GARDEN of
WINE GRAPES
In the spring of 2009, at the Brotherhood Winery site in Washingtonville, NY, we decided to plant a grape garden to show our guests the cultivation of different types of grapes in this cold climate. Approximately 1,000 grapevines, representing 9 different varieties of grapes, were planted in 14 rows. A net fence, surrounding the vineyard, was installed to keep the deer from eating the plants. Now in its second year, the “training period”, we hope to take the plants up the wire trellis (VSP=Vertical Shoot Positioning). Next year, wherever the plants thrived, we should see a small amount of grapes. In the fourth year, the harvesting should begin!
CABERNET FRANC
A Vitis Vinifera grape traditionally known for its presence in Bordeaux blends, “Cab Franc” is a great blending grape. It contains less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, and contributes a wide range of aromas like violets, blueberry and cranberry. Cabernet Franc is also a great grape for barrel aging and can impart herbaceous nuances with chocolate and tobacco overtones.
RIESLING
Riesling is known as one of the “Noble Grapes”. A Vitis Vinifera grape originating from the Rhine region of Germany Riesling is known primarily for it’s cold heartiness and therefore thrives in the Hudson Valley. Riesling is aromatic, contains high levels of acidity and provides floral and fruity flavors. Brotherhood produces a Dry Riesling, semi-sweet Riesling and a Late Harvest Eiswein all from the Riesling grape.
GEWURZTRAMINER
Originating from the shores of the Rhine River in Alsace, this aromatic grape produces a fruity white wine.
SEYVAL BLANC
Seyval Blanc is a white French-American hybrid, is well-suited to cool climates, grows well in the Hudson Valley and can produce a wide range of flavor profiles. Brotherhood’s Seyval is cold fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks creating the dry, crisp, fruity green apple and pear flavors similar to a Pinot Grigio.
TRAMINETTE & NOIRET
Both grapes are hybrids of the Gewurztraminer grape. The Noiret produces a grape akin to the Pinot Noir. Traminette produces a white wine grape similar to the Gewurztraminer. These two grapes were developed to be highly resistant to cold climates by the Agricultural Experiment Station at Cornell University in Geneva, New York.
CHELOIS
Chelois, is a red French-American hybrid and responds well to the cooler climate of the Hudson Valley. Brotherhood’s Chelois is light to medium in body, is dry and crisp on the palate and has notes of berry, cherry and hint of toasted vanilla on the finish.
CHARDONNAY
Also a “Noble Grape” variety, Chardonnay is most known for being the primary grape in France’s Burgundy and Champagne regions. Chardonnay is currently grown all over the world and does quite well in the cooler climate of the Hudson Valley. Brotherhood uses Chardonnay in sparkling wine and still wine, which undergoes a secondary malolactic fermentation to bring out the buttery flavors of this grape.
TEMPRANILLO
Native to the Rioja region of Spain, this black grape produces a full-bodied red wine.
