October 14, 2008
With an important national holiday just over the horizon – Columbus Day, Oct. 12 – and this seems a perfect time to reflect on the historical significance of the wine label: America's First Wine!
When you are shopping for wine, whether buying for a special occasion or for your own pleasure and enjoyment, checking the wine labels is important.
As you are surveying the many wines displayed in wine shops and grocery stores, have you ever thought about how the wine labels just seem to "grab" you? They seem to be tantalizing you, the "wine lover," with colorful labels portraying the bold, the daring, the beautiful and the historical by seeming to scream, "Take me, take me!"
While you are studying the labels to decide on which special wine to buy, have you ever stopped to really think about how much your interests and emotions influence your taste? Perhaps your interest and taste are both influenced more by history, especially if you live here in eastern North Carolina.
Now for a little history! As previously reported, all wine labels must be approved by the ATF, which can take months for a decision. While I was awaiting their decision for approval, several meetings were held with the agents. Then, guess what? At the last meeting, I was informed that the ATF could not approve the "America's First Wine" label because "the Colonists brought wine with them when they settled in Manteo!"
I was more than disappointed! I was stunned! I could not believe their reason for denying approval!
Needless to say, I immediately responded with, "The colonists brought wine made in Europe from grapes grown in Europe."
You should have seen their faces when I continued with my response: "I'm talking about wine made in America from grapes grown in America!" My prompt reply startled the group. They quickly proclaimed in unison with, "We never thought about that!" Then the America's First Wine label was approved immediately.
The ATF approval gave Bennett Vineyards the sole right to use Colonial names and pictures that reflect the history of our great country and our great state.
Now, as you, the "wine lover" are viewing the labels in your quest for choosing the best wine, please note the colorful Bennett Vineyards label that pictures two great American presidents – George Washington and Thomas Jefferson – overlooking a vineyard and a colonial sailing ship pictured below.
As you continue your search for just the right wine, you will be impressed with the historical names of our wines listed under the picture of the Colonial ship beginning with:
1) Mount Vernon White – named for George Washington's plantation home on the Potomac River;
2) Blackbeards Choice – named for the famous Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, the pirate, who hung out in Bath and sailed Queen Anne's Revenge in our waterways, the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, and finally Teaches Hole Channel. It was there that his ship was cornered by HMS, sloop Jane, and beheaded on Saturday, Nov. 22, 1718, by Royal Navy Lt. Robert Maynard.
It is rumored that Blackbeard and his crew often "partook" of local supplies including wine, which was one of his favorite drinks!
3) Roanoke Red – named for the four-first English settlements in North America on Roanoke Island.
4) Charlestowne Red – named for the Charleston, S.C., port that became the mecca of exports and imports of supplies on the last coast.
5) Elizabeth II – named for North Carolina's unique Elizabeth heritage and it's contribution to the cultural beginnings of our Great Nation.
6) Gold Crown – named for King Charles II in honor of his 1500-acre land grant to the Bennett family in the late 1700s.
America's First Wine is wine made in America by Bennett Vineyards in Beaufort County. We use only Native American grapes: Scuppernongs and Muscadines.
Oh, yes! We also use an original 1840 recipe to make our tasty, historical wines that "smell like grapes and taste like grapes!"
For more information, go to www.NCWines.com and our website: BennettVineyards.org
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
N.C. is heir apparent to Napa Valley
September 01, 2008
Is North Carolina poised to claim Napa Valley's Wine Crown?
According to a recent Today show, Food Editor Phil Lempert proclaimed, "Napa wine making out-doomed by global warming," and he also said that "North Carolina is poised to claim "Napa's Wine Crown!"
Needless to say, our state's wine boosters are elated and happy to get Lempert's nod. "He could have picked any up-and-coming wine region to mention," says Margo Knight Metzgar, executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, "but that he focused on North Carolina says a lot for our state's wine makers and grape growers."
Indeed it does! However, Lempert is not the only editor high on our state's wine/grape scene. Jim Hofman, USA, recently published a glowing review of our coastal wine region. Jim and his wife have explore wine regions in most of the 50 states and reports, "The wines that come out of North Carolina's coastal region are among the best in the United States." WOW!
According to Metzgar, North Carolina ranks 10th nationally for winemaking and "boasts the widest variety of grapes and wine styles in the country." She also states that North Carolina "ranks #1 worldwide in Scuppernong and Muscadine wine production."
There are now 70 established wineries and vineyards in our state and we are still growing. Since 1835, after more than a century of leading our country's wine and grape production, we are finally rebuilding our wine and grape industry and also creating a promising future for our winemakers, farmers, and the citizens of this great country to enjoy North Carolina wines and grape products.
Oh, by the way! Did you take "note" that Hofman specifically mentioned "our coastal wine region for good wines?" This is good news indeed for the winemakers and grape growers here in eastern North Carolina.
This news is even better now that the scuppernong grape is emerging as a Nutrition Superstar! These grapes are now available in our local grocery stores and at the vineyard.Who knows, as the World Turns, North Carolina may once again Wear the Wine Crown!
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
Is North Carolina poised to claim Napa Valley's Wine Crown?
According to a recent Today show, Food Editor Phil Lempert proclaimed, "Napa wine making out-doomed by global warming," and he also said that "North Carolina is poised to claim "Napa's Wine Crown!"
Needless to say, our state's wine boosters are elated and happy to get Lempert's nod. "He could have picked any up-and-coming wine region to mention," says Margo Knight Metzgar, executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, "but that he focused on North Carolina says a lot for our state's wine makers and grape growers."
Indeed it does! However, Lempert is not the only editor high on our state's wine/grape scene. Jim Hofman, USA, recently published a glowing review of our coastal wine region. Jim and his wife have explore wine regions in most of the 50 states and reports, "The wines that come out of North Carolina's coastal region are among the best in the United States." WOW!
According to Metzgar, North Carolina ranks 10th nationally for winemaking and "boasts the widest variety of grapes and wine styles in the country." She also states that North Carolina "ranks #1 worldwide in Scuppernong and Muscadine wine production."
There are now 70 established wineries and vineyards in our state and we are still growing. Since 1835, after more than a century of leading our country's wine and grape production, we are finally rebuilding our wine and grape industry and also creating a promising future for our winemakers, farmers, and the citizens of this great country to enjoy North Carolina wines and grape products.
Oh, by the way! Did you take "note" that Hofman specifically mentioned "our coastal wine region for good wines?" This is good news indeed for the winemakers and grape growers here in eastern North Carolina.
This news is even better now that the scuppernong grape is emerging as a Nutrition Superstar! These grapes are now available in our local grocery stores and at the vineyard.Who knows, as the World Turns, North Carolina may once again Wear the Wine Crown!
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
Meet N. C.'s grape superstar!
August 14, 2008
North Carolina's state fruit, scuppernong grapes, are not only delicious, but they are also emerging as a nutrition superstar!
We in eastern North Carolina know they are "good," and as Dr. Maynard recently stated at a Grape Council meeting, "the Scuppernong is the honey of North Carolina and the East."
That is why the scuppernong and other muscadine grapes are grown in the "back yards" of many North Carolina homes!
Scuppernong grapes, as reported here earlier, are the richest sources found in nature for a potent, cancer-fighting substance called "resveratrol," as well as a leading food source.
Now, why is resveratrol so healthy for our bodies?
According to the latest research at UNC by Bruce Duncan, and reported in the July of M.D. News Special Feature, "reservatrol is protector in humans and animals and our genes respond to plant defensive chemicals in a beneficial way."
Plantings of our native grape vines are relatively pest-resistant and thrive in the hot and sandy conditions of our coastal region. Our coastal climate also "necessitates resistance to disease, viruses, bacteria, pests and mold."
"The scuppernong/muscadine grape vines' adaptation to these conditions (sandy soil and hot climate) has developed unique properties that have significant health benefits for those who eat muscadine grapes," Duncan asserts.
Here's more information from the grape researchers. They have found that these grapes are "fat free and high in fiber" and that a single, one-cup serving of muscadine grapes each day "would more than double the average person's antioxidant intake."
This verifies the news that our grapes in Eastern North Carolina are now in the elite list of powerful, antioxidant foods.
While our farming ancestors didn't know why they were healthy, they did know that their "backyard grapes" not only tasted good, but they also felt better when they ate them and enjoyed their jams, jellies and wine.
With the scuppernong/muscadine harvest approaching, plan to improve your health as you enjoy North Carolinas' nutrition superstar! These superstars will be ripe in just a few weeks and are just waiting to be picked.
Get ready for delicious, nutritious grapes – and come on down!
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
North Carolina's state fruit, scuppernong grapes, are not only delicious, but they are also emerging as a nutrition superstar!
We in eastern North Carolina know they are "good," and as Dr. Maynard recently stated at a Grape Council meeting, "the Scuppernong is the honey of North Carolina and the East."
That is why the scuppernong and other muscadine grapes are grown in the "back yards" of many North Carolina homes!
Scuppernong grapes, as reported here earlier, are the richest sources found in nature for a potent, cancer-fighting substance called "resveratrol," as well as a leading food source.
Now, why is resveratrol so healthy for our bodies?
According to the latest research at UNC by Bruce Duncan, and reported in the July of M.D. News Special Feature, "reservatrol is protector in humans and animals and our genes respond to plant defensive chemicals in a beneficial way."
Plantings of our native grape vines are relatively pest-resistant and thrive in the hot and sandy conditions of our coastal region. Our coastal climate also "necessitates resistance to disease, viruses, bacteria, pests and mold."
"The scuppernong/muscadine grape vines' adaptation to these conditions (sandy soil and hot climate) has developed unique properties that have significant health benefits for those who eat muscadine grapes," Duncan asserts.
Here's more information from the grape researchers. They have found that these grapes are "fat free and high in fiber" and that a single, one-cup serving of muscadine grapes each day "would more than double the average person's antioxidant intake."
This verifies the news that our grapes in Eastern North Carolina are now in the elite list of powerful, antioxidant foods.
While our farming ancestors didn't know why they were healthy, they did know that their "backyard grapes" not only tasted good, but they also felt better when they ate them and enjoyed their jams, jellies and wine.
With the scuppernong/muscadine harvest approaching, plan to improve your health as you enjoy North Carolinas' nutrition superstar! These superstars will be ripe in just a few weeks and are just waiting to be picked.
Get ready for delicious, nutritious grapes – and come on down!
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
Revisiting the 'French Paradox'
August 01, 2008
Do you eat between meals, like eating something every two hours? Beginning with breakfast, then at 10 o'clock, noon, 2 o'clock , 4 o'clock and then supper, do you eat at least six or more times a day?
In contrast to our eating habits, the French do not eat between meals. They just eat three meals a day, and "thats all." Their "main meal" is lunch. However, they do enjoy their wine with their meals!
According to the TV show "60 Minutes" aired in November 1991, the United States is among the "lowest consumers of red wine in the world." Yet, we are among the "highest in victims of heart attacks in the world – about 1 million deaths per year!"
Dr. Ellison, a cardiologist and professor at the school of Public Health at Boston University, states that the section of our country that consumes the "least amount of wine is known as stroke alley," the so-called Bible Belt, which ignores the admonition of St. Paul to Timothy, "Use a little wine for the stomach's sake and thine other infirmities."
The "French Paradox" reveals a most important aspect of what is the main difference between the French and the Americans as to their eating and drinking wine- it is healthy to "enjoy" a glass of wine with your dinner (supper)!
The evidence of the benefits of drinking wine in moderation is growing! As previously recorded, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that in their study of 44,000 Americans between 40 and 75 years of age – those "who drank light to moderate amounts of wine had 25 to 40 percent less chance of developing heart disease."
Moderate is defined as two glasses of wine a day.
In addition to the Harvard research and equally as important is the recent research by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State College, which confirmed that " Muscadine Grapes are naturally high in antioxidants that protect the body from the damaging effects of oxygen-free radicals which can contribute to degenerative diseases."
Now, maybe we Americans are finally taking the French philosophy to heart, that it is healthy to enjoy a glass of wine (white or red) with your dinner. Here's to you!
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
Do you eat between meals, like eating something every two hours? Beginning with breakfast, then at 10 o'clock, noon, 2 o'clock , 4 o'clock and then supper, do you eat at least six or more times a day?
In contrast to our eating habits, the French do not eat between meals. They just eat three meals a day, and "thats all." Their "main meal" is lunch. However, they do enjoy their wine with their meals!
According to the TV show "60 Minutes" aired in November 1991, the United States is among the "lowest consumers of red wine in the world." Yet, we are among the "highest in victims of heart attacks in the world – about 1 million deaths per year!"
Dr. Ellison, a cardiologist and professor at the school of Public Health at Boston University, states that the section of our country that consumes the "least amount of wine is known as stroke alley," the so-called Bible Belt, which ignores the admonition of St. Paul to Timothy, "Use a little wine for the stomach's sake and thine other infirmities."
The "French Paradox" reveals a most important aspect of what is the main difference between the French and the Americans as to their eating and drinking wine- it is healthy to "enjoy" a glass of wine with your dinner (supper)!
The evidence of the benefits of drinking wine in moderation is growing! As previously recorded, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that in their study of 44,000 Americans between 40 and 75 years of age – those "who drank light to moderate amounts of wine had 25 to 40 percent less chance of developing heart disease."
Moderate is defined as two glasses of wine a day.
In addition to the Harvard research and equally as important is the recent research by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State College, which confirmed that " Muscadine Grapes are naturally high in antioxidants that protect the body from the damaging effects of oxygen-free radicals which can contribute to degenerative diseases."
Now, maybe we Americans are finally taking the French philosophy to heart, that it is healthy to enjoy a glass of wine (white or red) with your dinner. Here's to you!
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
'Organic' wines and'voodoo' farming
July 06, 2008
For a wine to be labeled "Organic Wine" as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the grapes must be from vineyards that are farmed without synthetic fertilizer, conventional pesticides, or, genetically, engineered plant material.
In addition, sulfates cannot be added to the wine as a preservative!
However, unfortunately, wines made without sulfates can re-ferment or oxidize in the bottle – just ask any winemaker. That's why many vintners use sulfates on "organic" grapes to keep them from re-fermenting and sometimes changing the wine "taste" and "blowing the cork.
"If their wines contain 100 parts per million, they are still permitted to label their products as "organic wines."
Currently there are two types of "organic' farming: bio dynamic farming and natural farming.
Biodynamic farming, which is beginning to be popular in California and the West Coast, is what I call "voodoo" farming. Based on a series of lectures given by the Australian philosopher, Rudolf Stainer, in 1924, biodynamic agriculture views the farm as a single organism with the plants, animals, crops, soil, air and celestial influences – such as the Moon and stars – all being interconnected.
According to Stainer, by balancing these elements, the farmer in theory "makes his property self-sustaining, thus eliminating the need for artificial nutrients or pesticides."Natural farming, on the other hand, is a small, strict, mostly French movement.
Natural winemaking uses organically grown grapes that are picked by hand and are fermented with native (not manufactured) yeast. No sulfates or other additives are added to this wine.
Now, when you taste your favorite wine, do you think you can tell the difference? Is it "natural" or "organic?"
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
For a wine to be labeled "Organic Wine" as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the grapes must be from vineyards that are farmed without synthetic fertilizer, conventional pesticides, or, genetically, engineered plant material.
In addition, sulfates cannot be added to the wine as a preservative!
However, unfortunately, wines made without sulfates can re-ferment or oxidize in the bottle – just ask any winemaker. That's why many vintners use sulfates on "organic" grapes to keep them from re-fermenting and sometimes changing the wine "taste" and "blowing the cork.
"If their wines contain 100 parts per million, they are still permitted to label their products as "organic wines."
Currently there are two types of "organic' farming: bio dynamic farming and natural farming.
Biodynamic farming, which is beginning to be popular in California and the West Coast, is what I call "voodoo" farming. Based on a series of lectures given by the Australian philosopher, Rudolf Stainer, in 1924, biodynamic agriculture views the farm as a single organism with the plants, animals, crops, soil, air and celestial influences – such as the Moon and stars – all being interconnected.
According to Stainer, by balancing these elements, the farmer in theory "makes his property self-sustaining, thus eliminating the need for artificial nutrients or pesticides."Natural farming, on the other hand, is a small, strict, mostly French movement.
Natural winemaking uses organically grown grapes that are picked by hand and are fermented with native (not manufactured) yeast. No sulfates or other additives are added to this wine.
Now, when you taste your favorite wine, do you think you can tell the difference? Is it "natural" or "organic?"
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
Research shows red wine helps heart
June 05, 2008
A recent medical study suggests that Wine Can Help The Heart Later In Life! This study reported in the March issue of the American Journal of Medicine states that, "people in their, mid-40s to mid-60s who decide to take up moderate drinking, even after a lifetime of abstinence, are likely to have healthier hearts than lifelong nondrinkers."
Dr. Dana King, lead author of this study at the Medical University of South Carolina, states that, "those who drank wine benefited the most."
These researchers gathered medical information for three related studies. The first study was conducted on 7,697 men and women age 45 to 64 at the time of their enrollment from 1987 to 1989. Then, in 1998, in an even larger study of 15,792 people, doctors examined them for a progression of atherosclerosis (a disposition of fatty substances and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries). A follow-up study four years later recorded blood pressure, cholesterol, levels of exercise and drinking habits data for both groups.
The results of these studies, according to the researchers, showed that the data on 442 people who claimed that they "started to drink in moderation at some point during the study" were 38 percent less likely to have an "observable heart-related issue than those who never drank alcohol." However, the data on 133 people who reported drinking only wine were "68 percent less likely than nondrinkers to suffer a cardiovascular event."
"While caution is clearly warranted, these current studies demonstrate that new, moderate drinking lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease without an increase in mortality as found in the four-year follow-up period," states Dr. King.However, Dr. King also reminds people that they should "talk to their doctors about the benefits and potential consequences of alcohol consumption."
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
A recent medical study suggests that Wine Can Help The Heart Later In Life! This study reported in the March issue of the American Journal of Medicine states that, "people in their, mid-40s to mid-60s who decide to take up moderate drinking, even after a lifetime of abstinence, are likely to have healthier hearts than lifelong nondrinkers."
Dr. Dana King, lead author of this study at the Medical University of South Carolina, states that, "those who drank wine benefited the most."
These researchers gathered medical information for three related studies. The first study was conducted on 7,697 men and women age 45 to 64 at the time of their enrollment from 1987 to 1989. Then, in 1998, in an even larger study of 15,792 people, doctors examined them for a progression of atherosclerosis (a disposition of fatty substances and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries). A follow-up study four years later recorded blood pressure, cholesterol, levels of exercise and drinking habits data for both groups.
The results of these studies, according to the researchers, showed that the data on 442 people who claimed that they "started to drink in moderation at some point during the study" were 38 percent less likely to have an "observable heart-related issue than those who never drank alcohol." However, the data on 133 people who reported drinking only wine were "68 percent less likely than nondrinkers to suffer a cardiovascular event."
"While caution is clearly warranted, these current studies demonstrate that new, moderate drinking lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease without an increase in mortality as found in the four-year follow-up period," states Dr. King.However, Dr. King also reminds people that they should "talk to their doctors about the benefits and potential consequences of alcohol consumption."
Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
Brotherhood 'Knights'
May 26, 2008
The North Carolina Chapter of The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is an association of individuals who "share an appreciation for and an interest in the Vines and Wines of America."
The preamble of this Brotherhood states that, "Wine is a gift from God which has been used as a food and a symbolic beverage for centuries"; and "mankind has the privilege to enjoy wine."
"Wine is a gift of nature" and "growth of it's consumption is a gift of man to man: Therefore we bind together in the Brotherhood to enjoy and appreciate it's use by telling of this gift in the world and by teaching Restraint and Reason."
The aims and purposes of this Brotherhood are: (1) to proclaim the "virtues and use" of vines and wines "in a modern society by demonstrating the good life with wine through the courtesies of the table (wine with dinner)"; (2) to educate ourselves and the public "that wine is a healthy and hygienic beverage and beneficial to modern life"; (3) to "bring honor and distinction to those individuals who support the cause of the Vines and Wines of America"; and (4) to "support higher education of students of vinology and enology through the funding of scholarships."
What a great wine and grape industry asset to North Carolina!
I wish now to share a surprise honor with you, my wine readers. On Saturday, April 26, 2008, Helen and I were invited to a Black Tie dinner at the Vineyards at River Landing in Wallace, given by The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine. Following dinner, I was invited to become a Member of the Order.
Needless to say, I was not only surprised and honored with this invitation; I also feel very humble that I was chosen, as membership in this Distinguished Order is strictly reserved to persons of distinction who know wine, appreciate wine and pledge to serve the Brotherhood well!
Sir Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
The North Carolina Chapter of The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is an association of individuals who "share an appreciation for and an interest in the Vines and Wines of America."
The preamble of this Brotherhood states that, "Wine is a gift from God which has been used as a food and a symbolic beverage for centuries"; and "mankind has the privilege to enjoy wine."
"Wine is a gift of nature" and "growth of it's consumption is a gift of man to man: Therefore we bind together in the Brotherhood to enjoy and appreciate it's use by telling of this gift in the world and by teaching Restraint and Reason."
The aims and purposes of this Brotherhood are: (1) to proclaim the "virtues and use" of vines and wines "in a modern society by demonstrating the good life with wine through the courtesies of the table (wine with dinner)"; (2) to educate ourselves and the public "that wine is a healthy and hygienic beverage and beneficial to modern life"; (3) to "bring honor and distinction to those individuals who support the cause of the Vines and Wines of America"; and (4) to "support higher education of students of vinology and enology through the funding of scholarships."
What a great wine and grape industry asset to North Carolina!
I wish now to share a surprise honor with you, my wine readers. On Saturday, April 26, 2008, Helen and I were invited to a Black Tie dinner at the Vineyards at River Landing in Wallace, given by The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine. Following dinner, I was invited to become a Member of the Order.
Needless to say, I was not only surprised and honored with this invitation; I also feel very humble that I was chosen, as membership in this Distinguished Order is strictly reserved to persons of distinction who know wine, appreciate wine and pledge to serve the Brotherhood well!
Sir Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards
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