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MAY
2003 SELECTIONS
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Cabernet Sauvignon With its depth of complexity,
richness of flavor and tremendous aging potential, it is no wonder
that Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the King of the Reds. This late
ripening grape is grown, with varying success, all over the world
- South America, Australia, Lebanon, Long Island, Northern California,
and, of course, France. The grape is very durable and adapts to
various climates well. Cabernets can be mellow and mild, hearty
and rich. It has a deep red color, with the primary taste being
black currant. Other overtones can include blackberry and mint.
More often than not aged in oak, the wine also takes on an oaky,
vanilla flavor. Cabernet goes well with beef, lamb and goose, especially
when cooked with herbs. It also is a great match for brie, cheddar
cheese and chocolate!
Long Island
From an exceptionally ripe vintage, this wine is aromatically packed with chocolate, mint and black cherry. Dark plum and cassis are the predominate flavors on the palate. With firm tannins and a classic Cabernet finish, this is ready to drink.
Long Island
Offering black cherry, black currant flavors and a bright finish with soft tannins, this wine is ready now and goes well with red meats or Italian foods. This vineyard site has one of the longest growing seasons on Long Island, giving this wine ripe berry fruit flavors with a nice balance of tannin and flavors.
Hudson Valley
With its delicate fruit and smooth, medium-rich tannins. A special blend made by Brotherhood Winery.
Before the Civil War, the number 1 alcoholic beverage in America was Cider. Like wine, it is fermented from fruit and can capture the complex flavors of fruit, yet has a much lower alcohol content and tastes best with some sparkle - like beer. Hard cider became the traditional drink of New England not long after the first settlers arrived. It was on the table with meals in town houses and farm cottages. Cider was even traded as currency. In France the traditional cider is light and sparkling and is poured from a champagne bottle. The ciders in Northern Spain come in a corked wine bottle. In England, the traditional ciders are kegged like a beer and served on tap. Today, the cider tradition is being renewed in America by such regional producers as Eve's Cidery of Ithaca. Eve's is an organic product.
Most wine lovers like "real" wines - those made with wine-type grapes. Even ordinary table grapes are looked down on as being "not good enough" for real wine. However, fruit wine has been seeing an increase in popularity recently as more people drink wine, and are interested in trying the different variations that exist. Each of these distinctive fruit wines is delicious - the very essence of the fruit. For more varieties of fruit wines, visit a Vintage New York store or Rivendell Winery during the May Fruit Wine Faire. Over 40 different fruit wines are available for sampling.
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