It’s hard to believe it has been two years since my first visit to Blue Cork Winery & Vineyard. So much has happened since that tour of the vineyard, with only the promise of great wines to come and blueprints of the three buildings planned for the future. But I had no doubts about the future of this winery and included it in my book, New Jersey Uncorked, in the Coming Soon section. The driving force behind this ambitious project is Angelo Tantaros, winemaker and co-owner, with his wife, Michelle. While the vineyard is truly a family affair (including their four children), Angelo brought his knowledge of winemaking from his family in Greece.
Located in Williamstown (Bluebell and Corkery Lane-thus the name), Blue Cork had their “soft opening” last month. They were already serving some great white wines and a marvelous Rose. So when I received an invitation to try their latest offerings and take a tour, I eagerly accepted.
Since our last visit Blue Cork has added:
- Blue Cork Blush-I generally don’t care for blush wines. They are often “sugar bombs.” This one is the best Blush wine I have tasted, with only a little sweetness on the palate.
- Blue Cork Red-A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon ((55%); Merlot (30%); Cab Franc (10%); and Petit Verdot (5%)
- Blue Cork Branco Choice (their white Port-style wine)-Aged in oak, with stone fruit notes and spirits. While not completely dry, it has only 2% residual sugar. A delicious and unique port-style wine with 18.5% ABV.
- Blue Cork Ruby Choice (their red Port-style wine)-My preference of the two; again only 2% residual sugar. Made with Chambourcin with 18.5% ABV.
- Apple Wine-Again, Im not usually a fruit wine fan, but you only taste the fruit in this wine with a minimal amount of sweetness. As Angelo described it: “Like biting into an apple.” Also only 2% residual sugar
What wines are next at Blue Cork and how soon?
In addition to the two pictured above (Chambourcin and Petit Verdot), Blue Cork will be adding Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to their tasting menu in late July or August. Lots to celebrate now and lots to look forward to!
Angelo thinks big. Everything he touches, he seeks out the best. This is true of the fermenters and all of the equipment in the winery (most of it imported from Italy and often modified to his specifications). See photos below. Their oak barrels are imported French oak. They use synthetic corks (blue, of course), though they are more expensive. Angelo shared that he only uses American bottles, “unlike many wineries who import them from China because they are cheaper.” So I should not have been surprised (though I admit I was) when Angelo said he wants to build a cave for wine storage as his family did in Greece. Wow! Talk about sparing no expense!
Cheers!
Still Want your Guide to New Jersey Wine?
The coupon is still valid to save $2 on the ebook version of New Jersey Uncorked. The coupon code is Summer2019. It is only available through the Apple iBook store. Good on Macs, iPads and iPhones. The same coupon code (Summer2019) can be used to get $5 off the cost of the paperback-good only at BookBaby here: store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked.
Coming Attractions
- Sippin’ Into Summer Wine Festival (including New Jersey’s newest winery!
- Villari Wines in Tasting Room in Haddon Heights
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Howard, Thanks for the shout out! You really cover the ground! My wife and I used to eat at the Pier House and look forward to revisiting the new version. We are Cape May lovers from way back. For those who are not familiar with Howard Fusco, you should check out his blog, by clicking on the above link.