Turdo Vineyards Spring 2023

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I visited Turdo Vineyards in Cape May. I knew we were leaving for Maine in a few days, so I saved this post for today (as we did not return until last night). The photo above shows our bundled reds that were saved for us (two sets).

Initially, I planned to just say hi and pick up our special bundle order of reds that were now available. However, it was a beautiful day, we were the first customers to arrive, and we had not tasted any of the newly bottled vintage wines. It is no accident that I have written so often about Turdo Vineyards. I love the wines, the setting, and the warm and friendly family who does everything in a very classy way. Turdo only has five acres under vine. However, their 25 years of making excellent wines have captured our hearts and palates, as they have for so many others. This is why their vintages always sell out. You won’t find a lot of “library wines” here. Just amazing reds and very good whites, as well. Year after year. They have won many awards, but putting smiles on the faces of their patrons and satisfying their own high standards is more important to them. I am equally impressed with their ability to make you feel special, with their warmth and genuineness.

We decided to taste the newly released wines and perhaps one or two others. My wife wanted to limit her intake, as we hadn’t had lunch yet (and she was driving).

My Tasting

• 2022 DiLucaAlbarino-A delicious version with floral notes in the aroma and ripe tropical fruit on the palate.
• 2021 Turis Persara-A terrific Bordeaux-style red blend of Merlot, Cab, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cab Franc. It is a consistent favorite here with rich dark fruits, medium to full-body, and very smooth.
• 2021 DiLuca Rosso (“Black Label”)-A nice red blend of Tempranillo (80%) and Syrah (20%).
• 2020 Turis Cabernet Sauvignon-Consistently one of the best Cabs in the state; full-bodied, rich black cherry and vanilla flavors on the palate. It spent 30 months in new French oak, adding a rich complexity.
• 2020 DiLuca Ross0 “Super Tuscan”-Highlighted last week as my NJ Wine of the Week. It is always an excellent wine. In my opinion, this is Luca’s best wine to date. Very smooth blend of Cab (50%); Sangiovese (25%); and Merlot (25%).
• 2016 Turis Etichetta D’Oro (Sangiovese produced in accordance with DOCG Italian Wine Law)-This is one of their two “Ultra Premium” wines. It boasts full-bodied flavors of cherry and a subtle vanilla, with a smooth as silk finish. This is one of my “special occasion” wines.

My Wife’s Tasting (which I shared)

• 2022 DiLuca Albarino-See above notes.
• 2022 Turis Rosato-a wonderful dry Rose, a little lighter in color than in the past; bright acidity with cherry and strawberry on the palate and a refreshing finish.
• 2020 DiLuca Rosso “Super Tuscan”-see above notes.

The sunshine and gentle breeze was calling us to their beautiful patio (always adorned with greenery and soon to be blooming with colorful flowers). My wife and I both enjoyed a glass of Luca’s Rosso (“Super Tuscan”). We both agreed we could have easily spent the afternoon there on the patio. The pictures below don’t do justice to the simple beauty and peaceful vibe that we felt, but the wonderful wine certainly added to the experience.

               

While we were sitting on the patio and sipping our wine, Sal Turdo (owner and winemaker) came over to say hello. We got to talking about their time here at the winery and some of the great vintages (including 2010 and 2019, among others). Sal shared that he had planted Chardonnay early on, but was not happy with the results. Instead of pulling up those vines, he decided to graft a new species. I don’t remember whether the grapes grafted were the Nero D’Avalo or Grillo (perhaps both). While Chardonnay is wonderful, I am sure Sal is happy that he chose these unique Sicilian grapes over the Chardonnay grapes. We sure are! Sal also said that by grafting instead of uprooting and replanting, it saved three years in the process for the grapes to reach maturity. I also learned that grafts can be safely stored for a year in refrigeration!

What a great afternoon! Below is a photo of our takeaway (in addition to the red bundles). I know we will need to return in June for some of our other favorites (including Barbera, Nero D’Avola, and Grillo, among others). Incidentally, Turdo is one of only two wineries in the U.S. to grow Nero D’Avola and the only one in the U.S. to grow and produce Grillo.

Coming Attractions

• Balic Winery
• Muse & Music in the Vines
• Winery Happy Hours
• Rootstock 2023

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