Drink Up!
By David Setley
This week, we celebrate Independence Day and the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Let’s hear it for the red, white, and blue! Did you know that wine is produced in all 50 states? While I won’t make recommendations from all 50, allow me to offer suggestions for red, white, and even blue wines that you may enjoy over the holiday weekend.
For our first red wine on this all-American wine tour, we’ll start in California. You are likely familiar with great Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Chardonnays produced in the state, but have you tried a Zinfandel or Petite Sirah? I would argue that California produces these two varietals better than any other place in the world. The terroir of the Paso Robles region is ideal, and the 2021 J. Lohr Tower Road Petite Sirah is a great example. This wine is hand-harvested and barrel-aged in French oak for 18 months before bottling. It pairs well with any grilled vegetables or meats. The tannins are rich, but smooth. The bold flavors are blackberries, plum, and cranberry with notes of leather, chocolate, and a touch of oak. In my opinion, this is a perfect summer red. For a great Zinfandel, try the OZV Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi, California. This dry red has the rich fruit flavors of blackberries and red raspberries with a touch of baking spices. Or, experience both of these awesome grapes in The Walking Fool, a wine by Caymus Vineyards. Yes, this is the same Caymus famous for its highly valued Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The Walking Fool is an outstanding blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grown in Caymus’ vineyards in Suisun, California. This wine has the complex flavors of ripe strawberries, cranberries, and cherries with notes of baking spices, rustic wood, leather, and espresso. Best of all, the price is less than half of what you would expect from a Caymus wine! This is my must-try for the holiday.
Let’s head to the Pacific Northwest. The Willamette Valley of Oregon has become famous for excellent Pinot Noirs. One of my favorite Oregon wineries is Montinore Estates, and their Montinore Estate Reserve Pinot Noir is why. The winemaker selects the best Pinot Noir grapes from each of the estate vineyards and blends them in this wine to represent the best from that year. This vintage has well-structured tannins and the lovely acidity that this varietal is known for. The aroma highlights cedar wood and forest floor, while the palate is ripe cherries and baking spices. In my opinion, this is one of the best Pinot Noirs produced in the U.S.
As we head further east, here’s a sparkling wine from a state that you may not expect. My wife, Gwen, was in search of a sparkling wine for her entry to one of Passion Vines’ monthly Open that Bottle Night events a while back. In browsing the shelves, we found a Gruet sparkling wine that was made in the Methode Champenoise, the traditional double fermentation process utilized in Champagne, France. The Gruet Blanc de Blanc has earned high praise from Wine Spectator, among other wine sources, and is a brut (dry) sparkling wine made from Chardonnay grapes. I was amazed at the yeasty brioche aroma and crisp tropical flavors of this wine. It was from New Mexico, where my wife grew up, which cinched her decision in choosing it for the event. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are looking for a sparkling wine to toast our nation’s birthday, consider this offering from New Mexico.
Continuing east, for our next white wine, we’ll visit Hillick and Hobbs Winery on Seneca Lake in New York. Owned by Paul Hobbs, an international wine visionary, Hillick and Hobbs Winery is named in honor of his parents. Only one varietal is grown and produced at the winery: Riesling. Hobbs believes that the terroir of the Finger Lakes region is perfect for Rieslings. The Hillick and Hobbs Dry Riesling perfectly demonstrates his belief. The grapes are hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, and 100% fermented and aged in stainless steel. The result is a floral aroma with pear and citrus flavors and the minerality of crushed rock. The long finish is extended by crisp acidity. Many of Hobbs’ wines can be expensive, but this one is quite reasonable. If you haven’t enjoyed the work of this winemaker, start with this dry Riesling.
For blue, we’ll come home to New Jersey to William Heritage Winery, located in Mullica Hill. Proprietors Bill and Penni Heritage utilize sustainable farming at their vineyards and produce a wide variety of excellent wines. Among these is a sweet wine made from blueberries grown in Haddonfield. The Heritage Jersey Blue is my recommendation for a blue wine this Independence Day. It’s well-made and perfect for guests who prefer something fruitier.
What color do you get when you mix red and white? Pink! I’ll finish our American wine tour in Long Island, New York, with a perfectly named wine for the season: Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rosé, from Wolffer Estates. This rosé is comprised of red and white grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Petit Meunier, Cayuga, and Syrah. Acidity adds the crisp freshness we look for in a good rosé, and I am a big fan of the minerality, light salinity, and long finish of this dry wine. Summer in a Bottle is perfect with spicy foods. It may be the perfect wine for fireworks!
Celebrate America by offering your guests red, white, and blue wines this Independence Day. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop by the store. Until next time, happy birthday, America! And happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
