It’s been quite awhile since I have visited and written about DiMatteo Vineyards, in Hammonton. It was definitely time for revisiting DiMatteo Vineyards. It is one of several wineries in the area, each with their own appeal. There’s a kind of homey, local boutique quality about DiMatteo. They have whites, reds and sweet/fruit wines to offer. Since their white wines are almost all off-dry, I selected primarily from the reds on the tasting menu. DiMatteo does produce a Chardonnay that is dry, but it was not on the tasting menu the day I visited. It should be noted that DiMatteo Vineyards has won numerous awards for their wines in various competitions since they opened in 2002 (in addition to those mentioned below).
The Whites:
- Vidal Blanc-A bit sweeter than most I have tasted (perhaps an off-white).
- I was offered a complimentary taste of the unnamed white pictured below and offered in the larger format. It was a little sweet, but could make a refreshing summer white.
The Reds:
- Chambourcin Reserve-Good in a newly opened bottle; undoubtedly better once it opens up. One of my favorites in past visits.
- Chambourcin-A fairly typical Chambourcin, with a nice dark color and light to medium body with low tannins.
- Cab Franc-A light-bodied red with soft tannins.
- Merlot-My favorite red on this visit; this one won a medal at the New Jersey Sate Fair Competition and found its way in my cart to enjoy at home.
- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve-Enjoyable; well-balanced, medium-bodied, with smooth tannins.
- Pasquale Red – On the sweeter side (reminding me a little of Lambrusco). It is their signature wine and a perennial bestseller for them. It won best American and a Gold Medal at the 2017 NJ Wine Competition. It is a blend of Concord and Ives grapes.
- Red Grape Wine-shown below, a bit on the sweet side.
For the Sweet Tooth:
- Chocolate Raz-As the name implies…It won a Gold Medal at the 2017 NJ Wine Competition. I brought home a bottle of this light-bodied crowd-pleaser.
- Blackeye-A delicious red base with a little more body and deeper color than the Chocolate Raz, with a great cherry flavor.
DiMatteo is also trying something different this year with a White Table Wine and Red Table wine being offered in the larger 1.5 ml bottles at $14 each (pictured above). Tastings are $10 for seven tastings and a souvenir glass. DiMatteo’s prices are quite reasonable and you should definitely stop in if you are in the area. Some of their wines are also available in local liquor stores. DiMatteo is open Friday from 12-5; Saturdays and Sundays from 11-5; and Mondays and Tuesdays from 12-5. They are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
DiMatteo Vineyards offers various types of entertainment and fun activities from music to painting and crafts to visiting Psychics. They have a small patio with nice views of the vineyards and an attractive adjacent room when the weather isn’t cooperating. Check their website for details.
Cheers!
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