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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