The Eagles’ Landing Wine Club - September 2020
Harvest proceedings are well underway throughout several vineyards sites within the Ozark Mountains. While 2020 might not be the year that everyone will want to remember, we at Eagles’ Landing believe it will be a wine vintage you won’t forget! To celebrate, we are sharing two stellar wines from previous classic vintages: our 2019 Vignoles and our 2017 XVII.
Eagles’ Landing Wine Vignoles 2019
Region: Missouri, Ozark Mountain
Grape Varietal(s): 100% Vignoles
Method: Maturation in neutral egg shaped vessel
Age: Drink now or hold to 2023
Tasting notes: Luscious tropical fruit notes of ripe mango, pineapple, and a hint of banana with sweet white flowers. On the palate, you are greeted with fresh acidity and notes of tart apple and pear, that is balanced with a medium, supple body.
About vignoles: Vignoles was originally thought to be cultivated by J.F. Ravat, and therefore appropriately named “Ravat 51” as a hybrid wine varietal using Seibel 6905 (a different complex hybrid varietal) and a clone of Pinot Noir. However, recent discoveries in wine genealogy have determined that Vignoles shows no parentage to either varietal. Therefore, Vignoles' family history remains a mystery. What we do know is that its tropical fruit flavors coupled with high acidity make killer wines that can range the whole spectrum of dry to super sweet. Accounting for 14% of all grapes grown in Missouri, Vignoles plantings make up nearly 250 acres across the state. We pridefully source our Vignoles from our friends at Crown Valley Winery in St. Genevieve, MO, and vinify in a dry style.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
If you ever lent me your ear to ramble about odd-ball grape varietals, then you’ve probably heard me gush about Torrontes. Mostly grown in South America, Torrontes is known for its intoxicatingly sweet aroma, but juxtaposed with acidity and minerality on the palate. Sound familiar? Vignoles has many similar characteristics when vinified as a dry wine, and it's always better to buy local! I like to say that Vignoles is the Illinois of wine: the “S” is silent!
Eagles’ Landing Wine “XVII” 2017
Region: Missouri, Ozark Mountain
Grape Varietal(s): 65% Norton, 35% Chambourcin
Method: Aged 18 months with 20% new French oak
Age: Drink now or hold until 2032
Tasting Notes: Dry and full bodied with blackberries and black cherries, hints of clove, baking spice, cigar box, and forest floor.
About “XVII”: "XVII" is the flagship wine of Eagles’ Landing. The name stems from Roman military history and is part of their winery's name: a dichotomy between the Roman and Gothic ancestry that Eric and Casey share. “XVII” is stylistically a bold, yet balanced red blend. The 2017 vintage of “XVII” succeeds the 2015 vintage, which was the original bottling of our flagship wine. While we confidently believe in all wines that Eagles’ Landing offers, it is “XVII” that showcases our respect and passion for Missouri wines. The 2015 vintage was outstanding for whites and reds alike, but 2016 was not as kind to the reds therefore “XVII” was not produced. However, harvest in 2017 proved to be as good if not better than 2015, and “XVII” was again made to highlight the superior fruit.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Being a blend, “XVII” highlights the best of my favorite red Missouri varietals. Chambourcin is uniquely rich and ripe while maintaining a medium body and providing its trademark hint of pepper. The majority of Norton lends greater body, acidity, and complexity. A touch of new French oak helps to soften, and gives a little toast and smoke on the nose. Overall, “XVII” is incredibly complex, which is why it’s my go to wine for friends and family that proclaim “I don’t like Missouri wine”. One sip is all the convincing they need, and several empty bottles represent the proof.