Coastal White

Bartlett Maine Estate Winery is absolutely at the top of our list of favorite wineries.

Now, keep in mind that we've never been to France, Italy, Oregon, California...

...but that's irrelevant!

We have been to Maine and have visited the gorgeous grounds of the Bartlett Winery and have tasted almost all they have to offer and it's WONDERFUL.  Kathe Bartlett is one of the most gracious and witty women we've had the pleasure of meeting.  All we've gotten from Bob B. is a wave from the back room, as he's always busy working, working; but Kathe has taken us on tasting journeys through the fruits of their labor.

Bartlett Winery became Maine's very first winery ever in the 80s; since New England's climate happens to be super-hostile to grapes (not so much with the sunny, bucolic hillsides).  Thus, Bob & Kathe decided to pioneer Maine fermentation with what was growing in abundance:  blueberries.  Basically, we're drawn to their kick-startin', diligent, energetic attitude toward the craft they love.

Also, they've won like a bazillion awards for their many wines and their new distillery products, Pear Eau de Vie and Fine Apple Brandy (very fancy).

Seriously, though, their dry blueberry wines surpass a lot of red grape wines (that we've experienced) in deep flavor, sensuousness, color; but we'll get to those later.

Now presenting:

Coastal White

Apple & Pear Wine

 Bartlett Maine Estate Winery

Gouldsboro, Maine, USA

"Fresh and fruity, this medium-dry wine is popular served with Maine seafoods, poultry, pasta or picnic by the sea."

It's good.  It's so flippin' good.  You could drink it with every meal.  Even breakfast (though we don't encourage this).  Even a sumptuous roast-turkey-dinner.  Even ice cream at 11:00 PM.  Coastal White is sweet on the tongue, but leaves no syrupy film in your mouth.  It's fruity and pleasantly tangy; yet, being a semi-dry wine, holds up to meals of fish or pork excellently.  We had some tonight and it made our grilled chicken come alive.  There are very faint notes of clove at the end of each sip - perhaps derived from the apple half of the blend.

If you ever end up in the easternmost state, do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle (or a case!) of Coastal White or any of the other Bartlett wines.  And if you're way Down East, be sure to stop in to the winery in Gouldsboro for a sweet visit - you'll love the tasting room, set behind fragrant Maine spruce & pine.  It seems like every time we go for a tasting, we end up taking home a variety case - because they're all so delicious.  With a great story and absolutely splendid, award-winning wines; visit, and you'll find out why Bartlett Estate is one of our most favoritest wineries.

Anyways, the Bartletts' Coastal White is a great choice for pairing with lighter meals - or just as a refresher in the afternoon.  Try some!