Origin:: Long Grove, IL
Grape: Seyval Blanc
Year: 2016
Alcohol: 13.2%
Price Point: $24
Year Reviewed: 2018
So yet another grape you may have never heard of… Seyval Blanc. I found this unusual wine upon visiting a winery in Long Grove, IL. Unlike many Illinois or Indiana wineries, the grapes truly are grown on his land. Seyval Blanc is a wonderful variety to grow when the growing season is short because its vines ripen early and tolerate cooler climates well.
The nose of this wine is clean and pleasant with a medium intensity of honey, apricots and peach. I also pick up some fragrant floral and just a lovely aroma to this wine. There is a light peachy salmon color to this wine which adds even uniqueness and something to talk about because it is NOT a peach or apple wine, as found in many wineries in the Great Lake States. One of the first things I noticed on the palate was some effervescence, which sparked some interesting flavors of melon, citrus, green apple and a bit of minerality. Sweetness was off dry with a high acidity, and a medium body. Trouble pinpointing exactly what I was picking up in the glass, but knew I loved it. It was tart but yet sweet with that bit of sparkling effervescence. The quality of this wine was very good. Try this grape and see what flavors arrive in your mouth. Also see my header section on Wineries, to get the location of Valentino Vineyards and take a tour