Saint Croix Vineyards Delaware 2008

The Delaware grape is one of the original and great all-American varietals. The history of the grape is relatively unknown, but what is known is its ability to make a wide variety of delicious wines, including sparkling, dry, sweet, and icewine. This particular bottling is a wonderful way to get to know Delaware --- aromatics that are typical of this grape but relatively unknown to the rest of the wine world: peaches, kiwi, and a touch of mango. The aromatics are soft in style, with each flavor overlapping the other instead of obnoxiously poking in random directions. The taste follows the aromatics, with a burst of blood orange coming through loud and clear. At under 12% alcohol, this joyful juice is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to introduce the skeptics around the table to the potential of Minnesota wines. Enjoy with pan fried walleye (what grows together goes together!).
Wine review by Jason Kallsen, December 2011