When it comes to wine industry awards, there are thousands of wine competitions that winemakers can participate in across the United States and around the world. While many are open to all winemakers, an exclusive selection exists as Invitational Competitions. According to a press release, the Twentieth Annual Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition included 750 participating wines from 27 states, “culled from tastings and competitions in America throughout 2021”. Click here for the full press release.
Jefferson Cup Winner – Jazz Berry
Our Jazz Berry wine was awarded a Jefferson Cup in the Fruit/Dessert Wine category in the 2021 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition. According to Tim Puchta, the first batch of Jazz Berry came around by complete happenstance when excess Cayuga material needed a home. After adding raspberry juice to the Cayuga material, a wine with a unique following was born. Jazz Berry has an intoxicating raspberry aroma and tastes like tart, ripe berries. It is simply sublime with chocolate and can even be swapped one-to-one for water in your favorite brownie mix.
Double Gold Winners
Double Gold Winners from left to right; 2017 Estate Norton*, Situation Red, Chardonel, Dry Vignoles, and Traminette
Tim Puchta’s Pairings for our 2021 Double Gold Wines
2017 Estate Norton*
Norton pairs well with lamb, duck, fatty meats, gamey & “wild” meats. Elevate a “Surf & Turf” meal by preparing lobster tails and ribeye with bleu cheese garnish and a side of creamy penne pasta. *Due to its popularity, the 2017 Estate Norton is no longer available for purchase at this time. We are, however, planning to release select vintages from our Wine Library in the near future. Click here to sign up for our eNews and receive advanced notice of wine releases and special events.
Traminette
Traminette is a semi-dry white wine with an aromatic, floral nose evocative of orange blossoms with hints of papaya, lemon peel, ripe pear, and ripe peaches. It also has soft, white raisin and dried fruit characteristics and it pairs well with spicy cuisine like Mexican and Cajun, turkey entrees, Asian cuisine, and apple pie or other fruits prepared with cinnamon.
Dry Vignoles
Dry Vignoles is a versatile off-dry white wine that is similar to a dry Reisling. It has a luscious peach nose, has juicy pineapple notes on the palate with refreshing mandarin orange, sweet lemon, and lime notes. It has balanced acidity and is smooth with a crisp finish. This light white wine pairs well with a variety of items including salads with a vinegarette, light pasta dishes, many different seafood preparations, Cajun and Mexican cuisine, and fresh fruit.
Chardonel
Chardonel is a dry white wine that is lightly oaked and exhibits hints of green apple and unripe pear. It pairs well with pork entrees and many smoked dishes such as smoked salmon and smoked chicken.
Situation Red
Situation Red is a dry red wine made from Chambourcin grapes that has a blackberry and anise nose, subtle sweet cherry and elderberry notes, and a lingering sweet tobacco finish. It pairs well with pork, steak, pizza, and dishes with a red sauce.
