Top 100 wines of New Jersey

Discovering the wine region of New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the smallest states in the United States, located on the Atlantic coast between New York to the North and Pennsylvania to the west. With its Rich agricultural history, the Garden State is a viable location for wineries and vineyards in an idyllic setting. The temperature, strongly moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, is suitable for Hybrid and vinifera grapes. Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin are among the most important varieties planted in New Jersey.

Today, there are over 50 wineries operating in New Jersey. There are more than 2,000 acres (800ha) of commercial vineyards. In the last five years or so, New Jersey wines have made inroads with the top wine critics. New Jersey wineries have received scores of 90 points or more in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, James Suckling and The Cork Report.

Discover the grape variety: Pinot gris

Pinot Gris is a grey grape variety mutated from Pinot Noir. It has its origins in Burgundy, where it is called pinot-beurot in reference to the colour of the grey robes worn by the monks of the region. Established in Alsace since the 17th century, pinot gris was called tokay until 2007. It is made up of bunches of small berries that vary in colour from pink to blue-grey. It is particularly well suited to the continental climate because it is resistant to the cold in winter and to spring frosts. This variety also likes dry limestone soils with plenty of sunshine in the summer. Pinot Gris is well suited to late harvesting or to the selection of noble grapes, depending on the year and the concentration of sugars in the berries. Pinot Gris wines are distinguished by their aromatic complexity of white fruits, mushrooms, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, etc., and their great finesse. In the Loire Valley, pinot gris is used in the Coteaux-d'Ancenis appellations. It gives dry or sweet wines with pear and peach aromas.

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