Happy New Year! Like many of you, I was happy to say goodbye to 2020! It was a year to remember for sure (mostly for all the wrong reasons). In today’s post I will highlight a few positive developments from the past year, while sharing some exciting events to look forward to in 2021. On a personal note, I will share how my wife and I brought in the new year (at least the food and wine part of the night).

New Year’s Eve Dinner

The Food

Carol and I had picked out a small (4 1/2 pound) Prime Rib of beef to be the centerpiece of the meal. A red wine sauce, seasoned with fresh rosemary, was a delicious way to augment the flavor. To accompany the entree, we had a delicious potato side, and Brussel sprouts. The potatoes were made with hash browns, cheddar cheese, onions, and sour cream. The Brussel sprouts were topped with pancetta and baked along with the potatoes. (Pictured below)

 

The Wine

I chose a 2013 bottle of William Heritage Winery’s BDX. You will notice the label just reads Heritage. It was created before the name change. This classic bottle is a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (42%); Cab Franc (26%); Cabernet Sauvignon (25%); Petit Verdot (4%); and Malbec (3%). Luscious black cherry notes highlighted, with smooth tannins and a long finish. Stored in my cellar fridge, I could have served this one several years from now, but why put off until tomorrow what you can enjoy today. Besides, time is guaranteed to no one.

I decided to add an Amarone into the mix (even though it’s obviously not from New Jersey). I just received a couple bottles of this wine and was eager to try one. This one is a Bennati 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella. It is a full-bodied version that is bursting with dark fruit, but quite dry. Amarone is made by drying the grapes for three months after harvesting them. They actually go through two fermentations, the second is while in contact with the skins. The result is more structure, body, and flavor. If you have never tried an Amarone, I urge you to try one.

Our final wine of the year, was a sparkler (of course). But not just any sparkler-William Heritage Winery 2017 Blanc de Blancs. We had no room for dessert, but with a wise lapse of time, we drank a toast to 2021. (Actually more than one toast). This Blanc de Blancs presented with the appealing aroma of brioche and notes of toasted almonds, pear, and a lovely, creamy finish. Fortunately we did not have to drive anywhere! Plus, with the help of my handy Wine Folly sparkling wine stopper, we were able to enjoy a bit more of this winner yesterday.

New Year’s Eve is always a time for reflection, planning, and resolutions. I don’t want to dwell any longer on the calamity that was 2020. On the bright side, despite the myriad of problems and tragedies, New Jersey wineries showed themselves to be resolute, resilient, and creative. After being closed for a short time, they came up with ways to sell their wines safely, offering online orders and curbside pickups. Wineries used their considerable space to allow patrons to enjoy wine (and even listen to live music) while socially distancing. One winery (Terra Nonno in Millville) even managed to have a Grand Opening this year. I admire their tenacity and was thrilled that my wife and I were actually their first customers on Opening Day.

Cheers to the New Jersey Wineries, winemakers, and everyone who helped the rest of us stay sane in an otherwise crazy year!

Coming Attractions in 2021

• The opening of two more NJ wineries: Angelico Winery in Lambertville and VolinKelly Vineyards in Mantua. VolinKelly anticipates a 2021 opening. I just found out about Angelico Winery over the past week and will share more as I learn more. In the meantime, you can check out their websites below:

angelicowinery.com                       volinkelly.com

Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Like what you read and see here? It’s simple to subscribe below and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.