There are few wineries in South Carolina. The climate is too warm to grow wine quality grapes. However, as you go north from upstate South Carolina into North Carolina, the elevation increases and the climate is more suited to viticulture. Within a 50 mile distance from Greenville, SC, there now are a number of wineries around Hendersonville and Tryon, North Carolina. This past weekend, we visited Overmountain Vineyards near Tryon and we were quite impressed. Our tasting was conducted on the lovely patio area overlooking the vineyards. The tasting was $15 for 6 wines and the pours were very generous. Our server was very pleasant and knowledgeable which added to the experience.
Most importantly, the wines were outstanding. We tasted:
Chardonnay 2016
Petit Manseng 2016
Camelia 2016, a blend of Chardonnay and Petit Manseng
Rose 2016 Petit Verdot Rose
Revolutionary Red 2015. a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
All of the wines were terrific, but we were most impressed with the Revolutionary Red. I am generally skeptical about Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from North Carolina, Virginia and other eastern states. The climate is just not the same as California and Washington. However, Revolutionary Red is not only superior to other wines from western North Carolina, it matches up to any red wine I have tasted east of the Mississippi River. The wine was aged in both American and French oak. Revolutionary Red sells for $27 at the winery and we bought a bottle for a future special occasion. In addition to the winery, Overmountain Wines can be purchased at locations in downtown Greenville, Greer and Travelor's Rest SC.
I will not assign a numerical rating to the wine since we only drank the tasting sample. I may addend this post when we drink our special occasion bottle. Meanwhile, we look forward to our next visit to Overmountain Vineyards.
Most importantly, the wines were outstanding. We tasted:
Chardonnay 2016
Petit Manseng 2016
Camelia 2016, a blend of Chardonnay and Petit Manseng
Rose 2016 Petit Verdot Rose
Revolutionary Red 2015. a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
All of the wines were terrific, but we were most impressed with the Revolutionary Red. I am generally skeptical about Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from North Carolina, Virginia and other eastern states. The climate is just not the same as California and Washington. However, Revolutionary Red is not only superior to other wines from western North Carolina, it matches up to any red wine I have tasted east of the Mississippi River. The wine was aged in both American and French oak. Revolutionary Red sells for $27 at the winery and we bought a bottle for a future special occasion. In addition to the winery, Overmountain Wines can be purchased at locations in downtown Greenville, Greer and Travelor's Rest SC.
I will not assign a numerical rating to the wine since we only drank the tasting sample. I may addend this post when we drink our special occasion bottle. Meanwhile, we look forward to our next visit to Overmountain Vineyards.
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