BY CALLIE PICARD
Maine is home to some of the most unique fruit wines in the United States. Its climate and fertile soil support a variety of fruits beyond the traditional grape vineyards found in many wine-producing regions. Local growers supply an abundance of fresh apples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and elderberries for wine making. The variety of native fruits serves as the foundation for Maine’s flourishing fruit wine industry.
The following are just a few of the Maine-made fruit wines that I’d like to showcase.
Bartlett’s Wild Blueberry Wine -Dry
Bartlett Winery – Gouldsboro, ME
Bartlett Wild Blueberry Wine is crafted using locally sourced Maine wild blueberries. These berries are known for their intense flavor and deep blue-purple color, which are carefully preserved through the winemaking process to capture the essence of fresh-picked fruit.
Perfectly balanced and aged, this wild blueberry wine is not overly tart, but also not too sweet. Full bodied and smooth, its natural acidity pairs well with local game or a sharp aged cheddar and is best enjoyed at room temperature.
If you tend to enjoy sweeter wines, Bartlett also offers a Sweet and Semi-Sweet Wild Blueberry Wine.
You can explore more about Bartlett Winery and their variety of berry wines at http://www.bartlettwinery.com/index.html.
Fête Maine Rhubarb Wine
Eighteen Twenty Winery – Portland, ME
This wine is crafted using locally sourced rhubarb, a vegetable known for its tart flavor and vibrant pink hue. Rhubarb provides a distinctive character to the wine, offering a refreshing and slightly tangy taste that sets it apart from traditional grape wines.
Fête is a dry and lighter alternative to their equally refreshing “Victoria” rhubarb wine. It exhibits a bright acidity balanced with light notes of citrus, strawberry, and hints of earthiness. This wine pairs well with a white sauce pasta dish, local seafood, a fresh salad, or even cheesecake. Fête is light and airy, making it the perfect summer wine. Best enjoyed chilled.
Learn more about Eighteen Twenty Winery And their unique rhubarb wines at https://www.eighteentwentywines.com/.
Pear Picnic Wine
Tree Spirits Winery – Oakland, ME
Fresh and fragrant, this wine is an easy sip. It exhibits a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, with the natural flavors of ripe pears shining through. It often features fruity notes reminiscent of pear nectar, complemented by subtle floral undertones that add complexity to the palate.
This wine’s versatile character makes it suitable for a variety of culinary pairings. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent complement to dishes such as seafood, poultry, and salads. It also pairs well with soft cheeses and desserts like pear tart or poached pears in wine sauce.
Find out more about Tree Spirits Winery and their refreshing wines online at https://treespiritsofmaine.com/.
These wines are just a fraction of the unique fruit wines that Maine wineries have to offer. I would encourage you to explore Maine’s wineries and vineyards and experiment with pairing wines with local cuisine and recipes. Take the opportunity to experience the essence of Maine’s various landscapes through a glass. You won’t be disappointed! Cheers!
