CityView Magazine

48 | October 2017 Vino elsewhere Argentina produces robust malbec and velvety chardonnay. Germany is known for light, fruity riesling. Australia is home to substantial production of spicy shiraz and chardonnay. Chile produces the peppery carménère grape, typically used for blended wine. South Africa specializes in the versatile chenin blanc grape, known to produce both sweet and dry varieties. Portugal is home to the usually sweet and heavy port wine. U.S. Stateside oenophiles know the delights of the Napa and Sonoma valleys of California – from whence 89 percent of American wine hails. New York, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Ohio, Missouri and Illinois contribute to the nearly 3,000 commercial vineyards in the States, utilizing European grapes and native grapes such as the Vitis labrusca (a strain of which is the well-known concord), riparia and rotundifolia. Cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and merlot grapes grow readily in Napa County in the country's most recognizable vineyards, including Beringer, Mondavi and Sterling. Adjacent Sonoma County offers a more extensive variety, growing European grapes such as the petit sirah, sangiovese, cabernet franc, pinot blanc, viognier, pinot gris and syrah. North Carolina – Where the weak grow strong, and the strong grow. . . grapes. Until Prohibition, North Carolina was the dominant producer of wine in the United States. With varying terrain and climate, the Old North State plays host to a surprising range of grapes. e sweet, bronze scuppernong, a varietal of the muscadine grape, is the official state fruit and base of most wine produced in the hot, sandy coastal plain region of the state. e fruit is so prolific, in fact, that Roanoke Island in Manteo is home to what is known as the Mothervine. Discovered by explorers in 1584, its scuppernong vines span nearly an acre from a trunk that is nearly two feet wide. While commercial vineyards can be found all over the state, Duplin Winery is the largest and oldest winery in North Carolina and the world's largest producer of muscadine wine. In chilly western North Carolina and the hilly Piedmont, conditions are perfect to produce European-style grapes such as the viognier, chardonnay, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. e Biltmore winery in Asheville welcomes more than one million visitors each year, making it the most-visited winery in the United States. What's for dinner? Significant, detailed research exists to explain why wines pair well with certain foods, but anyone can hunt down the perfect bottle with a little practice. Consider acidity levels, salt, tannins, alcohol content and sweetness of the food and wine. e most tried-and-true pairings are listed below: Dry whites (like sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and albarino) pair well with vegetables and light fish. Rich whites (like chardonnay and viognier) pair with so cheese, starches, fish and white meat. Sparkling (like champagne, prosecco and cava) enhance Cape Fear Crematory, Inc. More cost effective than traditional burial We offer private family viewings Affordable direct cremation Services available 24 hours Family owned and operated for 35 years 6765 Sandy Creek Road | Stedman, NC 28391 | 910.323.8898 | www.capefearcrematory.com "Where compassion and care run the business"

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