Friday, August 27, 2010

Wine Buzz: "Autumn Blush" by Manatawny Creek Winery

It seems only appropriate to highlight a wine from one of my favorite wineries (and my introductory winery into the wine industry) of all times...

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 making
Where 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!

4 comments:

  1. Please see Facebook message and keep up the good work!
    -Karl

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  2. 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:)

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  3. I'm just excited that you've paired a wine with icecream <3 Keep that one coming!

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