Amalthea Cellars is located in Atco and has been around since 1981. The owner and winemaker, Louis Caracciolo has a lot to be proud of. Amalthea Cellars is one of our oldest wineries in the state and one of our best. My wife and I have visited many times over the past decade or so. In all of that time, we had never been in the cellar itself. On Friday afternoon, we were able to share a couple of flights of wine in the cellar pictured above. We had the cellar to ourselves, just enjoying the ambiance and daydreaming about what treasures were hiding in all of those barrels.
White Flight
- Dry Vidal Blanc-a bone dry version of this hybrid grape, with hints of stone fruit.
- Elara-Some have called this wine, their baby Chardonnay. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Rayon d’Or, offering bright acidity with a hint of peaches.
- Dijon Clone Chardonnay-Classic style Chard with a floral nose and a little buttery on the palate.
Red Flight
- 2019 Merlot Reserve-a tasty, classically smooth Merlot.
- Europa I (Chateau Margaux)-The Legends Edition Europa Series seeks to replicate Bordeaux-style blends like those of specific famous chateau (like Chateau Margaux). A wonderful blend of Cab (75%); Merlot (20%); and Cab Franc (5%).
- 2020 Tempranillo-A good medium+ bodied red with a little cherry on the palate and finely integrated tannins.
Bonus Tasting
- Legends Edition Europa VI 2018-Bordeaux-style red blend of 90% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc. Delicious and velvety smooth tannins.
- Petite Sirah Dream Barrel 2019 (sourced from a vineyard in Millville)-Bone dry, but full-bodied and surprisingly smooth. Full of bold flavored dark fruit.
- Europa IV 2018-Modeled after Chateau Chevalier Blanc, it is a blend of Cab Franc and Merlot. A beautiful, smooth blend offering raspberry and spice on the palate.
- Cantina Mas-This is their legendary blend that is produced four times a year, with a different blend produced for each season. It is not bottled. Instead it is offered in plastic jugs and represents one of the best bargains you will find anywhere. If you like dry red wines, you must try their Cantina Mas. This one is a wonderful blend of Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and Barbera. It is smooth as silk and while dry, there is just a hint of sweetness in this wonderful blend.
Wine & Charcuterie on the Porch
We chose the Europa VI to accompany our goat cheese, salami, and pita chips. Sitting at a small table in comfy chairs on the side porch, we loved the view of the flowers and surrounding grounds (including the occasional guests, like family dog, Kona and a shy chipmunk).
Our Takeaways
In addition to the bottle of Europa VI, which we finished at a local Italian restaurant, we came home with the Petit Syrah and the Europa IV (pictured below). The Europa Series still offers some of the best wines in the state and beyond. We really enjoyed our tastings and our visit to Amalthea. If you love dry red wines, you need to put this winery on your list to visit soon.
Coming Attractions
- Auburn Road Vineyards Spring 2024
- Angelico Vineyards Spring 2024
- Flemington Breweries (Lone Eagle Brewing and Conclave Brewing)
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