Today we taste the Grove Winery Eno River White, with grapes grown in northern Durham County, in the Triangle’s only commercial vineyard. It is field blended from nine different grapes. The earthy nose is dominated by mud and straw, mushroom, with a touch of kiwi after extra swirling. The finish is short, but focused on this dry wine, which is made in the style of other Grove wines we have tried. There is a strong earthy flavor with a bit of apple, tropical fruit tastes. It lacks acidity which makes the wine taste a bit flat. It could use some spicy food to prop up some of the flavors. This is well-made wine and worth a try if you are looking for a different kind of dry white wine. Something that is savory. Wine provided by the winery for review.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

according to the North Carolina Wine Ratings Scale

Price: $13

Availability: Directly from the winery

About Grove Winery Eno River White (from the winery)
The only commercial wine grown in the Triangle. The grapes for Grove’s Eno River White comes from Jim Ward’s award winning Eno River Vineyards in northern Durham County. This wine is a true field blend, the 2008 vintage is made with nine varieties of grapes picked and fermented together. Varieties include: Melody, Taminga, Villard blanc, Symphony, Rkatsiteli and Petit Manseng. This dry, white wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has a limited production of less than 70 cases. Nicely balanced and crisp, this wine is excellent with high butter-fat cheeses and rich deserts.

About Grove Winery (from the winery):
Grove Winery is located 7 miles northeast of the Greensboro city limits and about 20 minutes from downtown Greensboro. From award winning vineyards, first planted in 1993, exceptional wines are grown and crafted. The 44 acre Guilford County farm features a small, artisan winery and the estate vineyards which are located on sloping, mineral rich land in the Haw River Valley wine country. The estate vineyards feature wine grapes that thrive in this microclimate: Merlot, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cab Franc, Traminette and Tempranillo. We also own a mountain vineyard 65 miles north of the winery near Smith Mountain, VA where we grow grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton which benefit from cooler weather.

All grapes are hand harvested and used for a limited production of about 3000 cases of premium wine each year. A short drive from anywhere in the Triad or Triangle, our tasting room is located at the winery and is open year-round for tours, tastings, picnics and special events.

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North Carolina Wine TV Review:
The Grove Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon represents a good attempt at doing the best you can with young grapes. The nose is filled with berries, including blueberries and raspberries, as well as cherries and a bit of toasted oak. This red suffers from a trait many North Carolina reds do, that of the newly dubbed Green Meanie, which we used to describe a pesticide aroma. There are blueberry flavors, a good tannin structure and a long cocoa, espresso and dark chocolate finish. There is only a touch of the Green Meanie in the mouth. This is a well-balanced, and well-made wine, but it is a little thin for a Cabernet Sauvignon. It also lacks the fruit forward flavor so prominent in the nose. A solid effort, but disappointing for those used to big, chewy reds.

Thanks to viewer Thomas McKay for suggesting we try Grove Winery, and thanks to Max Lloyd for providing the wine. (Wine provided by the winery).

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

according to the North Carolina Wine Ratings Scale

Price: $18

Availability: Directly from the winery

About Grove Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (from the winery)
(We tried the 2007) The 2006 Cab Sauvignon is excellent with nuances of black cherry, tobacco and coffee. Grown on our estate vineyard in Guilford County. Unfiltered, full bodied wine with firm tannins. Both the 2006 and 2005 vintages, and now 2007, were awarded medals at consecutive NC State Fair wine competitions. Perfect accompaniment for red meats or chocolate.

About Grove Winery (from the winery):
Grove Winery is located 7 miles northeast of the Greensboro city limits and about 20 minutes from downtown Greensboro. From award winning vineyards, first planted in 1993, exceptional wines are grown and crafted. The 44 acre Guilford County farm features a small, artisan winery and the estate vineyards which are located on sloping, mineral rich land in the Haw River Valley wine country. The estate vineyards feature wine grapes that thrive in this microclimate: Merlot, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cab Franc, Traminette and Tempranillo. We also own a mountain vineyard 65 miles north of the winery near Smith Mountain, VA where we grow grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton which benefit from cooler weather.

All grapes are hand harvested and used for a limited production of about 3000 cases of premium wine each year. A short drive from anywhere in the Triad or Triangle, our tasting room is located at the winery and is open year-round for tours, tastings, picnics and special events.

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As you have figured out by know we had a blast doing our North Carolina wine dinner. Today brings us to the main event: dinner. Can the Gove Winery Nebbiolo match up with some grilled pork tenderloin and some vegetable gratin? Watch today’s North Carolina Wine TV Food Friday to learn if this pairing gets a big thumbs up or thumbs down.

Watch the Vegetable Gratin preparation video on Facebook.

North Carolina Wine TV Review:
Probably more than any other North Carolina winery we have had requests to review wine from Grove Winery. The 2007 Grove Winery Nebbiolo did not disappoint us and well represented all of the grove winery fans. On the nose this wine smells like blackberry, herbs, snap peas as well as other green vegetables. In the mouth, this wine is bone dry, leaving your mouth feeling almost like a cotton ball. However, it is perfectly balanced with flavors of fresh cherries, bacon, coca powder, coffee, and a deep complexity.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

according to the North Carolina Wine Ratings Scale

Price: $18

Availability: Directly from the winery

About Grove Winery 2007 Nebbiolo (from the winery)
This is the same grape that goes into Italy’s famous and expensive Barolo wines which thrives in the warmth of our Guilford County estate vineyard, resulting in a big, robust red wine. We have only 1/2 an acre (336 vines) of Nebbiolo planted at the winery.

This very dry, deep red wine starts with hints of cherry and cream and finishes with spice and roses with a nice balance of acid and fruit.

About Grove Winery (from the winery):
Grove Winery is located 7 miles northeast of the Greensboro city limits and about 20 minutes from downtown Greensboro. From award winning vineyards, first planted in 1993, exceptional wines are grown and crafted. The 44 acre Guilford County farm features a small, artisan winery and the estate vineyards which are located on sloping, mineral rich land in the Haw River Valley wine country. The estate vineyards feature wine grapes that thrive in this microclimate: Merlot, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cab Franc, Traminette and Tempranillo. We also own a mountain vineyard 65 miles north of the winery near Smith Mountain, VA where we grow grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton which benefit from cooler weather.

All grapes are hand harvested and used for a limited production of about 3000 cases of premium wine each year. A short drive from anywhere in the Triad or Triangle, our tasting room is located at the winery and is open year-round for tours, tastings, picnics and special events.

View Larger Map