What excites you about Massachusetts wine?

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to pour Travessia wines at the Boston Wine School as a small group gathered to meet Alan Kropf, one of the founders of Mutineer Magazine.  As always, it was a blast to meet new people and introduce them to my wines.  At the end, Alan asked me a few questions, interview style.  One of his questions was...

What excites you about Massachusetts wine?

I came way not feeling very good about myself for the way I answered.  It bugged me to the point that I could not stop thinking about it on the drive home.  I know what excites me about Travessia wines, downtown New Bedford, winemaking as a full time profession, etc., but I’ve never stopped to think as to what excites me about Massachusetts wine as a whole.  I know that with every day that passes, the “local” aspect of Travessia wines becomes more essential to everything I do.  But how can I explain my growing passion and excitement for wines made with 100% Massachusetts-grown grapes?

By the time I slipped into bed I had put into words what I should have told Alan.  Here’s what excites me...

The possibility that one day Massachusetts can consistently produce wines which are characteristic of our state.  Wines that people can remember as unique Massachusetts wine.  Wines that people can pick up whenever they are looking for that certain characteristic taste… take a sip and say, “yeah, this is it, this is Massachusetts wine”.

I say one day because, with all due respect for the people who have been doing this here in the Mass. for much longer than I have, I don’t think that we have solidified the Massachusetts wine character just yet.  It could take decades to determine what “it” is.

You the consumers have an important say in deciding the character of Massachusetts-grown wine because you play a critical role in the funding and sustaining of the exploratory work that is happening today.  With your hard earned dollars.  At the same time you will be the "judges" responsible for separating the good from the bad.  As importantly you'll sooner or later be able to separate the authentic Massachusetts wine from the fake wines being produced in Massachusetts.

How cool would it be if one day Massachusetts had its own page in the book of the world’s distinctive and unique wine growing regions?  I’m excited to be part of the discovery and exploration, who knows maybe even help shape it.  But above all, I’m excited about the “possibility”.

Comments

[Robin Coolidge]

Great post! As a winemaker and winery owner in Ohio, I think this is eactly the way that those of us that make wine in less well known states should be thinking. I wiil be sharing this with others in the state. Bravo!

[Ben]

Interesting post, Marco - the experimentation you mention seems to also call for intrepid farmers. I wonder if Alvarinho, for example, would work around here? It has a thick skin and seems to thrive in a wet maritime climate, which is unique for a wine grape!

[Marco Montez]

Robin, thank you so much for your comment. I really see no other path to long term and sustained success for a small-winery... in any state.

Ben, yes indeed! Besids Alvarinho which I already know can be grown here thanks to experimentation at Running Brook, I also believe that some other varietals would do really well in our soils and climate. Thanks for adding a good talking point, perhaps deserving of a dedicated blog post.

[Ben]

Marco, that's good to know, I'd love to hear more. I found a new Maryland winery that actually has a vintage of albarino out - they say it's better than anything in Spain! www.blackankle.com

[Derek F.]

This was a really well written post Marco. The one thing I love about Massachusetts wine is that little thing we call "terroir". I love being able to taste where the wine comes from and knowing that your grapes where grown right here in Massachusetts really adds to the enjoyment of your wines.

[Meghan]

We thoroughly enjoyed tasting your wine today at the Coastal Wine kickoff! Looking forward to visiting soon.

[Marco Montez]

Meghan,

Thanks for attending the Coastal Wine Trail Kick-Off event... what a great day. Good luck with your new blog.

Best,
Marco