Borderland Vineyard, located in Chester County in beautiful Landenberg, Pennsylvania, has a full lineup of wines produced using local grapes. Recently, the winery released two new red wines—Reserve Merlot 2013 and Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Wine 2013. We’ve tapped local wine expert Hudson Austin to help us pair these limited release wines—and two more Borderland wines—with dishes for your holiday table.
Hudson, a wine educator for The Wine Merchant, located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has created a following for his wine dinners and as a published wine columnist for various magazines. His unique style is influenced by the history of wine and is enjoyed by experts and novices alike. Read on to learn from his expertise!
The Wine: Borderland Vineyard Blush
A dark pink color characterizes Borderland’s Vineyard Blush. Red fruits, including pomegranate, strawberries and cherries, are expressed in this wine. It finishes with a well-balanced acidity.
Hudson’s Pairing
“Most people think of blush and rosé wine as only being for the warmer months, but I think this wine offers a lot of flexibility. There are a lot of flavors in a ‘typical’ holiday menu. Sometimes people choose a traditional turkey dinner, other times ham or even leg of lamb. A good blush wine sits neatly in the middle of many a wine palate. While it may be a great thirst quencher in the summer, don’t forget about a good blush wine this time of year as an aperitif or with the meal.”
The Wine: Borderland Merlot 2012
The 2012 Merlot evolved in French oak barrels for six months. This Chester County Merlot is ruby red with violet hues. On the nose, the wine exhibits hints of cassis, sweet pepper, cherry, leather, vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, hints of plum, raisins, mint, green pepper and vanilla emerge. The satisfying finish reflects well-balanced, rounded tannins.
Hudson’s Pairing
“This Merlot is a bit of a lighter style, which lends itself best to a before-dinner drink. With its classic character, which will satisfy most people who drink nearly exclusively red wines, this one packs enough flavor in the glass to be your go-to red wine before dinner. I would have this as one of my wines for hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and general merriment. If one is pairing this wine with a dinner, think lighter meats such as filet mignon.”
The Wine: Borderland Reserve Merlot 2013
The Reserve Merlot 2013 contains 75% Merlot grapes that were hand-harvested in 2013 by Borderland’s neighbor, Wilson Vineyard. The wine is complemented by a field blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah grapes hand-harvested in 2013 at Borderland Vineyard. This smooth Merlot was aged in French oak for 12 months and is truly worthy of earning the “Reserve” designation. This complex, dark red and brick-colored Grand Cru style Merlot offers hints of leather, smoke, coffee, vanilla, crème brulee, prune, coconut, caramel, brown sugar, chocolate, bell pepper and black pepper. The wine finishes with smoky chocolate and round, sweet tannins.
Hudson’s Pairing
“Alright, now we are getting to serious-minded Merlot. Merlot was so beat up because of that movie Sideways that it’s just now coming back into its rightful place in the wine-consuming world. Merlot never waned for me—always there, soft and silky, beckoning to be enjoyed alone or with so many dishes. This wine will work really well with mushroom soup, lamb, goose, dark turkey meat … and don’t forget stuffing with gravy!”
The Wine: Borderland Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Wine 2013
The Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Wine 2013 is a true Borderland celebration. This is the first wine made exclusively from grapes grown at Borderland Vineyard. The wine spent 12 months in French oak. This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dark ruby/brick color. Hints of strawberries, plums and spices are expressed, as well as tobacco, coffee and caramel. The finish is well-balanced with soft tannins and a hint of burnt caramel reminiscent of crème brûlée.
Hudson’s Pairing
“In terms of current wine consumption, Cabernet Sauvignon is more well known than most any other wine grape. A chance (or perhaps purposeful) crossing of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, Cab Sav, as it may be affectionately known, is packed full of flavor. This one is certainly a classic expression of the grape. With all sorts of dark fruit and savory elements, I would look to this wine for heavier food pairing—venison, rib eye, beef Wellington and other dishes packed with dark flavors.”
Get a taste of Borderland Vineyard’s wines by visiting their tasting room on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1–6 p.m. or by appointment (reservations requested for groups of seven or more), or purchase bottles at New Garden Growers Market and every other weekend at Headhouse Farmers’ Market.
For more information about Borderland Vineyard, special releases and upcoming events, visit Borderland on Facebook.
Find Borderland Vineyard at 332 Indiantown Rd. in Landenberg; phone: (215) 436-9154.
- Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography
