| August
2005 SELECTIONS |
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Blending is the key to a winemaker's ability
to create complexity and style in a wine. Traditionally, in Bordeaux,
reds are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
and Merlot grapes. The two Cabernets provide the backbone, character
and longevity to the blend, while Merlot offers intense, lush fruit
and its own trademark softness and suppleness. When these wines
are made in Bordeaux, of course, it is easy to label them by their
place of origin. When these wines are made in the New World, without
such robust labeling laws, they are often called Meritage - a proprietary
name that describes these non-French bordeaux-style blends.
Each of these wines represents the pinnacle
(clearly so in the case of Standing Stone!) of each winemakers'
art - their crowning achievement. They are wines meant to last -
but will also provide great enjoyment in case you don't have the
willpower to cellar them.
Seyval Blanc, a French-American hybrid originally
developed in France, has proven a successful and popular variety
in New York. Primarily grown upstate, it is a made in a wide variety
of styles but is at its best when vinified dry (or off-dry) when
it resembles a pinot grigio or even sauvignon blanc with its citrus
and tropical fruit elements. Here are three terrific ones:
Their special aging technique makes this wine
a perennial winner. With its rich layers of honey and citrus, it
has a pleasing semi - dry finish. Perfect with chicken or pasta
with white sauces.
From the Hudson Valley's pre-eminent Seyval producer.
This vintage displays the richness of the harvest with crisp, bright
flavors comparable to a Macon Chardonnay.
This dry white has a lively acidity and hints
of lemon. A versatile dinner wine that goes well with fish and white
meats.
Bully Hill Vineyards was owned by the late Walter
Stephen Taylor. He was the 4th generation of his Family to be involved
in grape growing and wine making. Because the family has been either
growing grapes or making wine since 1878, it is the oldest family
name to be continuously associated with wine and grapes in America.
When new owners of his family's winery revoked his
ability to use the Taylor name for his own Finger Lakes winery through
legal action, he fought back in his inimitable style with a line
of wines that proclaimed to all "you can take my name but you'll
never get my goat!"
Fresh, fun and fruity - all
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Casa
Larga MERITAGE
