Page 57 - The Hunt - Summer 2024

JIM GRAHAM
is best known as the elegant white grape of France’s Rhône Valley, it’s also grown in Italy. “Acids of the Viognier drop very quickly in the vineyards in Italy, which means it must be harvested quickly,” Creato says. “We don’t have that problem here.”
A second acre of Viognier grapes has
also been planted at the winery’s newer vineyard in Parkesburg. “The beauty of Viognier is the aroma it creates throughout the winery when it’s fermenting,” Creato says.
During cooler or wetter growing seasons, Creato sometimes adds sugar (chaptalize)
to the wine for balance, a common practice on the East Coast. “I do it when the fermentation is about three-quarters through,” he says. “That slows fermentation, which
I prefer.”
Here are few more local whites of note:
I A more familiar variety of grape, Pinot Gris
takes up about a quarter of Grace Winery’s
six-acre vineyard in Glen Mills. The wine it
produces is lively and fragrant, with hints of tart
apple and citrus, plus a savory undertaste.
This vine has been supplying grapes for Penns Woods white wines for more than a half-century.
19164-the hunt summer half page_CRANE.qxp_Layout 1 4/30/24 2:49 PM Page 1
I Stargazers Vineyard founder John Weygandt was a fan of the Austrian Grüner Veltliner grape, not to mention the Arneis from northwest Italy. He planted both at his Embreeville estate, and the current owners continue to take varietals from those
I The Wilson family produces dry and sparkling Rieslings at their Wayvine Vineyards in Nottingham.
I Common in the area, Vidal Blanc is a French- American hybrid grape that adapts well to colder climates. I recommend the excellent varietal from Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg. TH
mature grapes.
July19,12–6pm I July20&21,10am–4pm Winterthur celebrates American artistry and craftsmanship at this special weekend event.
800.448.3883 winterthur.org/ArtisanMarket
TheHuntMagazine.com 55