As this is our last weekend in August, September reminds us that Autumn is quickly approaching. So, let's kick off our ratings with a wine to end summer and open the door to Autumn! I give you Manatawny Creek Winery's Autumn Blush!
If my memory serves me correctly, this pink rose/blush wine is made from Steuben grapes. Steuben is a hybrid variety (a cross between Wayne and Sheridan) created at Cornell's Experimental Station in Geneva, NY. It's quite popular throughout PA, IN, and NY. I like this grape! Although it is not your traditional Vitis vinifera (typically of French origin) wine grape, it has some very redeeming qualities, which are especially highlighted in this rose.
I rate my wines on a 50 to 100 point scale. (Every wine deserves 50 points for trying!) A wine in the 90s is unbelievably good with lots of redeeming qualities (unlike Robert Parker's or the Spectator's scales...), a wine in the 80s is a good wine that may have some sort of component that is out of balance or missing, a wine in the 70s is probably a 1 time purchase (if you catch my drift)... and anything below 70 should probably never be bought again! Each component (appearance, aroma/bouquet/flavor, taste, balance, and length of the finish) has a scale that I follow to rate my wines and at the end, I add up each component to get a grand total. I will always give you the grand total when I rate each wine posted on "The Vine to Wine."
Autumn Blush by Manatawny Creek Winery
Appearance (10 points possible): slightly pink hue, clear (probably filtered) - 10 points
Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): fresh fruit which is very forward in the nose, hints of passionfruit, grapefruit, melon, and strawberries - 15 points
Taste (10 points possible): sweet entry (but not overly sweet), medium acid (preferable for a rose), light in tannin, a simple wine with light body - 7 points
Balance (5 points possible): all parts run together harmoniously, although the acidity is quite noticeable; I would give this wine a middle of the scale selection - 3 points
Finish (5 points possible): the length of the finish is there, lasting about 1 minute. Strawberry flavors linger in the finish. - 4 points
Total Points: 89
Overall Thought: A pleasant semi-sweet rose with an alluring nose that reminds of me a summer, tropical fruit salad. The wine is rather simple, but easy-to-drink. Perfect to drink on its own during those cooler end-of-summer nights. I see this wine going rather well with grilled vegetables, while sitting out on the patio wondering where the summer went. Also a local favorite for those who have only ever drank White Zin or a girls-night-out kind of gathering when some of the girls don't know if they like wine. :) *Bonus* This wine has a cool, classy name!*
Food Pairings: grilled veggies, soft cheese, ice cream, nuts, and puddings
Cost: $10.95
Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - definitely a good deal and a purchase well worth makingWhere to buy: Manatawny Creek Winery (on site or online purchases for select states) http://www.manatawnycreekwinery.com/index.aspx
What can I say? As the cooler weather approaches for most of the U.S., I'm sure I can find some wines to warm the heart! But for now - here's to the semi-sweet blush wines, the end of summer, and to Pennsylvania wineries! Bottoms up!
Please see Facebook message and keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete-Karl
I drive down Joanne's way a couple times a week now. I'll pick some up and tell her it was your suggestion. Come to think of it, I think there is a reception for Berks County Retired teachers there this week:)
ReplyDeleteManatawney is a lovely winery.
ReplyDeleteI'm just excited that you've paired a wine with icecream <3 Keep that one coming!
ReplyDelete