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A remarkably refreshing sweet wine
with a delicate hint of cherries and apples. Hanover
Merlot is enjoying a surge in popularity and additional acreage is being planted in many major producing regions. It came to California in the mid-1860s and has become one of the most popular wines since its surge in popularity in the 1990s. The Merlot grape is a close cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon in many respects. It is lower in tannins and makes wines that mature faster and are softer in texture. Merlot is often blended with bold reds in order to soften the strong tannic acids and allow the wines to be consumed much earlier. Select Merlots can have long aging potential but most are ready to consume in 4 to 8 years. Our Merlot is well balanced with a rich and silky texture. Since
it is a medium bodied wine it really shines when paired with game birds, veal or
pork. It is great for just sipping too. 2003 Silver Medal Winner
Cabernet Franc, like Merlot, has traditionally been a part of the blend used to create Bordeaux red wines. The climate in Virginia seems agreeable to this grape variety and many notable vintages have been produced. The increasing popularity of this wine is helping to boost the reputation of premium wine producers in Virginia. Recent DNA research had determined that Cabernet Franc (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white) are the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. As a separate varietal it is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but has less acidity and a lighter body. The typical flavors found in Cab Franc are of black cherry, currant and berries. It is not uncommon to detect the herbal flavors of bell peppers in this variety. Our Cab Franc has been barrel aged for 18 months. This is a good wine to serve with grilled meats, steaks and aged yellow cheeses.
Chambourcin has often been considered the best of the French-American hybrid grape varieties of our time. It is a prolific grape that makes a medium bodied wine with a ruby red color. Our 2004 release of Chambourcin is a luscious sweet version that could easily appeal to any dry wine connoisseur. The grape is especially fond of the Virginia climate and often is capable of producing a large crop of richly flavored berries. Chambourcin has been popular in the midwest for many years. Now Virginia is using it for many of the red blends and on its own as a varietal wine.
Available this fall - One of our favorite French American hybrid grape blends. The vines hang heavy with the glorious clusters of black berries at harvest time - usually early September. This blend has proven to be a rare mix. Ripened to perfection with extraordinary fruit and berry flavors. Although Rad Red does not have the pedigree of our Cabs and Merlot you'll find it a delightful when you want a light, semi-dry easy drinking red.
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