NC Wine Month 2014

Oct

2014

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 →

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 →

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.

Continue reading →

Sep

2014

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 →

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 →

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.

Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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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Sep

2014

Parker Binns Rosé — Wine Review

A couple of weekends ago we visited a few of the wineries in the Western North Carolina Wine Trail. Among those wineries is Parker Binns. We’ve reviewed the winery before, but tonight we are going to focus on our dinner accompaniment, the Parker Binns Rosé of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

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Following in the Footsteps of the Rhone

Posted: February 19, 2020 | 0 comments

This episode features Michael Zimmerman of Junius Lindsay Vineyards! We talk with Michael about why he’s growing grapes and how he first conceived of the idea. As he tells it, he has a love for old world wines which came from his time in the Foreign Service. He was fortunate enough to make several visits to France and tour around the wine regions of the country. His heart landed in the Rhone region and he still looks to them for inspiration.

After his time in the Foreign Service, he came back to his family farmland. With a little influence from other vineyards in the area, he decided to bring life back to the farm and plant grapes. He’s expanded his vineyard since the original 2 acres of Viognier, but he is still firmly rooted in Rhone traditions and only grows those varietals.

Michael recognizes there are two people in the winemaking business, the winemaker and the wine grower. Michael focuses on growing the best possible fruit so that the wines reflect the vineyard. In the best years the wines really shine and make it all worth while. After all, Michael is following in the footsteps of great Rhone winemakers which is a great sense of pride.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica tell us about how we can get the most out of our tastings with a simple 5-step method. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

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NC Wine Month 2014

September in Review: NC Wine and Grape Month

Daveste Rkatsiteli — Wine Review

Hanover Park Mourvèdre — Wine Review

High Country Wineries — Winery Reviews

Junius Lindsay Roussanne — Wine Review

2005 Hutton Cabernet Franc — Wine Review

Brandon Hills Raptor Red — Wine Review

Cellar 4201 Warrior Red — Wine Review

Laurel Gray Cabernet Franc — Wine Review

Parker Binns Rosé — Wine Review

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Following in the Footsteps of the Rhone

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