Revisiting Amalthea Cellars

Revisiting Amalthea Cellars is always a treat-from the historic structure of the site where tastings are held (dating back to the stagecoach era in the 1800’s) to the beauty and ambience that surround you … inside and outside, overlooking their vineyard. But in the end, it is the wine that beckons you to return.

As noted in my previous post about this wonderful winery (https://wp.me/p74VSa-6c) Amalthea is one of New Jersey’s oldest wineries (36 years old in 2017). They have a rich and interesting history. A visit to Amalthea is a little like visiting Europe, with its architecture, Old World philosophy and wines. The name “Amalthea” is of Greek origin and means to soothe or soften. Founder, owner and winemaker, Louis Caracciolo, is of Italian descent. Many of his wines are modeled after Bordeaux wines (such as the Europa Series).

Despite the European feel and influence, there is also an appeal to Americana and American history buffs, as their Green Dragon Tavern (used for special events) was modeled after the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston where our forefathers planned the American Revolution. The Green Dragon wine label is used for those wines made at Amalthea utilizing grapes from elsewhere (mostly California and New York).

Amalthea Dry Whites

They presently offer a Petit Chablis; their Green Dragon Tavern Pinot Grigio; 2013 Chardonnay Sur Lie (maturing on the spent yeast, in the French-style); Leda (a lovely bone-dry Rose); Green Dragon Tavern Riesling; and Elara (a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling; and Rayon d’Or-a hybrid grape, related to Vidal Blanc). My favorite white wine on this visit was the Chardonnay Sur Lie, though I found the Elara interesting and very refreshing.

Amalthea Dry Reds

My red flight consisted of their Green Dragon Tavern Russian River Pinot Noir; 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel, Primitivo (an Italian-style Zinfandel with seductive chocolate notes and a very smooth finish); Dream Barrel Zinfandel (using Napa Valley grapes); and Cantina Mas Harvest Blend. Two wines, not on the tasting menu, but thankfully added, were the Europa VII (a Bordeaux blend) and Cabernet Franc. Both of these were recently bottled and released. I loved all of these red beauties, especially the Zinfandels and the Europa VII. My favorite Zinfandel was the Primitivo.

Amalthea Sweeter Wines

Amalthea also produces semi-dry/semi-sweet wines: Callisto Series (Callisto Gris, with apple notes; Callisto Rouge, with dark plum, cherry and chocolate notes; and Callisto Blanc, with papaya/mango flavors); Metis (strawberry and cranberry notes); and Villard Blanc (a hint of sweetness, but with lots of acidity).

An interesting Amalthea bonus is their Cantina Mas (a draft of seasonal blends). The present offering is a fresh blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec. They pour it from a tap in the barrel and offer a collapsible plastic “growler” to take home, which keeps this wine fresh for up to two weeks. While not as photogenic as its bottled brothers, the growler (pictured below) was a bargain at $36 for my refill. It is the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine, or $9 per bottle that is better than any “jug wine” I’ve ever had. The term “jug wine” does not do this wine justice. Try it!

 

The winery has a few tasting area options. In addition to the one adjacent to the store and cashier area, there is a nice patio overlooking the vineyards, and on special occasions they use the Green Dragon as a tasting and touring area. Tastings are done by the flight (White Wine, Red Wine or Off-Dry Wine) at $6 per flight. The flights can also be mixed and matched (two flights for $10 and three flights for $15). Amalthea Cellars is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.

If you are a fan of dry wines (especially dry reds) do not miss this winery. I even joined their VIP Club this time. For $25 (a one-time fee) you get first crack at new releases and “futures,” discounts and invitations to special events. These privileges are extended to myself and three others.

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I am still hopeful that my book will be available during the holiday season. Thanks for your patience. In the meantime, upcoming posts will include a “Dining in the Vineyard” entry (Auburn Road); a Sunday visit to Chaddsford; and a series of Wine-paired TV Binges-What to watch now that Game of Thrones is gone for a year and some playful suggestions of wines you might enjoy while binging (on the TV, not the wine)!

Cheers!