Drink Up!
This week we celebrate Independence Day, the most American of all holidays, and the semiquincentennial, the 250th 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 attempt to make recommendations from all 50, allow me to offer all-American suggestions for red, white, and even blue wines that you may enjoy over the holiday.
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 is the perfect wine for grilling season and 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. Or try the very affordable Old Soul Petite Syrah from Lodi, California.
For a great California Zinfandel, try the OZV Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi. 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 (the same Caymus famous for its highly valued Cabernet Sauvignon wines). The Walking Fool is an outstanding blend of Zinfandel and Petit 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. Maybe the best news is that the price is less than half of what you expect from a Caymus wine! This is my “must-try” for your Fourth of July 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 Borealis Pinot Noir is why. This outstanding organic wine’s aroma highlights cedar wood and forest floor while the palate is ripe with flavors of cherries and baking spices. Or try the Juggernaut Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley of California.
Now, on to white. Oregon and Washington are becoming world famous for their Pinot Gris. This varietal is known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, but as always, terroir makes the difference. The soil and environment of the Pacific Northwest give a unique crisp freshness to this grape. Try Portlandia Pinot Gris. This wine uses a blend of grapes from both states to create a perfect combination of tree fruit flavors and minerality. It’s perfect with seafood.
America’s most famous white is still Chardonnay, and, again, California’s Russian River Valley wines are my recommendation. Try the Benoni or the Balletto Chardonnay. Both are small, family-owned wineries that craft wonderful wines featuring the flavor of Chardonnay grapes.
As we head a bit further east, I’d like to recommend 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. Where was it from, you ask? New Mexico, where my wife grew up (which cinched her decision in choosing it for the event). If you are looking for a sparkling wine to toast our nation’s birthday, consider this one.
That covers red and white wines, but what about blue? For that, we’ll come home to New Jersey to William Heritage Winery, located in Mullica Hills. 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 has won the Governor’s Cup in the sweet fruit wine category and is my recommendation for a blue wine this Independence Day. It’s well-made and is perfect for guests who prefer something fruitier and sweeter.
What color do you get when you mix red and white? Pink! I’ll finish our American wine tour in New York with a perfectly named wine for the season: Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rosé, from Wolfer Estates. This wonderful rosé is comprised of an array of red and white grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Petit Meunier, Cayuga, and Syrah. Impressive, right? 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!
Another outstanding rosé is the Lamoreaux Landing Dry Rosé from the Finger Lakes of New York. This is a great wine made from Cabernet Franc grapes grown on the estate on Seneka Lake. The flavor and dryness of this wine earns my top rosé recommendation for this great American holiday.
Celebrate America by offering your guests red, white, blue, and rosé wines this Independence Day. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into 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.
