6NOV04 Wölffer Estate VERJUS (NON-ALCOHOLIC), Long Island, New York NV (F)
4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17)
Various Varieties 0.0% ABV
Verjus is the pressed juice of unfermented wine grapes. It’s full-bodied, with a mouthfeel comparable to wine. All the fruit is from their estate vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island. Wölffer Estate grows a wide variety of grapes, so this Verjus is probably a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. They are best known for the wildly popular Summer in a Bottle Rosé. I choose Verjus specifically for a festive NA alternative for your Thanksgiving and holiday dinners, but it’s also excellent as a spritz or in a cocktail or mocktail. Tart green apple, bright gooseberry, citrus. This Verjus is off-dry, so it could be perfect for grandma or teens at your holiday table. GOBBLE GOBBLE
Mocktail Suggestion:
Verjus Spritz: 2 oz Verjus, 2 oz soda water, 2 oz tonic water.
Pour over ice in wine glass or highball glass, garnish with lemon twist.
Cocktail Suggestion:
Belgian 75: 2 oz Verjus, 1 oz London Dry Gin, grapefruit seltzer, sprig of fresh thyme
Shake Verjus & Gin over ice, strain into cocktail glass, top with seltzer, garnish with thyme sprig