White Wines with Skin Contact

WINE #1

2020 Iapetus Wine Substrata
Louise Swenson, Itasca
Vermont

Iapetus Wine is the second label of the long-standing Shelburne Vineyard in the northwest of Vermont. Ethan Joseph, winemaker, fueled by a lifelong love of water and a passion for science and experimentation, transitioned from home brewing to full-time winegrowing in 2008. A decade of experience and a deep connection to Vermont's landscape culminated in Iapetus, a project named for the ancient ocean that once shaped the region. Iapetus embodies Ethan's commitment to continuous learning and a story that unfolds with every vintage.

This wine offers aromas of toasted coconut, juicy pineapple, and refreshing melon rind. The oak influence plays a subtle, supporting role, adding a touch of complexity. On the palate, the wine is soft and well-balanced, with gentle oak upfront giving way to a lively white pepper finish that keeps it interesting. Think chicken with a buttery sage sauce, rich pasta dishes with cream and butter, creamy chowders, or even a selection of hard cheeses.

WINE #2

2022 Lightwell Survey Colorwave
Vidal Blanc, Petit Manseng
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Launched in 2015, this innovative winery crafts small-batch reds, whites, and unique blends, all bursting with character. Their focus? Experimentation and exploration, aiming for a bullseye but happily landing "slightly off center" with surprising and delightful results. Partnered with Early Mountain Vineyards for their first harvest, Lightwell Survey continues to delve into both traditional and uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of Virginia winemaking.

This unconventional blend (44% Vidal Blanc, 33% Petit Manseng, 19% Chambourcin, 4% Traminette) is anything but shy! Vibrant aromas of juicy red fruit and a bouquet of colorful flowers explode from the glass. A subtle tannic grip adds a touch of textural intrigue, keeping the wine lively and engaging. This is a fun wine to pair with a wide array of dishes.

WINE #3

2021 Camuna Cellars That’s Us
Cayuga, Vidal Blanc
Outer Coastal Plains, New Jersey

Philadelphia's Camuna Cellars, helmed by Eli Silins, ferments not just wine but cider, cyser, and mead. This Kosher winery, born from experimentation, uses local east coast grapes (mainly hybrids) to craft sustainable, minimal-intervention beverages. True to its name (a riff on "commune"), Camuna brings people together through unique libations certified Kosher for Passover.

The Cayuga in this wine spent 7 days macerating whole cluster, then was blended with the Vidal and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The cornucopia of aromas offered by this wine and its textural richness make it a bold, ripe, and very interesting wine. Pair with a wide range of dishes for some culinary fun!