currently aging in barrels with an expected release date of fall 2025. Stop by the Tasting Room for a complimentary barrel taste during the weekend of October 18 – October 20!
  https://www.slaterrun.com/

  
  

  📅 October 20th

  *Arterra Wines

  — Be the first to experience Arterra’s latest release of their Norton, fermented in clay amphora. This ancient winemaking method enhances the beautiful and distinct characteristics of Virginia’s native grape, elevating it to new heights.

  Arterra is also unveiling their Ancestral Chardonnay, a skin-contact white made without added sulfites, also fermented in clay amphora. This traditional technique delivers an unforgettable taste you won’t want to miss.

  Join Arterra for this exclusive release weekend and celebrate these extraordinary wines!
  https://www.arterrawines.com/

  *Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery

  — Join Barrel Oak from October 18th to 20th for the highly anticipated release of their 2021 Reserve Norton and 2023 Sparkling Norton! Savor curated flights paired with delectable bites, all crafted to elevate your tasting journey. Stay tuned for more details!
  https://barreloak.com/calendar/

  *Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg

  –Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg for a special Norton event from October 18th – 20th. Experience an exclusive vertical and preview tasting of their exquisite Estate Norton, and, during the Norton Wine Tour weekend ONLY, enjoy a limited release of the 2022 Estate Norton!
  https://canavineyards.com/calendar/

  *Casanel Vineyards and Winery

  –On October 19th and 20th visit Casanel to celebrate their 16th Anniversary!! Casanel is so excited to celebrate 16 years with all of you!

  During this celebratory weekend, enjoy live music from Alex Barnett on Saturday, October 19th, from 2 to 5 PM, and from Nick Staver on Sunday, October 20th, from 2 to 5 PM.

  On both days, seize the chance to bottle your own sparkling wine! They will have both a Chardonnay (traditional blanc de blanc) and their sparkling Norton. Elliotte will explain how they make sparkling at Casanel and let you dosage, cork, and finish your very own bottle of spark!

  Please sign up for 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM. The cost to participate is the purchase of a bottle of spark. Interested in bottling your own spark? Email anna@casanelvineyards.com.

  Throughout the two-day celebration, Casanel will offer a specialty flight of wines made completely from or featuring Norton for $18.00!

  Ready to learn more about Casanel? Join Anna for free tours of the vineyard and winery with a special focus on our Norton grapes at 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM. Email anna@casanelvineyards.com today to reserve your spot.

  https://www.casanelvineyards.com/upcoming-events

  *Phillip Carter Winery

  –Visit Philip Carter Winery for a special vertical tasting celebrating Virginia’s native grape—Norton! Experience a unique tasting featuring three library Nortons paired with a delightful morsel. Plus, enjoy our exclusive ‘this weekend only’ Norton bottle discount!
  https://pcwinery.com/

  *Rappahannock Cellars

  –Head to Rappahannock Cellars for a special “Celebrate Norton” event from October 18th – 20th! Throughout the celebration, take part in a vertical tasting of Norton wines and explore their other Norton offerings, including port, sparkling red, and a refreshing Norton sangria!
  https://www.rappahannockcellars.com/Events

  *Slater Run Vineyards

  –Slater Run Vineyards will be offering free barrel tastes of their Norton Port-style wine during the Norton Wine Tour’s Northern Virginia cluster weekend. The wine is currently aging in barrels with an expected release date of fall 2025. Stop by the Tasting Room for a complimentary barrel taste during the weekend of October 18 – October 20!
  https://www.slaterrun.com/

• Cocktails with the FIOL Prosecco D.O.C. Extra Dry NV

  Posted: 2024-09-23 16:38

  

  Recently, we've been thinking of sparkling wine cocktails and gratuitously we received the FIOL Prosecco Extra Dry NV ($19) to get us started. The brand name "FIOL" means "son" in the Venetian dialect but can also refer to a friend or chap. The wine is made in the Prosecco heartland of Treviso where the Glera grape excels in the alluvial and clay-loam soils containing plenty of minerals and micronutrients. Uniquely, the grapes are selected from about 2,300 farmers, accounting for a combined 6,000 hectares (upward of 14,800 acres) of vineyards and multiple terroirs.  After gentle pressing and the initial fermentation, the wine then undergoes 40 days of secondary fermentation in large, pressurized stainless-steel tanks using the Charmat method.  Bottled and poured fresh into the flute, the sparkling wine offers subtle floral notes with green apple, pear, and citrus flavors. Let's look at some cocktails.

  
  Negroni Sbagliato
  Want a lighter Negroni, but not lose the gin botanicals. The floral and citrus notes from the FIOL help alleviate the lack of gin while providing a more afternoon friendly libation. 

  
  Equal parts Campari, Sweet Vermouth (The Wine Collective Vermu), FIOL Prosecco

   

  French 75
  This popular and traditional cocktail is basically gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine. According to Food & Wine, the first known version of the cocktail was called the Soixante-Quinze. It is said to have been created during World War I around 1915 by a Parisian bartender. With some resemblance to what we know the French 75 to be today, the 1915 version of the Soixante-Quinze was made with gin, lemon, grenadine, applejack brandy, and a bit of water. Since then the cocktail has evolved with different variations on the recipe. It was in 1927, in a cocktail book called Here's How written by Judge Jr., that the French 75 got its contemporary name and a signature splash of Champagne -- although Prosecco works just as well.

  • 1 oz. gin (Sipsong Spirits)
  • 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 4 oz. chilled FIOL Prosecco

• An Afternoon at Capstone Vineyards

  Posted: 2024-09-11 08:55

  

  Last week we spent an afternoon on the outskirts of the Shenandoah Valley escaping the heat and humidity and finally visited Capstone Vineyards. This fulfilled a desire from early March after meeting winemaker Theo Smith at the 2024 Virginia's Governor's Cup Gala. The winery was participating because of their Gold medal winning 2022 Vintner's Blend - a Bordeaux styled percentage of 42% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot.

  On this visit we started in the tasting room with a flight of the 2023 Sparkling C2, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 Chardonnay, and 2016 Vintner's Blend. This last wine raised the property's viticulture status as it was made by Jim Law across Route 66 at Linden Vineyards. When Smith and his partners purchased the property there was an abundant supply of this blend (60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot) which has aged masterfully in the bottle. The 2016 Vintner's Blend is still fresh with juicy dark fruit and noticeable tannins. The generous staff also allowed us to sample the 2022 Vintner's Blend which is normally off the tasting sheet because of its short supply. Definitely see the aging potential, but our group landed on the 2016 for drinking now. 

  
  

  

  The three white wines were all worth noting but the Chardonnay held our fancy until Theo joined us with a glass of their 2023 Rousanne. He told us it was the last fruit picked that season and with smaller than usual berries - the fruit concentration was ideal. Over this glass, Theo also gave us his backstory from biochemistry at Franciscan University to witnessing his first harvest at an Ohio vineyard that peaked his interest that lead to a degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Brock University. He received excellent advice to start his career in a less well-known, but rising wine region which lead to a dozen years at Rappahannock Cellars. Then in late 2022, he and two friends purchased Capstone Vineyards. 

  
  

  You will be seeing more upcoming content about Capstone Vineyards as we joined the wine club and will be visiting hopefully once a month. We plan on learning more about Theo's contract winemaking as well as his sacramental wine that isn't oxidized. 

FeedBurner delivers the world's subscriptions wherever they need to go. Publish a feed for text or podcasting?
You should try FeedBurner today.