I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. I definitely did.
It’s been over a year since my last post about Turdo. Time for a Turdo Vineyards & Winery Revisit…
I recently had the chance to revisit the wonderful Turdo Vineyards & Winery in Cape May. In the past, Turdo Winery would be closed by now and sold out of most of their wines. A productive year and a decision to bottle an additional limited number of cases of three excellent reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese) brought my wife and I back for a return visit on a recent November afternoon.
I was also eager to try a unique wine that they made again this year, called Arancio (Orange wine) which I had never experienced. This was an unexpected bonus. It is made of Grillo, Cattarato and Sauvignon Blanc. The juice is kept in contact with the skins and seeds for three months and after pressing is aged for four months in Acacia barrels. This copper-colored wine is unique and versatile, pairing with many different foods. I can’t wait to open it over the holidays.
I have said this before, but it bears repeating, Turdo Winery makes terrific wines and some of the most elegant red wines in this state (or any other) and the family owners are not just talented winemakers, but gracious and charming hosts. Sal and his son, Luca weave their magic with their winemaking skills, while Sal’s wife, Sara shares her wine knowledge, while making the customer feel very special (and in most cases repeat customers)! Of course, like other family run wineries, they all wear many hats.
The total production of Turdo wines is relatively small, as is their tasting room. But everything about this family and this winery spells class and quality – not quantity. This is how they want it – simply making exquisite wine in the Sicilian style, without the need of advertising or hype. Word of mouth in a small resort town is all that is needed for their success. They do offer private tastings and parties for special occasions and in the past they have offered a few paired wine dinners with a local restaurant in town. While their tasting room is somewhat small, they have a beautiful little patio area overlooking the vineyards.
Turdo makes wines with two labels: Turis (made by Sal) and DiLuca (made by Luca). Their dry white wines include Turis Grillo (a zesty Sicilian varietal with citrus and minerality); DiLuca Riesling (dry Riesling); Turis Pinot Grigio; Turis Sauvignon Blanc; and Turis Rosato (a dry Rose).
Turdo makes some wonderful dry red wines: Turis Pinot Noir; Turis Barbera; Turis Sangiovese Riserva; Turis Cabernet Sauvignon; Turis Merlot, Turis Pinot Noir, DiLuca Rosso, Black Label (Tempranillo/Syrah blend); Turis Persara (Bordeaux blend named after Sara); and DiLuca Rosso Blend (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese). They specialize in making Sicilian and Italian red wines such as their Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. In the past the Nebbiolo has been a personal favorite, but it is only bottled every two years due to the extra time it spends in oak. Persara may be my new favorite, though if you like red wines, you will have a tough (but fun time) choosing here.
Turdo only makes two sweet/dessert wines: DiLuca Moscato (“il Dolce”) and Turis Rubino, their Port-style wine. Fortunately, they just bottled a new batch of their aged Rubino! Grab it before they close or sell out.
Turdo wines have won numerous medals at prestigious international competitions such as the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition, as well as state and national competitions. Most recently, Turdo won a Double Gold Medal at the 2017 Indy International Wine Competition for their 2016 Turis Barbera and two Bronze Medals (2016 DiLuca Bianco Riesling and 2015 DiLuca Rosso Black Label Tempranillo/Syrah blend). For a more complete list of their awards, please consult their website.
Turdo Vineyards and Winery is usually open from spring until fall. This year they have extended their availability, but check their FaceBook page for up-to-date hours. Tastings are $5 for five selections. You can also purchase their wines at several local restaurants and liquor stores.
Cheers!
Coming Soon:
- Organizations that help support and promote NJ wines
- Lesser known Grapes (NJ and elsewhere)
- Another wine book review
Finally: My book, New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-free Taste of NJ Wine will be copywrited In January, 2018 and published no later than April, 2018 (possibly, late February or March).
