Awards are just a taste of things to come

By Drew Baker

Maryland Wine Cellars has one objective: To put Maryland wine on the world map. It’s a tall order and to some it might seem impossible. But we think, why not? Maryland offers great terroir -- a splendid mashup of rolling hills, rocky soil, breeze and sun to grow grapes fit for the production of truly worthy wines.   

This past week our flagship vineyard, Old Westminster Winery, won “best in show” at the Maryland Comptroller’s Cup for our 2014 South Mountain Vineyard, Malbec.

This Malbec, grown in the rocky foothills of Maryland’s South Mountain, offers an authentic expression of this variety’s richness and complexity. A timely harvest on October 2, 2014 captured balance and ripeness from the vineyard. This wine was fermented with wild yeast, crafted with minimal intervention and aged in French oak barrels for eighteen months. Just 88 cases bottled April 25, 2016.

That’s right. This wine hasn’t been in bottle for two months! Drinking a wine of this style that young is practically criminal. Yet, beyond barrel aging, this wine will of course improve with years of bottle aging, which is why we have decided not to release it to the public anytime soon.
Our team has set out to craft delicious wines that are uniquely Maryland. Everything we do in the vineyard and cellar is directed towards this goal. Winning the Comptroller's Cup is a great honor and evidence that we're onto something special.

So this begs the question – is this Malbec the best wine made in Maryland? I would suggest it’s not. We firmly believe that, more than anything, this award is a sign of many amazing wines to come. Maryland wines have yet to reach their full potential and we’re excited about putting them on the world map.

So our Malbec may be the wine of the moment, but the best wines are still to come.
We extend our commitment to award-winning wine production to all Maryland Wine Cellars clients. Is your winery interested in producing prestigious wines of renown? Then we’re here to help your labels gain the notoriety you desire. Our state-of-the-art facilities and well-studied cellar practices can help establish your brand as a leader in Maryland wine. Contact us to learn more.

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