The Vineyard

Not Martha's. No.

I’m in Hoosick Falls for a much too short visit with Helen and fam. She and I visited Amorici Vineyard in Valley Falls, New York yesterday.

Amorici Vineyard’s philosophy of hand-crafted, natural winemaking celebrates the sweet nectar of the perfect grape. Honoring mother nature! When the grape is respected and traditional winemaking procedures are employed, a beautiful wine results.

Joe Messina, Amorici’s owner/winemaker uses his family’s heritage to make unique, award-winning wines. The Messina history of winemaking dates back to early wine merchants on the small island of Ischia, in the Bay of Naples, Italy. Joe Messina, a descendant of these vintners, produces wines in this lineage.

Amorici wines are vegan/vegetarian friendly and never clarified with shellfish or egg-based products. Our wines are produced without flavor- or color-enhancers. Amorici is committed to sustainable agriculture and operates environmentally conscious.

Our plan was to do a wine tasting, which we did, BUT there was more. Mister Messina also serves up some absolutely BRILL food. I indulged in the lasagna (vegetarian!) and Helen had a sausage and pepper dish.

Awesome plus!

And then there was the wine. We sampled the reds and the Dry Rosé (fabulous!).

So far, my favorite is the Cabernet Franc.

Made from Finger Lakes grapes enhanced with estate-grown Marquette. A dry red oak-barrel-aged.  Flowery, fruit-forward, tart cherry, black currant, herbal undertones, slightly peppery, slightly toasty/oaky mouth feel and finish. Hearty enough to pair well with steak yet balanced enough to enjoy as an afternoon sipping wine.

Or maybe it’s the Marquette NOR

A newly developed cold hardy varietal, well suited in New Yorks Upper Hudson Valley. Rich, bold prolific character, balancing to a fine Pinot style. 100% estate grown and bottled. 750m

And, oh my, the Burch Street was just lovely.

In any case, I bought a case. HAD too! Of course. Couldn’t resist.

Here’s a list of shops and restaurants where you can find Amorici Wines. Sadly, there’re no shops in Massachusetts on that list. Clearly Helen and I will need to come here again on my next visit!

Gigi, the wonderful Vineyard dog.

We finished our meal and tasting with grappa and plans, for next time, to leave room for dessert. OK, I think we decided that we'd just have dessert (with our wine) next time.

Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.
~Louis Pasteur
 There—the words of an expert!

Either give me more wine or leave me alone.
~Rumi

Beer is made by men, wine by God.
~Martin Luther
I imagine that, after the good friar 's pronouncement, his listeners shouted back "Well DUH!"

In wine, there's truth.
~Pliny the Elder, Natural History