Happy New Jersey Wine Week!
Looking for a good place to find out where and how you can help celebrate? Try the Garden State Winegrowers Association Website:
https://www.newjerseywines.com
Natali Vineyards
We started our celebration early. My wife and I spontaneously decided to visit Natali Vineyards in North Cape May on Thursday. It had been over a year since our last visit and two of our friends shared that they have been there a couple of times recently and had a great experience and were pleased with the wines there. We got there early enough that we were the only customers, so we chose to be seated inside. The tasting room is attractive, with large windows in the back that look out into the vineyards. While this is not the prettiest season for grapevines, the fall colors of the vines seemed to mirror the surrounding autumnal woods.
The Wines
My wife chose the Dry White Wine Flight:
- Pinot Grigio-Light and refreshing with notes of tropical fruit.
- Sauvignon Blanc-No overpowering grapefruit here (like many of those from New Zealand); light and citrusy.
- 202o Chardonnay (American)-A decent Chardonnay, lightly oaked, with hints of apple on the palate.
- 2021 Estate Chardonnay-Definitely, our preference of the two Chards. This one is their own estate-grown Chardonnay and the 2021 NJ wines continue to shine as a vintage.
I chose the Dry Red Wines
- 2020 Merlot-A dark, full-bodied Merlot, with smooth tannins.
- Cabernet Sauvignon-Aged 24 months in new oak, it is full-bodied, with dark cherry notes, and silky tannins.
- Nonno’s Cellar-A tasty red blend, light in color, smooth and medium-bodied, which would be a great accompaniment to pasta, pizza, or burgers.
- Nebbiolo-Lighter in color and body than most, but a very tasty version.
The Food
We wanted something light that would complement our wine flights. We decided on the hummus and crackers, which turned out to be a great choice. The crackers were very good, fresh, and good for dipping. The hummus was also very good. A perfect way to keep the palate neutral, while lining the stomach with a little food. This dish was a generous serving (especially for the price).
My Takeaway
We decided to bring home a bottle of their Nonna’s Cellar Wine (pictured below). We enjoyed it last night with some ravioli from Bagliani’s. It is described above. I really enjoy trying different wine blends (especially red blends). They broaden the options from the handful of single varietals and are often less expensive.
New Jersey Hybrid Wines
I’ve been reading a lot lately about how global warming is affecting vineyards around the world and how extreme weather may require some changes in the types of grapes that are planted and grown. There is a great article, written by Katarina Andersson, on LinkedIn called “The Future is Here for Hybrid Grapes.” In New Jersey, most folks are already familiar with a few of the most common hybrid grapes, such as Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, and Vignoles. While many critics still sneer at these varietals, as if they are “unworthy,” much of the wine world, has accepted (if not embraced) them. Most experts believe that they will play an even more significant role in the near future, as extreme temperatures and weather events continue to wreak havoc on many wineries across America and the world. In the meantime, here’s to one of these adaptable grapes-Chambourcin!
As I wrote about this grape previously, “In my opinion, Chambourcin is an underrated grape and (in the hands of the right winemakers) it makes a very nice wine.” The underrating is likely due to it being a hybrid (of French-American origin). It was developed in France and only available since 1963. It is definitely WORTHY. This is a great week to try a New Jersey wine (including hybrids, like our New Jersey Chambourcin). Two of my favorites are pictured below (White Horse Winery 2018 Chambourcin and Cedar Rose 2017 Chambourcin Reserve).
Coming Attractions
- Bellview Winery
- Laurita Winery
- Working Dog Winery
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just scroll down, hit the Comment button, and add your comment(s). Like what you read and see on these pages? It couldn’t be easier to get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.
