Exploring Traminette with Michael Migliore of Whitecliff Vineyard

 

If you missed the live episode of Winephabet Street’s this month we talked all about Traminette, Our guest was Michael Migliore, owner and winemaker of Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery. Michael brought 45 years of winemaking expertise to the table, providing invaluable insights into this fascinating grape known for its floral, fruity, and spicy characteristics

What is Traminette?

Traminette is a hybrid grape, a cross between Gewürztraminer and a French-American hybrid. It boasts the aromatic intensity of Gewürztraminer while offering the hardiness and disease resistance of hybrids. Traminette thrives in regions with cooler climates, making it a popular choice in New York’s Hudson Valley and the Midwest.

Key Highlights from the Webinar

The History and Development of Traminette

Michael shared the grape’s unique origin story, developed as a resilient and flavorful alternative to traditional European varieties. Introduced in the 1990s, Traminette has gained a foothold in vineyards across the Northeast and Midwest due to its cold tolerance and disease resistance.

Vineyard and Soil Preferences

Traminette thrives in sandy loam soils and prefers slightly sloped sites for optimal drainage and sun exposure. Michael emphasized the importance of early leaf pulling to allow sunlight to develop the grape’s flavor precursors, ensuring a rich and complex wine profile.

Winemaking Techniques

Michael detailed his winemaking process, highlighting the importance of cold fermentation and short skin contact to retain Traminette’s signature floral and fruity notes. He also touched on experimenting with non-intervention wines, using natural yeasts to create unique flavor profiles.

Tasting Notes

Traminette’s bouquet is a sensory delight, featuring aromas of rose petals, orange blossom, and jasmine. On the palate, expect notes of guava, lychee, Honeycrisp apple, and a medley of spices like ginger and cloves. Michael’s description painted a vivid picture of a wine that’s both elegant and versatile.

Food Pairings

One of the standout moments was the discussion on food pairings. Michael recommended pairing Traminette with:

• Spicy Asian Cuisine: Think Thai green curry or dumplings with chili oil.

• Seafood: Oysters and other light, briny dishes.

• Cheese: Gruyere is a perfect match for Traminette’s nuanced flavors. For sweeter versions, desserts like cheesecake or roasted meats complement the wine beautifully.

Why Traminette Matters

Traminette is more than just a hybrid grape; it represents the innovation and resilience of modern viticulture. Its ability to thrive in colder climates while offering a sophisticated flavor profile makes it a valuable addition to any wine enthusiast’s repertoire.

What’s your experience with Traminette? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Exploring the Rich Legacy of Kopke 1638 Port House with Carla Tiago

 In a recent interview, Carla Tiago, one of the talented winemakers from the historic Kopke 1638 Port House, shared insights into the storied tradition and innovation behind one of Portugal’s most celebrated port houses. Established in 1638, Kopke has pioneered the art of port making, evolving from the early days when port was simply a fortified wine shipped to England to today’s complex and aged offerings. Carla explained the distinct profiles of Kopke’s ports, from the fruity Ruby style to the oak-aged Tawny and the single-vintage Colheitas, which are bottled only upon request, making each bottle a unique expression of the terroir.

Kopke also produces high-quality still wines under the brand Quinta de São Luiz, representing the best of the Douro Valley’s distinct microclimates. The tradition of maintaining family-owned vineyard sources, along with sustainable innovations, has kept Kopke’s wines at the pinnacle of quality.

Carla highlighted exciting projects, including the launch of a unique library collection with rare, century-old ports, a vermouth aged for over 100 years, and a quinine-infused port made to prevent malaria—a fascinating historical nod. With an eye to the future, Kopke seeks to inspire a younger generation, introducing port through modern cocktails and food pairings, demonstrating the versatility of this exceptional wine.

For those interested in exploring Kopke’s range, Carla noted their upcoming online store, Uva Wine Store, and the availability of their ports in select U.S. locations. Kopke continues to bridge the past with the present, inviting wine lovers to discover the rich tapestry of flavors that over 400 years of tradition have preserved.

I hope you enjoy the podcast!

Discovering Familia Vicente Pearce: A Journey of Passion, Wine, and Connection

In this latest episode of Uncork Your Mind, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shawn Pearce from Familia Vicente Pearce, a unique winery that bridges the cultures of Buffalo, New York, and Mendoza, Argentina. Shawn shared his inspiring story of how he met his wife, Celia, and eventually sparked their joint venture into winemaking in the heart of Mendoza.

Shawn's journey into wine began while studying at Wake Forest, but it was his connection to Celia, who grew up in Argentina's wine-rich Mendoza region, that truly set the stage for what would become Familia Vicente Pearce. Together with Celia's brother, Juan Pablo, they’ve developed a winery focused on creating premium wines from sustainably farmed vineyards.

We delved into Mendoza's rich terroir, where vineyards sit 3,000 feet above sea level. Cool nights and alluvial soils provide the perfect conditions for growing classic Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Gamay. Shawn also discussed the company's commitment to organic farming, using drip irrigation, and sustainable practices to reduce its environmental footprint while producing exceptional wines.

Their wines are a testament to their passion, with each bottle reflecting the family’s love for both the land and the craft. From their limited-production, Gamay Rosé to their crowd-pleasing red blend, Corte, Familia Vicente Pearce offers a diverse range of wines that are perfect for any occasion.

If you're curious about wine from Argentina or looking for something new to try, be sure to listen to the full interview where we also discuss the creative artistry behind their labels, Celia’s design talents, and of course, our shared love for the Buffalo Bills!

Listen to the podcast or watch the webinar now and discover more about Familia Vicente Pearce!

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From Italy to New Jersey: The Unique Journey of the San Marco Grape at Bellview Winery

Welcome to an exciting edition of Winephabet Street! We are exploring the story of the San Marco grape, a unique variety cultivated in the United States by Bellview Winery in New Jersey.

**Meet the Winemakers**

Jim Quarella, the 4th generation owner of Bellview Winery, and his partner Larry Coia, an experienced grape grower, join us to share their journey. Their partnership began in 2000 when they turned Bellview Farms, initially a vegetable farm, into a commercial winery.

**Discovering San Marco**

The San Marco grape has an extraordinary back story. Larry speaks passionately about their trip to Italy, where they met Marco Stefanini, a researcher known for developing grape varieties. They discovered the San Marco variety, an experimental grape resistant to botrytis and suitable for the climate of New Jersey. After rigorous processes, they began cultivating this grape in the U.S., leading to Bellview Winery becoming the first to produce San Marco wine.

**From Italy to New Jersey: Cultivation and Characteristics**

San Marco's journey from Italy to New Jersey involved overcoming quarantine regulations and propagation challenges. Jim shares the delight of growing this grape, describing its oblong berries and resistance to common vine diseases. It's cultivated in sandy loam soils similar to those in Northern Italy's Trentino Alto Adige region.

**The Wine Profile**

San Marco wine showcases an intriguing profile with dark fruit notes, particularly black cherry, and a structure reminiscent of Syrah. It's characterized by its bright acidity and balanced tannins, making it a versatile option for various food pairings. The wine's aging potential is promising, with Larry and Jim optimistic about its development over the next decade.

**Tasting San Marco**

We tasted San Marco's different vintages during the webinar, noting distinct flavor profiles and aromatic differences. The 2021 vintage displays black cherry notes and a deep purple hue, intense and fuller, while the 2022 vintage, which had 10% Merlot, is noted for its herbal and spicy undertones with brighter acidity. Both agree that San Marco is an exceptional wine, suitable for pairing with a wide range of dishes, from pasta and meatloaf to roasted pork and even bean dishes.

**Future of San Marco**

Jim and Larry envision San Marco becoming one of Bellview Winery's signature varietals. They plan to cultivate this variety further to enhance its production and promote its unique qualities. Their dedication to experimenting with new grape varieties ensures they stay at the forefront of viticulture innovation.

**Visit Bellview Winery**

If you're interested in tasting San Marco and exploring more about Bellview Winery, you can visit their website at https://belleviewinery.com or plan a trip to Landisville, New Jersey, located between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. There, you can experience their variety of wines and enjoy the scenic vineyards that Jim and Larry have passionately cultivated.

Cheers to new grape varieties and the innovative winemakers who bring them to our tables!

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Rediscovering Rkatsiteli: A Journey Through Time with Meaghan Frank and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

So excited about this episode of Winephabet Street. We are exploring the letter 'R' with one of the wine world's hidden gems, the Rkatsiteli grape. This ancient varietal, which hails from the storied vineyards of Georgia, offers a captivating blend of history and unique flavors that few other wines can boast.

Joining us is a very special guest, Meaghan Frank from Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Meaghan represents the fourth generation of her family's winemaking legacy, bringing both a deep respect for tradition and a fresh perspective to the craft.

The Journey of Rkatsiteli

The Rkatsiteli grape is considered one of the oldest known to viticulture, with origins that trace back over 3,000 years in the Republic of Georgia. This grape has survived and thrived through millennia, making it a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of indigenous varietals.

At Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, the journey of Rkatsiteli is intertwined with the personal history of the Frank family. Dr. Konstantin Frank, a visionary viticulturist and Meaghan’s great-grandfather, first introduced Rkatsiteli to the Finger Lakes, recognizing the region's potential to nurture this robust and versatile grape.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Rkatsiteli produces a wine that is vibrant and aromatic, with a crisp acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. It exhibits flavors ranging from ripe apple and pear to herbal and floral notes, making it versatile for pairing with a wide array of cuisines. The wine's high acidity cuts through the richness of fatty foods and complements spicy and aromatic dishes, making it an excellent match for everything from Indian curries to traditional Georgian recipes.

We were spoiled and got to taste 3 types of Rkatsiteli Dr. Frank produces.

2021 Amber Rkatsiteli - Spent 2 weks on skins. Fresh floral with orange blossom and chamomile

2022 Rkatsiteli - Bright acidity, notes of pear and nice salinity on the finish

2021 Rkatsiteli Extra Brut - it has a touch of dosage and spent 3 years aging. Nice floral notes and fresh and exciting.

Sustainability and Innovation at Dr. Frank Winery

Under Meaghan’s stewardship, the winery continues to focus on sustainable viticulture practices, including the use of solar energy and participation in New York State's Sustainable Winegrowing program. This commitment ensures that the legacy of Dr. Konstantin Frank not only preserves the environment but also continues to innovate and lead in the American wine industry.

Experience and Education

Meaghan’s approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in both tradition and science. With a background in wine business and enology, she blends practical experience with academic knowledge, enriching the winery’s offerings with both classic and innovative wines. Her involvement in teaching local WSET courses further reflects her commitment to educating others about wine, ensuring that the passion for viticulture is passed on to the next generation.

Visiting Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

For those intrigued by the story of Rkatsiteli and the rich history of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, a visit to the Finger Lakes offers a picturesque setting to experience these exceptional wines. The winery provides a range of tasting experiences that showcase the diversity of their wine portfolio, from their traditional method sparkling wines to their exquisite Rkatsiteli.

Rkatsiteli is not just about a grape, but about the enduring legacy of a family that changed the American wine landscape. Meaghan Frank continues this legacy with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and education, ensuring that the history of Rkatsiteli will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We hope you enjoyed this exploration of Rkatsiteli on Winephabet Street. Watch or listen the complete show below

Webinar  

Podcast

Questions You Always Wanted To Ask About Wine Part 1

 In this episode of Winephabet Street, Debbie and Lori tackle the questions you've been hesitant to ask about wine. Remember, in the world of wine, no questions are considered foolish. Whether you've been pondering about tannins, wine pairings, or curious about corks, now is your opportunity to gain clarity without hesitation.

We had such a good show and didn’t get to all the questions, we have a part 2 coming up. 

I hope you enjoy!

Webinar

Podcast

Winter Warmth with Spanish Reds: Stay Cozy with Beronia Graciano & Dominio Fournier

The winter isn’t over; March can be difficult, and there's nothing quite like the warmth and comfort a glass of red wine can provide. Let's warm up with Spain's renowned wine regions to explore two beautiful reds that promise to elevate your March evenings: Beronia Graciano 2020 from Rioja and Dominio Fournier 2019 from Ribera Del Duero.

Beronia Graciano 2020, Rioja

Nestled in the Rioja region, Beronia was created in 1973 by a group of friends who had a mission to make great wine. The Beronia Graciano 2020 is a testament to their mission. Graciano, is an indigenous grape variety not grown in many other areas. It ages well and makes wines that are tannic and deep in color.

The Beronia Graciano 2020 SRP $27.99 is medium body and smooth. It has wonderful aromas of violets dark berries, hints of cocoa, tobacco and spice. The palate is wonderful, with ripe bright red fruit, raspberry, plum with a hint vanilla and warm spicy notes.

Something about this wine transports me to a summer day in my childhood.

Dominio Fournier 2019, Ribera Del Duero

Dominio Fournier is located in Ribera Del Duero, a region celebrated for producing some of Spain's most powerful and expressive wines. This vintage is a beautiful expression of the Tinta del Pais grape, also known as Tempranillo.

The Dominio Fournier 2029 SRP $29.99 is aged 12 months in French Oak. The wine has a nice bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, and hints of baking spice. On the palate the wine is full bodied, fresh and elegant with notes of black cherry, raspberry and licorice.

As we seek comfort and warmth during the crazy weather month of March, Beronia Graciano 2020 and Dominio Fournier 2019 stand out as perfect companions. Their rich flavors, depth, and elegance not only provide a sensory escape to the sun-drenched vineyards of Spain but also remind us of the joy and warmth that good wine can bring to our lives. So, this March, curl up with a glass of these nice Spanish reds and let their stories unfold with each sip.