WTN: Jewell Towne Cayuga White

[Carl Eppig]

N/V Jewell Towne Vineyards (NH), American, Cayuga White ($10.99 U.S. Local). Alcohol level: 11%. I’m not sure where the grapes come from with the American Appellation, but suspect New York and New Hampshire. For those not familiar with this grape it is a cross between Schuyler (Zinfandel X Ontario) and Seyval Blanc.

It reminded both of us of a Rheinhessen Spatlese we used to get when lived in that region. It gave very ripe apples and pears along with a strong hint of citrus on the nose and upfront. Much more fruit with a moderate sweetness in middle, led to a lovely finish.

We matched it with hot smoked turkey sandwiches and peas. It was a great way to spend a Monday night. We have another Cayuga White on the way from another winery.

Cheers, Carl

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Top drawer Carl! Keep `em coming.

[Jenise]

N/V Jewell Towne Vineyards (NH), American, Cayuga White ($10.99 U.S. Local). Alcohol level: 11%. I’m not sure where the grapes come from with the American Appellation, but suspect New York and New Hampshire. For those not familiar with this grape it is a cross between Schuyler (Zinfandel X Ontario) and Seyval Blanc.

It reminded both of us of a Rheinhessen Spatlese we used to get when lived in that region. It gave very ripe apples and pears along with a strong hint of citrus on the nose and upfront. Much more fruit with a moderate sweetness in middle, led to a lovely finish.

We matched it with hot smoked turkey sandwiches and peas. It was a great way to spend a Monday night. We have another Cayuga White on the way from another winery.

Cheers, Carl

American--now that's interesting. I guess there's no other way to describe a multi-state product, is there? Sounds like a perfect style of white wine for a Tobin James lover--big ripe fruit, upfront flavors.

[Howie Hart]

I've been making Cayuga for many years, and it can display Riesling-like characters. I have about 20 Cayuga vines growing in my yard and hope to get my first harvest this Fall. It is usually picked a bit early, at around 18 Brix, because some folks say that if it gets too ripe it starts to display labrusca characteristics, but I've never experienced that, even when it's been picked at 22 Brix. It makes very nice bubblies and also blends well with other hybrids such as Seyval, Vignoles and Vidal.