The grapes for Rockridge are grown by our good friend Matt Harsh at 78 Acres in Smithburg, Maryland.  The wine is made from 100% Blaufränkisch from a single plot, grown on a rather steep and rocky slope at the foothills of the Appalachians.  

Also known as Lemberger, Blaufränkisch is a native grape to Austria, but has now found a home at many sites up and down the East Coast. The grape has quickly gained a reputation in vineyards of the Mid-Atlantic, especially higher elevation sites, for its cold hardiness, moderate disease resistance, consistent ripening/yields, and a marked spicy character. 

In our first vintage release of Blaufränkisch, only a single 500L and 225L barrel were produced, resulted in an 80 case total production for 2021. 

The 2021 Rockridge can be drunk now, or aged up to 5 years. As the wine ages the fresh flavors and aromas will evolve into more tertiary flavors.

Descriptors: raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate, earthy, mineral, flint, herbal, spicy