Traveling the (wine) Road Less Travelled
Chances are there is a winery or two near you. Maybe it is a few hours away, maybe it is less. Have you been to visit? Here is a handy link to all or at least most of the wineries in the US: http://www.travelenvoy.com/wine/USA.htm
When we think of US wine, California comes up first for most of us, with Washington, Oregon, and perhaps New York State coming to mind next. While these are the states with the most widely known commercial wine industries, wine is made in almost every state in the US.
Sure, you say, I know that they make wine in my state, but is it any good? Maybe, maybe not. Just because they grow grapes and make wine, it is no guarantee of quality, at least not in the commercial sense. The wines in your state may be simple, they may be expensive for what you get, they may even be more of a novelty than a wine you want to stock your cellar with. They also maybe from hybrid grape varieties.
Most wines are made from grapes that came over from Europe, these are the Vinifera grapes, and they have names like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, that you recognize. These are not the only grapes. Wild grapes of various types grow all over the world, but especially in the US. Few of these wild grapes make much of a wine on their own, but they grow better than the European grapes do in much of the country. The solution was to marry the traditional grapes with these hardier local grapes, and so hybrids were born.
For the most part hybrids have never caught on. They are popular in regions where the more traditional Vinifera grapes do not grow well. As a general rule, once a Vinifera grape has been shown to flourish in a region, the hybrids move out. This is in great part to a character of hybrid grapes referred to as "foxy." This flavor is the flavor of Welch's Grape Juice, because it is made from the native Concord grape.
Foxy flavored wines, and unfamiliar names have scared people away from their local wineries for too long. If you have not been out for a visit, you are missing one of life's little pleasures. A day of wine touring, with a picnic thrown in, is sure to be more fun than doing chores around the house, and it may even turn out to be enlightening. You may surprise yourself and find a wine you really like. Even if the wines turn out not to be to your taste, the adventure itself is worth the trip.
I will be taking my own advice this summer. Beginning in May I will start a whirlwind tour of the wineries of Nebraska. Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, before returning home to explore the wines of my home state, Colorado. Watch for the reports.
When we think of US wine, California comes up first for most of us, with Washington, Oregon, and perhaps New York State coming to mind next. While these are the states with the most widely known commercial wine industries, wine is made in almost every state in the US.
Sure, you say, I know that they make wine in my state, but is it any good? Maybe, maybe not. Just because they grow grapes and make wine, it is no guarantee of quality, at least not in the commercial sense. The wines in your state may be simple, they may be expensive for what you get, they may even be more of a novelty than a wine you want to stock your cellar with. They also maybe from hybrid grape varieties.
Most wines are made from grapes that came over from Europe, these are the Vinifera grapes, and they have names like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, that you recognize. These are not the only grapes. Wild grapes of various types grow all over the world, but especially in the US. Few of these wild grapes make much of a wine on their own, but they grow better than the European grapes do in much of the country. The solution was to marry the traditional grapes with these hardier local grapes, and so hybrids were born.
For the most part hybrids have never caught on. They are popular in regions where the more traditional Vinifera grapes do not grow well. As a general rule, once a Vinifera grape has been shown to flourish in a region, the hybrids move out. This is in great part to a character of hybrid grapes referred to as "foxy." This flavor is the flavor of Welch's Grape Juice, because it is made from the native Concord grape.
Foxy flavored wines, and unfamiliar names have scared people away from their local wineries for too long. If you have not been out for a visit, you are missing one of life's little pleasures. A day of wine touring, with a picnic thrown in, is sure to be more fun than doing chores around the house, and it may even turn out to be enlightening. You may surprise yourself and find a wine you really like. Even if the wines turn out not to be to your taste, the adventure itself is worth the trip.
I will be taking my own advice this summer. Beginning in May I will start a whirlwind tour of the wineries of Nebraska. Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, before returning home to explore the wines of my home state, Colorado. Watch for the reports.
7 Comments:
Great post. As someone living on Long Island, I get to see the vinifera wines every day. But, go to upstate NY and right along side Riesling and Cab Franc (even some Pinot Noir) you'll see hybrids and native grapes all over the place.
I've had some Vidal Blanc that would be at home on any white wine list...and even some interesting stuff done with Baco Noir. I think that "every day" wine drinkers like some of these sweeter ones (they tend to leave more sugar in hybrids) but too often "snobs" ignore them.
Any idea why "foxy" is the term used for that flavor?
Any idea why "foxy" is the term used for that flavor?
Native grapes were called fox grapes by the early settlers, although I have never found a solid answer as to why. Fox like grapes, that is to be sure, so it may have been as simple as that.
The French who traded with the early settlers were the first to use the term foxy, in that they called the flavor queue de renard "fox tail."
It may not have been an endearing term.
Would you please recommend some very good wines made from hybrid grapes? I'm seeking the best and/or most expensive.
Are you planning to attend the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen this June?
Would you please recommend some very good wines made from hybrid grapes?
I have never tasted a hybrid I would recommend. To be fair, this is more indicative of my lack of experience with hybrids, than a true indication of potential for these grapes. Since I will be tasting many more in the coming weeks, I will make a point of letting you know when I find one worth following up on.
Are you planning to attend the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen this June?
You would think the answer to this would be yes, but I have a love hate thing going with the Classic.
I was deeply involved in it in the early years, volunteering many hours, and then paying to have a booth where I held a component tasting (a great way to learn more about wine).
Some years ago Food & Wine Magazine, in an attempt to control the growing size of the event, instituted a policy of only allowing advertisers to occupy the non winery booths. Since then I have not been able to exhibit.
When a pass falls into my hands I eagerly attend, but the high cost of the passes has kept me from being able to attend as a matter of course.
Perhaps this year I will get lucky and see you there. If not, perhaps next year I will sell enough books to afford a pass, or even to be invited to attend once again.
If any of you are coming, drop me an email and perhaps we can create a little get together of our own.
I live in Nebraska and love good wine. I usually call ahead to check hours of operation. Soaring Wings is awesome. You are right about the rhubarb. It is unique and a great wine!!! You missed out on the Louss Hills. This area is in western Iowa. There are severel good wineries but, the Sugar Clay Winery and Vineyard is of exceptional quality. This is a dream. The wine, the scenery, and the vines aren't hidden.
Post a Comment
<< Home