Varietal Labels

Varietal Labels

Varietal Labels are straightforward: we simply name the wine after the grape (varietal) that was used to produce it. Easy in theory, but not always easy to pronounce the unusual grape names!

The picture that we use for all of the varietal wines is inspired by the setting of the winery itself. We have a small, you might say quaint, winery built into a hill for function and form. We enjoy being built into the earth, part-in-parcel with the landscape, and it helps create a cellar effect for the wine that we are ageing. We want our winery to be a warm and inviting experience and hope this label conveys that message.

We also realize the varietal names are not super familiar to everyone or easy to pronounce. Here’s a helpful guide for some of the trickier ones we grow:

1. Vignoles (Veen-yole)

2. Catawba (Ka-ta-ba)

3. Chambourcin (Sham-bur-sin)

4. Cayuga White (Kye-you-ga)

Why are varietal labels important? If any label used in the United States uses a grape name, it has to be at least 75% from that specific grape, from a specific place (if one is listed), and from a specific year (if vintage year is displayed). So, if you check out our Norton (for example), you can tell right away what grape was used, the year it came from, and where the grape was grown. This holds true for any wine produced in the United States. Fascinating! Head over to the virtual winery to see each of the single varietals that we sell along with a description.