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St. Croix Vineyards

Posted by on November 10, 2011

One of my favorite things to do during the fall in Minnesota was head to Stillwater for the day.  I would stop off at the Pumpkin Patch on the side of the main gateway into Stillwater, enjoy the people watching as they picked out their pumpkins, went on a hayride, or entered the giant corn maze.

After that, I would head to the Apple Orchard to get my yearly fix of Apple Brats and Apple Crisp with cinnamon ice cream.  Next to the apple orchard were St. Croix vineyards.  They would always offer free wine tasting throughout the day.

This is where I first began to learn the differences in wine.  And one year, I even got a behind the scenes tour of the entire vineyard as someone’s bachelorette party 😉

But, when I think back to home, I always think of St. Croix Vineyards fondly, and I just want to introduce some of my new California friends to some of their vine varieties.

From the Saint Croix Vineyard website you can find this variety here: 

White Wines

Delaware – Originating around 1850 in Delaware, Ohio, this variety is commonly considered the highest quality American wine grape. Our version is a classic example with a beautiful, intensely fruity and floral bouquet.

Frontenac Gris – This new U of MN variety is very full bodied and has an enticing straw color. Subtle spice and citrus aromas are complemented nicely by rich peach and pear flavors on the palate.

La Crescent – La Crescent is an exciting new variety from the University of Minnesota. Its enticing floral aromas are followed by rich tangerine and apricot on the palate.

Orchard Reserve – Apple Wine – Crafted from a blend of Minnesota’s finest apple varieties, this delightful wine can be enjoyed alone or with cheese and fruit. Orchard Reserve is perfect for a picnic or a relaxing evening on the deck.

Pinot Gris – This delightfully crisp wine has enticing aromas of green apple, melon and kiwi.  Enjoy this refreshing and versatile Pinot Gris on its own or with a wide range of foods.

Riesling – This Riesling shows grapefruit, lime, and apricot aromas backed by a complex mineral structure. The elegant balance of fruit and acidity makes it a perfect match for a delicate fish and other seafood.

Rosé – Our Frontenac Rosé has a lovely ruby color with pleasant cherry and berry aromas. Just the right wine for a hot summer day.

Seyval – Widely grown in France, Seyval has become one of the leading grapes in the Eastern U.S. Our Seyval has a delectable fruitiness and will complement a meal of poultry or seafood.

Vignoles – Vignoles (Vin-ýol) originated in France but is really more Germanic in character. Our version features delightful grapefruit and peach aromas and will be appreciated by everyone who enjoys a fine Riesling.

Red Wines

Frontenac – Frontenac is an exciting grape variety recently released from the University of Minnesota viticulture program. This wine has a beautiful garnet color, a robust earthy body, and a distinctive cherry aroma.

Marechal Foch Reserve – Our Marechal Foch Reserve is a dry, medium bodied red wine with a black cherry nose and an intense color. It is aged in American oak barrels and is the perfect choice for those who prefer a classic red wine.

Marquette – Marquette is the latest in a series of new grape varieties from the U of MN. Descended from the noble Pinot Noir, Marquette is a complex wine combining aromas of spice, cherry and blackberry with hints of vanilla and smoke from lengthy aging in American oak barrels.

Summer Red – Summer Red is a charming blend of fruity, medium bodied varietals. Deftly balanced, it delivers plenty of ripe, rich flavors built around a core of cherry and raspberry. This delightful wine is perfect for a summer gathering and can even be served slightly chilled.

Zinfandel – Our Zinfandel offers rich black cherry and plum flavors and aromas with a hint of black pepper and toasted oak. Ideal for grilled meats, hearty pastas and flavorful cheeses. Sold in our tasting room only.

Dessert Wines

La Crescent Dessert Wine – This ice wine exhibits intense tangerine and a hint of floral aromas, with a concentrated nectar finish.  Sold in our tasting room and at select retailers and restaurants..

Port (Frontenac) – This rich wine was aged in oak barrels and exhibits notes of chocolate, vanilla, cherry, and cranberry. Sold in our tasting room and select retailers and restaurants.

Port (Zinfandel) – A rich desert wine aged in American oak, this wine is sure to be enjoyed by all. Sold in our tasting room only.

Raspberry Infusion – An intense dessert experience, capturing the rich essence of freshly harvested raspberries coupled with the complexity of fine red wine. “This massive dessert wine begs to be consumed with chocolate” – Minneapolis Star Tribune.

I’m pretty excited as I can see you can order their wines online, so I’ll have to bring a little bit of Minnesota back to me.  I hope some of you try their wines =)

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