Dr. Joseph A. Fiolo from the University of Maryland likes to look at the future. He wonders what varieties will be the best for different parts of Maryland in the future. He has research vineyards around the state and harvests the grapes to make wine.

Three flights of two wines each were tasted to give the Drink Local Wine Conference attendees an idea of what is in store for Maryland’s future. The first flight looked at two white wines. The first was a 2012 GRV and the second was a 2009 Diamond Back. The GRV is a blend of four grapes including Verdejo, Albriano, Colombard and Marsanne. The wine had a floral aroma especially rose petals and orange blossoms. There was also grapefruit on the aroma and taste. The 2009 Diamond Back was also a blend of grapes with no names, just numbers. It was very aromatic especially floral. It taste had rose petals and lychee. There was a long floral aftertaste.

The second flight was two red wines. 2010 Barbera Reserve was a dark ruby with dark fruits and licorice. Mild tannins and the crisp finish was fruity. The 2012 Teroldego was a very dark ruby. Chocolate was on the aroma with prunes and chocolate on the taste. The finish had tannins and was fruity.

For our third flight there were two dessert wines. The 2009 Linaé Ice (SC-128) was a gold color with an orange hue. It had apricots and pineapple on the aroma. A 2009 Apple Ice Wine was a dark gold color. The wine was made from a variety of apples. It had apples on the aroma and taste. Those that like sweet wines will like this wine.

Vineyard research is a vital step in the process of creating excellent wines. Not all of Maryland has the same weather or terroir. It is important to discover the grape varieties that do well consistently in an area.

Cheers,
Terry