By Lenn Thompson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief “When you can balance value and quality, you really can exceed expectations.” That's what Jim Silver, general manager at Peconic Bay Winery told me when I asked him to explain the thinking behind the wineries new "Nautique" line of everyday wines, which replace the old "Local Flavor" line. With sleek new packaging and retail prices around $12 ($16 at the winery) I think winemaker Greg Gove's new creations over-deliver. (Read my review of this wine's red sibling from a couple weeks ago.) The Nautique 2008 Esprit de Blanc ($16), a steel-fermented blend of 88%…
Posts Written OnAugust 20, 2009
They Made Wine Out of What? Judging an Amateur Wine Competition
By Bryan Calandrelli, Niagara Regional Correspondent In the spirit of my “Funny Farm” style transition to rural living, I recently co-chaired the 14th Annual Home Winemakers Competition for the Niagara County Fair. This event manages to energize a small group of passionate local winemakers to showcase their skills, and this year we decided to bring in some local wineries to award fruit and grapes to the best in class winners. Now I know what you’re thinking, how do I get all these glamorous gigs? Okay, maybe you’re not thinking that, but the truth is there’s nothing glam about tasting more…