Anyone who has ever asked what I think of Minnesota wine will be in for a tell it like it is statement of we don't have the right terroir.
Vitus Vinifera is the vine species responsible for grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. In Minnesota the frigid cold winters would kill this species so cold climate grapes have been planted as an alternative such as Frontenac, La Crescent and Marquette. According to the U of M website these are hardy grapes designed to survive the winters.
While many people enjoy visiting wineries in Minnesota I just don't get the desire to spend $20 for a bottle of Minnesota made juice when far superior quality is available for less than $10 such as Columbia Crest Grand Estates or many clients favorite the Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling from Germany.
At a recent wine tasting, I was able to sample one of the more respected local wines the 2008 Alexis Bailey Voyageur. I forced my friend to sample it also so that I had 2perspectives on the wine. We did sample the wine out of a real stem while the rest of the tasters were drinking out of a plastic cup which you can't really properly taste wine out of. Neither one of us enjoyed the wine and at $21.99 on sale we both were stunned anyone would buy this wine.
Here is my review:
2008 Alexis Bailly Vineyard Voyageur Alexis Bailly - USA, Minnesota (10/25/2010)
It is hard to believe this is one of the top Minnesota wines actually grown in Minnesota. It had a paint thinner quality to it along with damp earth. Short finish. At $22 a bottle it is hard to believe anyone would buy these wines. (61 points)
A much better alternative for under $20 at Hennepin Lake:
2007 Duxoup Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (10/27/2010)
What a great wine with cherry, plum, minerals and floral notes. Just fun to drink and while not complex as some Syrah wines it doesn't cost a fortune and at $15.95 worth buying half a case. (91 points)
While many people are advocates of buying local let me ask you this: How many people in Miami attempt to grow corn or coffee beans? There are certain areas of the world that are designed to properly grow a quality agricultural product and we do really well with corn, soybeans and apples.
Just telling it like it is in the world of wine!
Cheers,
John Glas
Wineglas
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Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI am pleased you tried and reported on a Minnesota wine. But before you write off our wines, I encourage you to try some others. Our climate and latitude produce high acid grapes which are best finished sweet. Frontenac Gris or La Crescent, mixed with some Prairie Star and finished with a bit of residual sugar makes a lovely white wine. I'd send you some, but ours has been sold out since August 1. Perhaps you would prefer a dry red? I would encourage you to try a Marquette. It's Pinot Noir parentage shines through and it harvests at much lower acid levels. After malo, age in Minnesota oak and enjoy the lovely touch of clove. Send me your address, and I'll send you a bottle to try. -Tami Bredeson, President Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, MN.
Tami,
ReplyDeleteI would be happy to try your wines or any other from Minnesota. I have sampled over a dozen in the past year and have not been able to give a Minnesota wine a drinkable rating so do contact me direct if you have something you feel is of high quality.
John Glas
Wineglas
www.wineglas.com