Located in Brogue, PA., Allegro Winery has the ironic distinction of being located in a dry county (athough Allegro was grandfathered in, the apparent purpose of the county fathers was to keep other wineries from coming locating there). Originally started in 1978 by John and Tim Crouch, a winery was built in 1980, and a tasting room in 1981.
Join us as we talk with current owner/winemaker Carl Helrich about his old vine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 1973, and the challenges of growing wine in humid conditions. The challenge here is that the mid-Atlantic climate is quite humid, making the grapes stay warmer through a shorter growing cycle. This gives the vines about triple the susceptibility to plant disease, and its not uncommon for vineyards to get sprayed 15 or more times during the season against various types of rot. European-styled is the best way to describe the wines here, with good acids and slightly lean fruit. Priced from $12-25, Carl bottles most as varietals: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and Merlot - mostly from Estate or local vineyards. We also find the ubiquitous sweet/seasonal wines here as well, though Carl frankly admits that sales of the party wines are what subsidizes his love for and ability to work with vitis vinifera.
|
