Balistreri Vineyards: Denver, Colorado

Background:

Balistreri Vineyards is located in Denver Colorado.  It is a family owned vineyard, which has been operating 15 years (since 1998).  The wine maker and owner is John Balistreri.  Some of his family members also participated in the vineyards operations.  Mr. Balistreri’s wife and grandson both hosted and gave guests tours of the winery.  Tours of the winery were provided to interested guests for free.  During the tour, Mrs. Balistreri provided a detailed review of their wine making process from start to finish.  The winery also serves food and there are nice accommodations at the winery for events, such as weddings.


From the road looking at the tasting room of Balistreri

Vines along the road at Balistreri

Highlights:
Balistreri is the only winery in Denver with a vineyard.  They have 2 acres, located about 2 miles down the road from the winery dedicated to vine.  While the vineyard has turned grapes in the past, it is not currently doing so.    To attain grapes for wine production, the Balistreri purchases from other vineyards, which are located in the Grand Valley AVA.    This is pretty much common among Colorado winery’s and vineyards from what I was able to learn from the host. 


In the cellar at Balistreri

Wine Notes:
If you are deciding on what year to commit to, according to the host, 2012 was a good year for Colorado wines.

Because the vineyard is not producing their own grapes, there are not estate wines at this winery.  However, this winery has a unique practice for making wines.  Their wines are all natural.  This means they are not using additives, like sulfites.  Mrs. Balistreri continued to communicate that they were making wine according to the old ways.  Their idea was to create a wine true to the taste of the grape and vineyard, from which it was picked.   You would also notice that all of their wines on their venue are of a single varietal, with the exception of the Port.  The winery uses all American Oak barrels, which they prefer to purchase from Missouri.   They do not seem to have an active plan for retiring barrels.  Instead they reuse the same barrels over and over again.  Some of the same barrels have been in operation since they opened 15 years ago.

 

Tasting Venue:

The following wines were available at the time of my tasting.

Because of the unique method of producing “all natural wines” I felt the wines on this list were all unique.  A Cabernet Sauvignon produced at this winery may differ greatly from a Cabernet Sauvignon elsewhere, due to their processing methods.  There was even a dramatic difference on the vertical tasting of some of their wines, such as the 2008 Late Harvest Merlot.  Some wines that appealed to me were the 2011 Colorado Little Feet Merlot, the 2011 Colorado Syrah and the Balistreri Port.  The Colorado Cherry was also very popular among the crowd.
As you look over the list of wines I tasted, it is important to make note of the following:

• All wines with “Colorado” in the name mean that they were produced from grapes grown 100% in Colorado.
• Balistreri lists the vineyard of origin on the label.  At least my host was knowledgeable about the terroir of the vineyard of origin and could talk about it when cued.
• Wines with “American” in the name mean that the grapes could be purchased from outside of Colorado.  It seemed like California was the next place of choice.
• If you are interested in vertical tastings from their library, the host told me that Balistreri was committed to the Colorado vineyards. So the labels do has consistency between vineyards from year to year.
• Their wines ferment for about a year before bottling. 
• The winery prefers making reds over whites, so you will see a red heavy venue.

Whites:

• 2012 Colorado Orange Muscat (Barrel #2044) (Talbott Vineyard)
• 2011 Colorado Riesling (Barrel #231) (Talbott Vineyard)

Reds:

• 2012 Colorado Sangiovesse (Barrel #170)
• 2011 Colorado Little Feet Merlot (Barrell # 107) (Talbot Vineyard)

                      Key Note: This is called “Little Feet” because the grapes are stomped by children at  
                      Balistreri’s Annual Harvest Party.

• 2011 Colorado Little Feet Merlot (Barrel # 9928) (Bennett Vineyard)
• 2011 Colorado Syrah (Barrel #117) (Talbot Vineyard)
• 2010 American Cabernet Sauvignon (Barrel #129)

                Key Note: Aged for 24 months in American Oak barrels.

• 2011 Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon (Barrel #172) (Whitewater Hill)
• 2008 Colorado Cabernet Franc (Barrel #2055) (Avant Vineyard)
• 2009 American Petite Sirah (Barrel #140)

Dessert:
















 

• Balistreri Port (Barrel #966)

            Key Note: This port is produced with three Portuguese grape varietals: 35% Touriga, 35% 
            Tinto Cao, 30% Alvarelhoa.  These grapes were grown in Amador County, CA and crushed in
            Denver.  Balistreri fortifies with 190 proof grape spirits.

• 2008 Colorado Late Harvest Merlot (Barrel #2297)
• 2010 Late Harvest Zinfandel (Barrel #6-011)

• Colorado Cherry (Barrel #36-10)

A photo of 2012 Colorado Sangiovesse in the glass: 

 

Colorado Cherry in the fermentation process: 

 

Awards:

About Colorado wines:Colorado’s wines will taste much different than wines from Napa Valley or Carneros in California, Bordeaux in France, the Mosel Valley in Germany or the Barossa Valley in Australia. Because Colorado’s vineyards are the highest in North America (4500 to over 7000 feet above sea level) and only slightly lower than some of the vineyards in Argentina, because our humidity is very low and our soils quite alkaline, our wines are unique. [source: http://www.coloradowine.com/]

About the Grand Valley AVA: 

 

The Grand Valley AVA, along the Colorado River, once called the Grand River, forty miles east of the Utah border—begins where the mouth of DeBeque Canyon opens onto the lush green oasis along the valley floor at Palisade, sheltered by the largest flattop mountain in the world, Grand Mesa, the AVA then spills up onto East Orchard Mesa and Orchard Mesa along the south bank of the river, and stretches right to the foot of the Colorado National Monument west of Grand Junction. Elevations range here from just over 4000 feet above sea level to over 4500. DeBeque Canyon and the Colorado River provide constant breezes to cool this area in summer and warm it up during the sometimes harsh winters. The chalky, south-facing Bookcliff Mountains reflect solar energy onto the valley floor, making for some great conditions for Syrah, Viognier and other Rhone varietals, as well as the Bordeaux grapes, especially Cabernet Franc, that flourish on the slightly higher and cooler Orchard Mesa. This was the site of Colorado’s first grape industry that began in earnest in the 1880-1890s. The Grand Valley gets as many [degree days] as Napa Valley, Tuscany or Bordeaux, but in a shorter period of time. Due to the similarity of climate with the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain, Tempranillo also is proving to be well suited to this region.  [source: http://www.coloradowine.com/]
Other Links:
Colorado’s Unique American Viticultural Areas
Colorado Wineries

Narmada Vineyard: A unique experience, that I will not hurry back for...

While reading this post, keep in mind that I have a defined taste and style of wine that I appreciate here in Virginia.   Narmada Winery does not fill my taste, but is a highly popular winery.  If you are looking for something unique, go here.  I tasted at this winery, after tasting at Gray Ghost.  I would not recommend that anyone else do this.  Narmada's wine has a very unique taste, that doesn't mix well with other wines in the region.  Save this for an independent tasting event.

Narmada is nestled along the Blue Ridge countryside of Rappahannock County.  Be careful because the winery blends in with the scenic views of the area and is easy to pass up.  Be sure to watch for their entrance sign, which is a couple miles past Gray Ghost Winery as you travel North on Rte 211.  I was excited to taste at Narmada, because it would close my gap on tastings along this stretch of Virginia wineries.  I usually research the winery ahead of visiting, so that I have opportunity to enrich my visit with knowledge of the winery and move into deeper discussions about the wine and vineyard. Narmada has a really good website.  Had I visited the website, I would have read their caption that states, "Experience India, Taste Virginia".  This is what is unique about the winery.  Its not your standard Virginia experience.

From my host, I learned that the owner was a successful business man.  He had originally been from India and decided to commit his retirement to the winery.  This makes Narmada a unique commercial business.  It's easy to interpret that the owner is very skilled in marketing and presentation. Which leads me into my experience entering the winery grounds. Narmada is a very visually pleasing winery.  75 percent of the grapes they use are grown on the vineyard, according to the host.  Their vineyard map shows several varieties of grapes grown on the property, including Chambourcin and Viognier.  The host explained that the tasting room opened in 2009 and you can purchase wine back to that date.

Lilly Pond at Narmada

Entrance sign

The grounds are well kept and very pretty.  Upon entering the gates, you will immediately notice the Lilly pads in the pond near the gate.  The rest of the vineyard is visually appealing but not accessible.  If you like to stroll along the grapevines to enjoy their relaxing beauty, you will not find that experience at Narmada.  The vineyards are fenced off to the public, making it so that you can drive straight to the tasting room and back out.  

This winery is definitely setup to drive business to the tasting room, suck the money out of you, and move you back off the property.  At least this is the feeling I got from the winery.    Tasting are served in small flights and are very expensive.  You can choose from 3 flights that are $7 - $9.  When you go to a winery and they tell you that you can purchase a flight of their wines, this should be a red flag.  These winery's are NOT interested in giving you an experience of wine, they are interested in revenue.  In this case I was right.  The host poured such little amounts of wine in the glass that it was literally a sip.  I didn't even bother smelling the wine or swishing it.  The amount was so little that I couldn't even get a look at the color of the wine (other then red or white).  As a compliment for tastings and just pleasure (which is pretty cool), Narmada offers Indian style food.  I did not try this, but I do like Indian food and would like to get some reviews of this aspect of the winery.  So if you haven't gotten the point of what I am telling you, Narmada is a unique experience all about India.  If you want to experience Indian culture and taste in Virginia, you can do that here. 

Overall, here is what I thought of the wine.  From what I remember from the terrible tasting, the Dream tasted like rubbing alcohol and this taste resonated through most of their wines.  Really, I couldn't stand the taste of them and really just wanted to ask for my money back.  The two wines that tasted alright were the Tannat and Primita.  The Tannat had a very silky taste to it.  I think the potential of the winery and the skill of the winemaker, really shines in the Tannat.  Additionally, the Primita was not a let down.  I did enjoy the Primita, but not enough to buy it.  Narmada has 2 desert wines the Primita, the Lotus.  They also have a Port-style wine called Allure, which is 80% Chambourcin, 10% Tannat and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Primita is made from Chambourcin, which is one of my favorite grapes.  This may be why I leaned toward liking this wine. 

Winery At Bull Run

Panoramic of the Winery At Bull Run

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the Winery at Bull Run!  This young winery is a great social hub for history buffs strolling through the battlefield or local visitors looking for a day out.  The Winery at Bull Run is one of Chris Pearmund's extensions, where he is mentoring winemakers.  This winery does not make wines from their own vines.  They only have about 1/2 or less of Norton grapevines.  According to the wine host, they are looking to plant Chardonnay in the future.  Much of their wine on their flight is similar in style to Pearmund Cellars offerings.  To be frank, if you like Pearmund's wine, then you will find this winery to a delightful extension of Chris Pearmund's vision and wine varietal.  Where Pearmund does not offer any fruit wines or "Port" style wines, this winery makes up for ti with a peach, blueberry and port-style dessert wine.  On today's flight they offered a 2012 Blueberry wine, but their was also a Peach wine for purchase.  In addition, they offered a port-style wine made from 100% Chambourcin, labeled 2010 Fort.  Throughout their wines they are using either stainless steel or American Oak.  The 2011 Chardonnay, made from 100% Chardonnay, is a Burgundian styled Chardonnay aged in French oak barrels.  It receives a full malolactic fermentation and has a nice buttery taste, if I remember correctly.  I also enjoyed the 2011 Delaney and the 2011 Rose.  The Delaney is made from 70% Vidal Blanc, 15% Petit Manseng, 10% Viognier, and 5% Rkatsiteli.  Their are 9 wines on the flight to explore, plus a peach wine and Sangria (which is made to order on at the winery).  The grounds of this winery are beautiful and the also provide a fantastic barrel room for private parties or just for off the path explorers.  This winery is a great choice for social events.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nortons

Looking into a Barrel

King Family's Chardonnay 2011 (Est 1998)

Tonight I am enjoying a bottle of King Family Chardonnay 2011.  I have been waiting until the summer polo games to head out to King Family for a tasting.  After finding their Chardonnay 2011 (670 cases produced) and Seven 2010 (457 cases produced) at a local wine shop, I had to get a preview.   Sorry, but I have tucked the Seven 2010 (their version of a Port) away for another day.  With the sudden burst of summer weather here in Northern Virginia, I have decided to dip into the Chardonnay.

Here is the description from the King Family Website: 25% of the volume is aged in new French oak.  The nose offers fresh pear, caramel, and cut straw.  A flinty minerality opens onto a silky mouthfeel characterized by cucumber.  The finish is long with a hint of vanilla.  100% malolactic fermentation.  

This is a fantastic Chardonnay and leaves me craving ham and pineapple pizza or some pasta with white sauce.  I wonder if I opened this to soon and should have waited to schedule a nice dinner along with it.  (Chardonnay Food Pairing)

I can't wait to visit the vineyard!

King Family Vineyards

Polo Games Starting Soon

Roseland Polo will be kicking off the 2013 season on Sunday, May 26th.

Polo matches are held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather and field conditions permitting. Matches begin at 1:30 pm and typically last about 1 1/2 hours. Matches may be cancelled depending on field conditions, rain, excessive heat or any number of reasons

Tasting at Cana Vineyards

Cana Vineyards opened in 2011 and expects to be producing a suitable grape in about 4 years. Cana takes its name from the bible. The vineyard had 8 wines to taste.  They included the Apple Wine (which I considered the best), the Raspberry Apple Wine, the Traminette, Riesling, Viognier, Rose, Cabernet Franc, and Le Mariage.  They are growing Petit Manseng and Viognier grapes on the grounds.  Overall, the vineyard was a beautiful place that sits atop a hill in Middleburg, VA. This area is also known for the Gray Ghost, John Mosby. The area offers other places worth seeing, such as the Red Fox Inn just down the road from the vineyard.   http://www.canavineyards.com/

Tasting at Pearmund Cellars

This weekend I got to enjoyed a nice afternoon of wine tasting at Pearmund Cellars. Pearmund Cellars is nestled in a nice country area just off 29 and located just outside of Warrenton, in Broad Run, VA. As always, Pearmund is about learning, having fun, and enjoying good wine. I liked the 2010 Cab Sauv, the Late Harvest Petit Manseng and the 2010 Malbec. During this tasting the host was kind enough to extend a vertical tasting on the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Cabernet Franc. I was surprised to observe how different the taste can be in such a small time frame. This also led into conversation about how much impact the environment and weather can effect the grape, which also changes the taste of the wine from year to year. This led me to realize that a wine is not just an enjoyable drink, but an art that captures some history in each bottle. Out of the tasting the 2009 Franc was my favorite of the three. Overall, I really enjoyed the vertical tasting because it allowed me to see the potential of the wine and the vision of the winemaker.  http://www.pearmundcellars.com/