DUNDEE, N.Y. — Visit McGregor Vineyard overlooking Keuka Lake on March 3rd & 4th for a celebration of the Finger Lakes’ most unique red wine, the Black Russian Red. The event runs each day from 11 AM to 5 PM and promises all who visit a memorable food and wine experience. This event features the release of the 2014 Black Russian Red, an estate grown wine made with Saperavi grapes blended with a variety called Sereksiya Charni, which were first grown in Georgia and Moldova, respectively.
Founder Robert McGregor began growing these grape varieties in the spring of 1980 and became the first in the US to label a wine called “Saperavi” in 1985. After years of developing his approach to these unique varieties, he created a blend of Saperavi & Sereksiya Charni in 1991 and gave it the name “Black Russian Red”, a nod to the heritage of the grapes and to the deep, dark, rich opaque color of the wine. Black Russian Red has since become known as the “cult favorite” red wine of the Finger Lakes.
The event’s featured 2014 Black Russian Red vintage will be of particular interest to those who collect wines worthy of cellar aging. “While this new 2014 vintage will steadily improve in quality over the next 3 to 5 years” said owner John McGregor “it has the telltale signs of aging gracefully and easily into the late 2020s.” The 2010 vintage of Black Russian Red was recently awarded the Grand Silver prize “The Silver Azarpesha” at the Saperavi World Prize, the first global Saperavi competition in Tbilisi, Georgia.
John McGregor is also opening a limited number of bottles of some mature older vintages for tasting at the Black Russian Red Bash. Timber Stone Grill of Hammondsport, NY is preparing this year’s special menu of Agnolotti of Slow Cooked Locally Raised Lamb and Triple Chocolate Pâté.
The cost to attend the Black Russian Red Bash is $12 – with each guest receiving a complimentary wine glass with the McGregor crest logo. Wine club members receive a $5 discount on event admission. A nominal fee of $5 will be charged for the extra special tasting of wines from the McGregor wine library. The event runs continuously, so visitors are invited to arrive any time between 11 AM and 5 PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
For more information please visit www.mcgregorwinery.com/events.
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