Which States Make The Best Tasting Wine? (Alabama-Missouri) | World Of Wine | Bon Appétit

Summary

In this engaging video, a sommelier explores wines from various U.S. states, showcasing the diverse offerings of the wine industry. Each state's unique climate and grape varieties are highlighted, from Kentucky's early-harvest Cabernets to Maine's apple wine. The sommelier shares tasting notes and personal reflections, revealing the challenges and surprises in American winemaking. As he navigates through different regions, he emphasizes the importance of understanding lesser-known grapes and the evolving landscape of wine production in the U.S. The video promises an informative journey through the complexities of regional wines and the sommelier's own learning experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The yield of grapes per acre directly affects the concentration and flavor of the wine; higher yields often result in less flavorful fruit.
• 🍇 Vineyard management decisions, such as dropping excess fruit, can enhance the quality of the remaining grapes but come with higher costs.
• 🌱 The use of hybrid grape varieties, like Blanc du Bois in Louisiana, helps combat diseases caused by heat and humidity.
• 🍏 Apple Table Wine from Maine is distinct from apple cider, made through a fermentation process similar to that of grape wine.
• 🌊 Maryland's 2019 Boordy Vineyards Albarino showcases the challenges and potential of growing this Spanish grape variety in a non-traditional region.
• 🏴‍☠️ The Diamond White wine from Massachusetts, made from Concord grapes, surprised the taster with its sweetness despite expectations of dryness.
• ❄️ Ice wine from Michigan, made from frozen Vidal Blanc grapes, is recognized for its rich texture and concentrated sweetness, offering a unique dessert option.
• 🌾 Minnesota's Itasca wine presents an unexpected flavor profile, marked by strong tannins and a powerful, peppery finish, showcasing the region's emerging wine scene.
• 🍷 The exploration of native grape varieties in the U.S. indicates a growing trend toward 'Anything But Vinifera' wines, suggesting a shift in consumer preferences.
• 🗺️ Missouri's Norton wine offers a rich, jammy flavor and highlights the state's historical significance in American viticulture, being home to the first AVA.

Q & A

What factors influence the concentration of flavors in wine grapes?

The concentration of flavors in wine grapes is influenced by yield; specifically, a higher yield means more grapes per acre, which typically results in less concentrated and less flavorful fruit.

Why do some vineyards choose to drop fruit during the growing process?

Some vineyards drop fruit to concentrate the remaining grapes on the vine, enhancing the flavor and quality of the wine produced. This process can be expensive and is sometimes seen as impractical from a business standpoint.

What unique characteristics does the *Blanc du Bois* wine from Louisiana exhibit?

The *Blanc du Bois* wine from Louisiana is described as having a golden color and complex aromas, including hints of banana peel, cardamom, and citrus oil, showcasing its ability to reflect local growing conditions.

What distinguishes apple wine from apple cider?

Apple wine is fermented in the same way as grape wine, leading to a different fermentation process than apple cider, which typically has a petulance and prickliness due to its fermentation methods.

What are the expected flavor profiles of Albarino, and how did Maryland's version compare?

Albarino is expected to be fresh and lively, often associated with coastal regions. However, Maryland's version was found to have an unexpected cooked taste, which did not complement local seafood as anticipated.

What is the significance of ice wine, and what flavors were noted in Michigan's *42 Ice Wine*?

Ice wine is a dessert wine made from grapes left on the vine until frozen, concentrating their sweetness. The *42 Ice Wine* from Michigan was praised for its rich, layered flavors of stewed peach, pear, and mirabelle plum.

How did the speaker describe the wine from Minnesota?

The wine from Minnesota, *Itasca*, was described as having a powerful and peppery profile, with a strong presence but lacking complexity, leaving the speaker unsure about its enjoyment.

What is the speaker's opinion about the *Lomanto* from Mississippi?

The *Lomanto* from Mississippi was found to be dark and tannic, but lacking fruitiness on the palate. The speaker noted that it felt unbalanced and missing depth.

What are the key characteristics of the Norton wine from Missouri?

The Norton wine from Missouri is described as deep and dark in color with jammy and smoky notes. The speaker found it to be well-made compared to other Nortons tasted during the session.

What overarching lesson did the speaker learn from the wine tasting experience?

The speaker emphasized the importance of a sommelier's role in understanding a wide range of wines, not just personal preferences, and recognized that wine packaging does not always reflect the quality of the wine inside.