Wine Review - St. James Winery: Pioneer Red

St. James Winery's - 2012 Pioneer Red

St. James Winery's  Pioneer Red is a blend of Norton, Chambourcin and Rougeon with 12% alcohol and .03% residual sugar.

The color could be best described as a deep crimson plum. The aroma is full of berries, plum and a hint of yeast. When tasting the wine, you start with a tart burst that makes your lips pucker, quickly followed  by a smooth, peppery finish.

Neither of us are huge Norton fans, so this wine provided a mellower option that was very easy to drink. I would love to pair it with salami or lasagna, but it would also be a nice wine to drink by a fireplace on a romantic night. Overall, we are big fans of the Pioneer Red and will need to stock up to ensure we always have some to serve guests.

Side Note: This wine was created to honor Missouri wine pioneers, St. James Winery founders Jim and Pat Hofherr.   CHEERS TO THEM BOTH!

Norton

by: Davina Horton

Norton, deep and red

Missouri's finest grape

Perfect with cheese and french bread

Blueberries, cherries, black currents



January is the month we honor you

The Norton grape

Your subtle notes of dirt give us a clue

Of all the flavors you have to offer

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From vine to wine

You delight our senses

With complex hints that outshine

Most other wines can only dream…..

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Of being regal as the Norton grape.

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Nortons that we have fallen in love with thus far this year include:


Bommarito Estate - Almond Tree Winery : Norton

 

This limited Reserve is a full bodies wine.  Barrel aged in the finest French oak.  Described as "jammy".  Dry at first with a jam finish.  Our first Norton that we actually enjoy drinking.