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Welcome
to Russel's Ramblings™! This is the latest installment of my
addition to the website, which focuses on the various aspects of the
joy of the table- WINE! In this installment, I discuss New Jersey
wineries in general and Unionville in particular. Read on and click
here to send me your comments and questions
I
work in New Jersey so I get to pass a number of liquor stores that
sell wine. As in most stores in this area, they sell very few local
wines. It is a shame because there are a number of local wines from
PA and NJ that people would buy if given the choice. I know that most
folks only look to get wine from California, Washington, Oregon and
Europe. I think most folks are missing out on something that is right
under their noses. Like any of Freddie Prinz, Jr's movies, the beauty
queen is dressed like a plain Jane.
Tonya
and I have only visited two wineries in New Jersey. It was one day
last year during the holidays that we decided to visit the wineries
in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and those not far across the Delaware
River in New Jersey. The two in Pennsylvania were nothing special.
The two in New Jersey were much better. The best one was Unionville
Vineyards in Ringoes, New Jersey. As they say on their website, they
are one of the best east of the Mississippi. These guys know how to
make wine! They are located north of Trenton, NJ and a little over an
hour from Philadelphia and not far from NYC. This makes for a great
day trip especially when they have bands, BBQ and other special events.
The
wines, from top to bottom, are exceptional. They have a proprietor's
label, Chateau Galloway, which is some of the best wine that I have
ever had. The Chardonnay is buttery and luscious, with pronounced
notes of vanilla and fruit. This is worth every penny! Also the
Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Pinot Gris (Grigio) are also awesome.
These are definitely award winning wines that can challenge any of
the wines put out in California.
The
white wines are very good. My favorite of the whites are the Hunter
White, Hunter White Reserve and the Seyval Blanc, along with the
Chardonnay. If you visit their website you will see that is all of
them! Each one was very good with the Hunter Whites being my top two.
These blends are very crisp, fruit forward wines. These will make
your mouth water when you taste them. You better get a few bottles
because one is not enough!
Their
reds are also quite nice. I know we purchased the least expensive
wines on this list so we could get more of them. We purchased the
Chambourcin, which was full of plum and the oak aging was very
balanced and added complexity to the wine. The Hunter's Red and
Hunter's Red Reserve were made from Marachel Foch, which is a grape
you see in the Finger Lakes also. The Hunter's Red is more along the
lines of a Beaujolais style in that it is drinkable now. The reserve
can be aged. Their other reds, Cab Sauvignon and the reserve are very
tasty and very age worthy. One day perhaps Tonya and I can keep a
bottle long enough for aging longer than one year!
Check
out their website because it appears they can ship to almost all
states. I will test it out and let you know if that is true. If you
visit remember they close at 4PM except on special events. They are
located near Flemington, NJ and New Hope PA, so there are many dining
options in the area. Some of the non-chain restaurants serve their
wine and other NJ wine, which gives you the chance to try other New
Jersey wines.
Cheers!
Russel
Click
here to send me your comments and questions
