The Olympics have begun, and to honor this momentus event I wanted to choose a celebratory drink. I went with a sparkler to celebrate the lighting of the Olympic Torch ceremony and the start of the games. The sparkler? Hawk Haven Vineyard’s Pet-Nat Rose blend of Malbec and Syrah. This is a beautiful and delicious sparkling wine. For those not familiar with Pet-Nats, they were the original sparklers, before the champenoise method of making Champagne was devised. Pet Nat wines only undergo one fermentation, while those produced using the champenoise method go through a second fermentation in the bottle (by adding sugar). The resulting Pet Nat is less carbonated, allowing a cap, rather than a cork to seal the contents.
Hawk Haven’s Pet-Nat is a fizzy, slightly sweet wine with raspberry and grapefruit notes. The absence of a dramatic pop when opening does not take away from the special properties that account for the new-found popularity in this style wine. If you haven’t tried one, this is a great one to initiate you. If you missed the Olympics Opening Ceremony, check out the highlights on YouTube and uncork or pop your favorite beverage.
Go USA! To all participants and everyone in Tokyo (or watching on TV): Cheers and stay safe!
Pandemic Changes
While I am enjoying the Olympics, I am mindful on a daily basis of how the pandemic has changed so many things-including our wineries and restaurants, some perhaps permanently. I intended to write a post about how COVID has affected the New Jersey Wineries: the disappearance of the traditional wine tastings, offered at almost all wineries at a very reasonable price; the need for making reservations for visits, the need to bring your own glasses at many wineries (or buy theirs); the need for social distancing; and a host of other changes. Then I read an article by John Brecher and his wife, Dorothy Gaiter (at Grape Collective) which you can read here: https://bit.ly/2UccCug. They hit on all of the points I planned on highlighting. It is an excellent article and definitely worth the read.
Italian Wines (and some great NJ versions)
Speaking of great articles, there is a great article at Wine Folly: “The best Italian reds for beginners.” As usual, the article is interesting, well-written, and full of information that even seasoned wine drinkers will appreciate and learn things. The wines discussed included: Barbera, Dolcetto, Brachetto, Montipulciano, Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Nero d’Avola. I have never tried Brachetto (a sweet wine) and only vaguely remember trying a Negroamaro (a dark, tannic red, often used in blends). However, it occurred to me that you can try versions of several of these wines much closer to home here in New Jersey. Here are a few examples and where you can find them. Photos of a couple of these in my cellar are pictured below:
- Dolcetto-I recently sampled this at Natlali Vineyards. It is a light, easy-drinking wine, low in tannins.
- Barbera-Turdo Vineyards recently released this gem. Delicious notes of cherry, hints of vanilla and smooth as silk.
- Primitivo-AKA Zinfandel. Amalthea makes a Primitivo (not estate-grown grapes), but fantastic. They make it in limited quantities, so it may not be available right now. But don’t miss a chance to grab it when it is available.
- Montipulciano-A luscious, inexpensive red. Amalthea also makes a limited production of this gem, importing the grapes and offering it as a wine future (which I anticipate being able to pick up soon-I ordered a couple of bottles last May).
- Nero d’Avola-not only can you purchase this at Turdo Vineyards, it is their signature grape. It is a terrific rich wine with lots of raspberry and cherry, vanilla and soft tannins. They specialize in Sicilian varietals like this one and Grillo (a great Sicilian white wine), as well as other traditional Italian favorites like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Still haven’t gotten your copy of New Jersey Uncorked?
You can download it on the Apple iBook app for $8.99. Just be sure to use the Coupon Code WineNot.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Like what you read and see here? It couldn’t be easier to subscribe below and get your weekly pour of New Jersey wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.
