Thanks for sticking with me folks, it's been a hectic few months with family problems, reorgs at work, and then finishing up my thesis for a master's program. But now I'm back and ready to make up for lost ground.Tonight's little gem hails from my home state of Missouri. Yes, wine from Missouri, and if you've read any of my past posts about Missouri wines you'll know that they turn out some pretty danged good stuff (why, a Missouri wine won the "Judgment of Ocean Beach" contest we had earlier). Montelle Winery lies in the area that was was the first AVA (America's way of denoting geographic locations of grape growing), Augusta. If you've never been I highly recommend a trip to and through the Missouri wine region that hugs the banks of the Missouri River, it is both charming and breathtaking in it's beauty.
This wine is made with the Chambourcin grape, a hybrid that has shown to be particularly resistant to fungus infections. It has a fairly wide growing area in the midwest and eastern United States was well as some areas in France and Australia. The wine I poured tonight was of a deep cherry red color. After a few swirls around the glass I was greeted by the aroma of blackberries, a touch of cherry, a little "woody vanilla", and I would swear just a hint of smoke (though that could just be the pollutants of LA County burning but since it's pleasant I'll attribute it to the wine). The wine is medium bodied and dry but not puckeringly so. There is a good acid/fruit balance with enough tannin to support but not overwhelm. On the tongue I get red fruits (cherries prominent) and spice. There is a certain overall "rustic-ness" to the wine which is pleasant, all coming together in a medium length finish. If you're looking for something different to have with your BBQ I would say give this wine a shot.
Wines reviewed in 2009: 205
