Winery Visit - Shelton Vineyards

This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, NC. It is in the Yadkin Valley AVA, which was the first AVA established in North Carolina.

Me at the sign for the Tasting Room at Shelton Vineyards

We got there around lunch time, so we started out in the little restaurant that they have at the vineyard. A nice little place with a great view of rows upon rows of vines. Food was good too!

Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards
The windmill-looking thing is a device used to keep
frost from setting on the vines. 

Now on to the main event. We walked over to the tasting room to start our tour. We walked over a bridge past the koi pond and through the trees to get to the massive wooden doors of the building. Truly a beautiful and impressive place.

Signpost showing distances to famous wine locations

Shelton Vineyards tasting room

 We went inside to begin our tour. The tour guide, Linda, took us through some doors and up some stairs to a glass case filled with trinkets. She explained to us a bit of the history of the vineyard and how it came to be. The vineyard is owned by brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton. They originally worked in construction, but always had an interest in wine. They bought the land in 1994 and started planting grapes on the vineyard in 1999. The case was filled with many family heirlooms, such as a set of miniature figurines, old barber tools from one of their grandfathers, and a clock that used to sit on the mantel in their childhood home.

Case filled with family heirlooms

Next, we moved to an adjacent room and Linda talked about the vines themselves and how they grow. She had a case that showed a vine and then a cross-section of the root system below. She talked about how the tap root of the vine goes deep into the ground. The vines at this vineyard are all European vines grafted onto American root systems so that they can grow in the soil in the area.

Linda explaining vines and how they grow

We walked up some more stairs and outside to talk more about how the grapes are harvested and made into wine. Outside, we caught a glimpse of just a small part of the vineyard. Linda told us that they are the largest estate winery in the state, meaning that they pretty much grow all of their grapes here. The only wine that doesn't have all of its grapes grown on site it the Snow Hill White, which they bring in Concord juice from Niagra. They have about 136,000 vines spanning 145 miles and they harvest all of them by hand. It takes 3 people about 1 day to harvest 1 acre.

Some vines in front of the tasting room

The vineyard grows 10 grape varietals, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Tannat, Petit Verdot, and Claret. Each acre produces about 3 to 4 tons of grapes. The grapes are collected in huge bins which are then weighed on the scale shown below.

Scale used to weigh grapes.
More of the vines can be seen in the background.

After the grapes are weighed, they are ready to start getting processed. There are slight differences in processing the grapes depending on if they are making red/rose or white wine. If the grapes will be making a red or rose wine, they go into the destemmer first, which then mashes everything together so that the juices can mix with the skins to get the color of the wine. If it is a white wine, then the grapes go into a machine that separates the juice from the skins and stems of the grapes. 

Destemming device used to process grapes for red wines

Device used to process grapes for white wines

After getting juiced, each type is fed through hoses into the building to be mixed with other grapes, if necessary, and put into fermentation tanks. 

Stainless Steel Fermentation tanks

Some wines age in the stainless steel, others move into barrels. 50% of their barrels are American oak and the other 50% is a mix of French and Hungarian oak. For their port, they use old brandy barrels and age them 5 and 1/2 years. They also have an "Adopt-a-Barrel" program where people can adopt a specific barrel and get their name on a plaque on the barrel. They then receive a case of wine every year for four years and then on the fifth year, they can take the barrel home! A pretty fun way to help the winery pay for and rotate out their barrels. 

The Barrel Room that holds the adopted barrels.
Right now they are holding their Estate Chardonnay. 

Finally, we got a glimpse of the bottling process. They were not in the actual process of bottling, but we watched a short video and looked at the equipment. Their equipment was made in Italy and can bottle 52 bottles per minute. The entire process is automated with the exception of the corks needing to be fed into the top by hand. 

Bottling machinery

At last, we reached the end of the tour and the wine tasting began. The tour cost $6 per person and included 5 tastings and a glass to take home, but we were told to try as many wines as we wanted. Linda even let us try some of the Estate Port  from the Reserve list (usually only for special, more expensive tastings). Here are the wines that I tried: 

Estate Chardonnay, Double Gold  in NC Commercial wine competition - This was an oaked chardonnay that definitely had those vanilla, oaky, buttery notes brought on by the oak. It also had some hints of spice. I'm learning that chardonnays are ok, but sort of not my thing.

 Sauvignon Blanc,  Gold in Pinehurst Wine Competition - A dry white with a lot of fruity flavors. Smelled some generally citrusy flavors. It tasted like grapefruit with some other soft fruit flavors. This one was ok, but usually I like my dry whites to be a little more fruity.

Madison Lee Red, Silver Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition - This wine is named for the grandfathers of the owners. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. It was a dry, medium-bodied red with dark fruit and a hint of vanilla. 

Estate Cabernet Franc, Double Gold/Best of Class in Wines of the South Competition - Smelled a little bit smoky with a lot of cherries. Tasted a lot of cherries as well with some vanilla. 

Estate Merlot, Gold/Best of Show in Wines of the South Competition - This wine is made of 100% Merlot. Smelled like spices and vanilla and tasted like plum with a hint of chocolate and vanilla along with spices and a little smokiness.  

Yadkin Valley Riesling, Double Gold in Tasters Guild International Wine Competition - This was a very light, semi-sweet wine. It smelled fruity with a hint of flowers. It tasted like sweet peaches and honeysuckle. It reminded me of summers at my old home in Virginia when my brother and I would drink the nectar from honeysuckle flowers. I enjoyed this wine. 

Salem Fork Blush, Gold in NC Commercial Wine Competition - This blush is made from Merlot grapes. The name "Salem Fork" is a nod to the Salem Fork community near the vineyard. It had hints of the Merlot I tasted earlier, but just a little sweeter and a little lighter. Still had that fruity plum flavor with a little extra acidity.

Salem Fork Snow Hill Peach - This wine is made from Chardonnay and infused with peaches. It smelled very strongly of peach and tasted of peach as well. This one was a little different from other peach wines in that it was more of a tart peach flavor instead of a syrupy sweet flavor. I still enjoyed it.   

Estate Port - This wine is from the reserve collection and is usually part of a $25 tasting (as opposed to the $6 tasting we paid for), so it was a treat to sample some of this. This wine is made from Cabernet France and aged 5 and 1/2 years in It came in a smaller bottle, which was understandable once I tasted it. It was very viscous and sweet with a lot of dark fruit. It would have gone perfectly with a piece of dark chocolate. I can understand why people only drink a small amount at a time, aside from the alcohol content. 

I really enjoyed my trip to Shelton Vineyards and I look forward to visiting more wineries in this area. The wine industry is fairly new to the North Carolina area, and I'm excited to see where it goes!

Tasting- Winking Owl Moscato

•Name - Winking Owl Moscato
•Variety - Moscato
•Region - California
•Country - USA
•Price - $2.99

Description on bottle: "Flavors of ripe citrus, apricot and peach. Pairs with spicy cuisine, light cheeses or your favorite desserts."

My review: I decided to try out this budget wine. I definitely smelled like peach and apricot. It was a very light bodied wine and very sweet. Almost too sweet for me. It tasted like lemon and peach together. A very simple, affordable wine that I could enjoy regularly with some funky cheese. 

Tasting - Cline Syrah

•Name: Cline Syrah
•Variety:  Syrah
•Region: Sonoma County
•Country: USA
•Year: 2014

Wine Label Description: "Cline Cellar's Syrah is a deep purple wine of surprising complexity, exploding with black cherry fruit and cracked black pepper. Long associated with France's Rhone Valley, this wine has a compelling, carefree intensity. Try our syrah with gnocchi or mushroom polenta."

My review: Michael, one of the owners of Carolina Vines, recommended that I try this wine after I told him that I liked the Malbec in the wine flight that I had with the cheese. It definitely smelled a lot like dark fruit, especially cherry. It also tasted strongly of cherries. I eventually did taste a little bit of the black pepper. I really enjoyed this wine too.

Cheese and Wine at Carolina Vines - Part 2!

 Once again, I took a trip to Carolina Vines in Newton, NC on a visit to my parents' house. This time we had the pleasure of talking to Michael, one of the owners. Sarah, the somm-in-training that we had last time, was also there to serve us. It was another wonderful experience.

This time, I tried a malbec and two chardonnays with a cheese plate. Just like last time, I was pleasantly surprised with the wines and pairings and I look forward to visiting this shop again.

The Cheeses:

We had some cheese repeats from last time (but they were good, so whatever). Our board consisted of a Manchego, a brie with mango chutney, and Gorgonzola. Gotta love the variety here. The Manchego was not quite the same as last time, but it was still good. The brie was awesome, semi-soft with the rind on. And the mango that went with it was fruity with a hint of spice. Finally, the Gorgonzola was as funky as ever. They also added some apples, little crackers (great for palate cleansing), and some olive-pepper thing that was pretty delicious. So great. Now, on to the wines.

The Pairings:

Name: Kaiken Terroir Series Malbec
Variety: 80% Malbec, 12% Bonarda, 8% Petite Verdot
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013

Even though I've learned that I do actually like some reds, I'm still hesitant to order a glass or buy a bottle. However, I did find that I liked this wine. On the nose I got a lot of dark fruit, especially blackberry and maybe a hint of cherry. When I tasted it, I definitely got that full on dark fruit flavor with a full body. I wasn't overwhelmed by any tannins, which was nice. Definitely a new world style of wine that could be enjoyed right away on its own. Sarah paired this with the Manchego. I found that the hard cheese went well with full body and added a creamy component to the flavor profile. I really enjoyed this red and would definitely try other Malbecs in the future.

Name: Bread and Butter Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa
Country: California
Year: 2014

I have a confession: I've made it this far through this course and I haven't had a chardonnay. If I'm being honest, it's because I'm scared of oak. It seems that people either love or hate it and I didn't want to risk the monetary investment. I have another confession: I didn't hate this chardonnay. I'm not saying that I would go out and buy a case or even a bottle, but I'm open to trying more to see how I feel about his varietal. I'll also have to give the unoaked variety a try. But back to this one. I smelled a buttery, floral wine with a hint of grass and vanilla. And that's basically how it tasted. The oak left vanilla flavors and it was a very smooth wine. I was not overwhelmed by oak, which is a plus. I understand when people say a wine is creamy, cause this one was. Sarah paired this with the brie and mango, which went well with the creamy aspect of the chardonnay. The spicy mango also cut in just a bit to add a little smoke. All around, a great experience. 

Name: Southern Magnolia Peach Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013

As I've learned, I really enjoy sweeter wines. I also like peaches, so I was looking forward to trying out this one. And let me tell you what, if you don't like peaches, then just get something else. When I took my first sniff, it was all peaches. I felt like I was sticking my face in a bag of those Trolli Peach Rings. Just peaches. And that's how it tasted. A refreshingly light wine that tasted like I was biting into a fresh peach. Sarah matched this one with the Gorgonzola. The funkiness of the Gorgonzola went well with the light sweetness of the peaches. Kind of like a weird salty-sweet combo. I definitely enjoyed this wine and its paring.

Cheese and Wine at Carolina Vines

During Spring Break, I had the pleasure of going to a sweet little wine shop called Carolina Vines. I went early in the day with my mom, so we were the only ones there. I ordered a tasting flight (which the sommelier actually gave me full pours instead of half pours...not complaining here) and a cheese board. It. Was. Awesome.

The Pairings:


•Name - Tannat
•Variety - Tannat
•Region - Mendoza
•Country - Argentina
•Year - 2013

This wine smelled dark and earthy with tons of dark fruit. I honestly wasn't sure if I would like this one. However, I broke out of my light bodied, fruity, white wine shell and I'm glad I did. This wine had a full body with a little acid and a lot of dark fruit. Some light tannins in there too, but they didn't overwhelm me. The sommelier paired this with a nice, hard Manchego. This cheese was awesome. It was super hard and had what tasted like little flavor crystals to give you a slightly grainy texture with a lot of flavor. It went well with the wine and smoothed out the light tannins I mentioned earlier and added a creamy component. Amazing.

•Name - Cline Cashmere
•Variety - GSM (Syrah, grenache noir, mourvedre)
•Region - Napa
•Country - USA
•Year - 2014

Yet another full bodied red wine that I was a little nervous about. The sommelier said that she thought there had to be a tobacco farm nearby the vineyards since there was an underlying smokey, tobacco flavor. I have to admit, that did not sound appealing to me. It smelled super earthy with a little dark fruit. When I tasted it, I could definitely taste the dark fruit and the smokey, tobacco-y, leathery flavor that she was talking about. And I didn't hate it, so there. She paired it with a white English cheddar. Yum. This was a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor that complemented the wine. It sort of brought out the smokiness, which I liked. Even though this was not my favorite of the three, I still enjoyed this pairing.

 •Name - Linville Mist
•Variety - Riesling
•Region - North Carolina
•Country - USA
•Price - $14.99

Last, but definitely not least, a local green apple Riesling. I had to squeeze a local flavor in, so why not a light Riesling named after a quiet NC mountain town to finish the trio? Lake James Cellars were not kidding around with the green apple part of the name. Pretty much all I could smell was green apple, which was fine with me. It was an off-dry wine with a full on apple flavor. I was all about it. Light bodied, light, refreshing, fruity flavor, it was all good to me. She paired this with a Gorgonzola, which was great. The soft, salty, funkiness went great with the hint of sweet in the wine and almost brought out a touch of smokiness. A match made in heaven. I bought myself a bottle to enjoy later.

If you're ever in Charlotte, NC and have a free afternoon, consider driving about an hour northwest-ish to the quiet downtown area of Newton to check this place out. I certainly enjoyed it. Also apologies for not including a picture of the cheese plate. We sort of ate it way too fast to even snap a shot. I'll grab one next time! (Because I will be returning here for sure.)

Tasting - Soave Pieropan

•Name - Soave Pieropan
•Variety - Garganega (85%) and Trebianno (15%) Blend
•Region - Soave
•Country - Italy
•Year - 2014
•Price - $7 a glass

I tasted this wine at a wine bar called Carolina Vines in Newton, NC. The sommelier there recommended this wine as a light and fruity wine that I would probably enjoy. Here's a proper review that I found on WineBox Warehouse:

"A fresh and steely white with sliced apple, pear and lemon rind character. Medium to full body, bright acidity and a clean and fresh finish. One of my go-to whites from Italy. Drink or hold."
91 Points James Suckling

My Review: The sommelier was correct, I really did enjoy this wine and debated buying a bottle for myself. I definitely smelled apple and pear off the bat. I thought it had a medium body with a light acidic, apple, and pear flavor. I really should have bought a bottle in the store. Maybe next time!

Tasting - Quintas Melgaço Blue

•Name - Quintas Melgaço Blue
•Variety - Vinho Verde
•Region - Vinho Verde
•Country - Portugal
•Year - 2013
•Price - $5.95

Vintage Cellar Description: "Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads."

My Review: I smelled a light citrus acidity. It tasted slightly of something like slate with a general crisp, light flavor. I thought it was very refreshing.

Tasting - Prime Brum

•Name - Prime Brume
•Variety - Garganega
•Region - Soave
•Country - Italy
•Year - 2014
•Price - $6.95 (Regular: $11)

Vintage Cellar Description: "Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes."
91 - Tastings.com

My Review: I got a strong fruity smell that reminded me of apple with a small floral component. I thought it tasted like a flowery pear with a hint of slate. I enjoyed the fruitiness of this wine and look forward to trying more of this varietal.
    

Tasting - Grand Cru Pinot Noir

•Name - Grand Cru

•Variety - Pinot Noir

•Region - California

•Country - USA

•Year - 2013

•Price - $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: "This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite main dishes to pair with this wine"

My Review: I smelled a strong dark fruit component. I couldn't pick out specific fruits, but I didn't smell the hint of vanilla that the description says. I thought it had a full body with more dark fruit flavors, especially cherry. Not one of my favorites because it wasn't fruity enough for me. 

Tasting - Dona Sol Sweet Red Table Wine

•Name - Dona Sol
•Variety - Sweet red blend of Shiraz, petite Syrah, and Symphony
•Region - California
•Country - USA
•Year - ?
•Price - $6.95

Vintage Cellar description: "Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in this Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair will with cheeses and desserts."

My Review: I really enjoyed this wine. I've learned that like most beginners, I do tend to like sweeter wines (as long as they aren't too sweet). I definitely felt like I was sticking my nose in a strawberry jam jar when I smelled this wine. I liked the lightly sweet, strong fruity taste. It was definitely jammy, as the Vintage Cellar review says. Ended up buying a bottle of it for myself!

Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur with Parmesan and Salame

I'm finally getting around to doing a little blogging.

I tried the 2013 Reserve Grand Veneur. It's a red wine from the Cote du Rhone region.

When I just opened it, it smelled generally fruity. I haven't gotten to where I can pick out specific flavors, but I'm working on it! I tasted it right away and it was a little spicy, acidic, tart, and tannic with a heavy body.

After letting it breathe for two hours, I tried it again. It smelled more strongly of fruit with the same flavor profile, but more pronounced.

I tried it with parmesan cheese and it tasted a little smoother. Still same flavor profile though. I think the cheese did help mellow out the tannins a little, but I still haven't gotten to where I can discern minor differences.

I also tried it with a few slices of really good salame. They definitely tasted good together, but I didn't noticed much difference in the flavor of the wine. I can say that I definitely enjoyed eating the salame with this wine.