NC Wine Month 2014

09
Oct
2014
September in Review: NC Wine and Grape Month

September in Review: NC Wine and Grape Month

We’re now well into October, so I thought it would be good to recap our September experiences with a quick month in review.  The mini challenge we set for the blog has concluded successfully: Review 30 wines (or wineries) in the 30 days of September.  As a refresher, the month of September is North Carolina Wine and Grape month.  It is a time where the wineries and vineyards in the state are recognized for their contributions.  Our goal was to feature a wine or winery each day and write-up a little review of the selection we made.  In total we reviewed 28 North Carolina Wines and 8 North Carolina Wineries.  For a full account of our challenge, click on the NC Wine Month link in the menu above.  Continue reading →

Posted by Matt Kemberling in Wine, Wineries and Vineyards, 0 comments
30
Sep
2014

Daveste Rkatsiteli — Wine Review

To finish up our last wine review of the North Carolina Wine & Grape Month, we decided to finish with one of the oldest grape varietals known to man-kind, Rkatsiteli.  The Daveste Rkatsiteli from Davesté Vineyards, is one of only a handful of vineyards in the US that grow and produce a wine from the grape.  Rkatsiteli is a grape originating from Georgia (the country, not the state) where it is a fairly common grape.  The grape reportedly dates back to 3000 B.C. making it one of the oldest grapes that have been cultivated for wine making purposes.  The pale skinned grape produces a white wine ranging from dry to sweet.  Some European countries even produce Port, Sherry, and dessert style wines from the same grape.  Continue reading →

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29
Sep
2014

Hanover Park Mourvèdre — Wine Review

Tonight’s wine comes from a winery that we’ve already reviewed, but we wanted to review another wine from them as our last one was more of a dessert wine.  For dinner we had grilled lamb meat balls, which is what we normally have when we are opening a bottle of Hanover Park Mourvèdre.  It is also known as Monastrell and is usually a darker wine with heavy tannins and an earthy complex profile.  The wine is common in France, however it is often found in red blends of both French and Spanish origin, usually blended with Grenache and Syrah.

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Posted by Matt Kemberling in Wine, 0 comments
28
Sep
2014
High Country Wineries — Winery Reviews

High Country Wineries — Winery Reviews

Today we traveled to the High Country Wineries of North Carolina to visit three unique wineries, each with stunning vistas and delightful wines.  The wineries, Linville Falls Winery, Grandfather Vineyard, and Banner Elk Winery, are located in the western North Carolina mountain area nestled in with the ski resorts and smaller mountain towns.  The journey to get there is full of winding roads, steep inclines and fantastic views.   Continue reading →

Posted by Matt Kemberling in Wineries and Vineyards, 1 comment
27
Sep
2014

Junius Lindsay Roussanne — Wine Review

Tonight we decided to open a bottle of something very familiar, the  Junius Lindsay Roussanne from Junius Lindsay Vineyard.  Roussanne is typically found in many French white blends, especially those produced in the Rhône style.  As a straight varietal wine it makes for a unique wine, making it a refreshing option from the run of the mill white wines.    Continue reading →

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26
Sep
2014

2005 Hutton Cabernet Franc — Wine Review

This evening we decided to open another red to enjoy with dinner.  We decided to go back to the Cab Franc, this time we selected the 2005 Hutton Vineyards Cabernet Franc. This is one of their first releases as they first planted grapes in 2002.  The time in the bottle has allowed the wine to develop into a smooth and velvety wine, full of character and charm while keeping a mild profile.

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25
Sep
2014

Brandon Hills Raptor Red — Wine Review

Tonight we decided to opt for another Yadkin Valley red blend, this time from Brandon Hills Vineyard.  The Raptor Red is their premier red blend wine that features a different raptor from vintage to vintage.  The current vintage is the 2008 which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Viognier.  The story behind the name is one of true adoration for nature.  The winery partners with the Carolina Raptor Center and features one of their birds of prey on the bottle.  A part of the proceeds goes back to the Raptor Center to help fund a good cause. Continue reading →

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24
Sep
2014

Cellar 4201 Warrior Red — Wine Review

Rain, rain go away!  But at least it makes the choice of red, white or rosé easier.  Tonight we went for the Warrior Red from Cellar 4201 Vineyard.  This red doesn’t disappoint.  It’s a full-bodied red, but it’s not over the top.  The well-balanced nature makes it perfect to pair with food or to enjoy on its own.   Continue reading →

Posted by Matt Kemberling in Wine, 2 comments
23
Sep
2014

Laurel Gray Cabernet Franc — Wine Review

It’s cold and raining again today!  That means we get to open a bottle of red wine and enjoy a nice warming dinner.  Tonight we decided on the award-winning Laurel Gray Cabernet Franc from Laurel Gray Vineyards.  This wine received double gold at the NC State Wine Competition and a bronze at the INDY International Wine Competition.

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Posted by Matt Kemberling in Wine, 0 comments