While poking through the refrigerator (hunting for an already opened white wine to marinate my slow cooked Full and By Farm chicken) I discovered a bottle of Lady Di Apple Wine. Received as a dinner party gift from a friend earlier in the summer, I had tucked it away to enjoy later.
Now is later. Autumn has been making her presence undeniable in recent days, so this struck me as the perfect time to try the apple wine. Last night I paired the tender chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed Swiss chard, and tomato-basil salad — all except the chicken freshly harvested from our garden — with the Lady Di Apple Wine.
A North Country Star in the Glass
The amber liquid was crisp and refreshing with subtle apple on the tongue and nose.
To be honest, I got a jumpstart on the apple wine while preparing dinner. Anticipating an overly sweet palate, I added a couple of ice cubes. My caution was unwarranted. The amber liquid, though bourbon-like to the eye when swirling around a couple of melting ice cubes, lacked the viscous, cloying sweetness that too often characterizes apple wine. It was crisp and refreshing with subtle apple on the tongue and nose.
Emboldened, I abandoned the ice. By this point dinner was ready, so I poured the +/-50° wine into a room temperature glass and sat down to enjoy supper. I detected a faint (but not unpalatable) echo of fermenting yeast that actually seemed to complement our harvest-heavy meal not altogether unlike a dusting of freshly shaved truffle. The mellow apple perfectly suited the chicken and chard, but even the broccoli and tomatoes — slightly astringent and acidic respectively — counterbalanced the wine.
In short, the Lady Di Apple Wine (no vintage noted) was memorable and recommendable. I will keep my eyes peeled for another bottle. You should to!
Lady Di Apple Wine
Lady Di Apple Wine is produced and bottled by Elfs Farm (www.elfsfarm.com) in Plattsburgh, NY. Here are the notes from the back of the bottle.
“Lady Di’ was the first Apple Wine crafted by Elfs Farm from 100% Champlain Valley MacIntosh Apples and was named for the family matriarch. Our Apple Wines have won several awards including: Gold & Double Gold medals and the Best Of Show for specialty fruit wines at the Finger Lakes Classic. This semi-sweet single pome one is crisp and tart with a refreshing sweetness and a long finish.
Enjoy this one by itself or pair it with sharp cheeses, spicy chinese, pork and even tex-mex. Enjoy […] over ice or as a spritzer.
The Frey Family would like to thank you and we invite your comments at info.” (Notes from back of the bottle)
Where to Find Elfs Farm Products
At present you can find Elfs Farm products at the following area businesses. (Note: Please check the Elfs Farm Wine Locator to confirm before heading out to load up your trunk with tasty elixirs as vendors and availability may change.)
- Liqour & Wine Warehouse
25 Smithfield Blvd, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 - Dame’s Liqour
457 New York 3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 - Village Liquor Store
1727 Front St, Keeseville, NY 12944 - Swains Wine & Liquor
2940 Main St, Peru, NY 12972 - Bouquet Liquor Shop
7613 US 9, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 - The Jug Store
39 Rockland St, Malone, NY 12953 - Wilsboro Liquor Store
Station Road, Wilsboro, NY 12996 - Olive Ridley’s
37 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 - Gioiosa’s Wine & Spirits
28 Skyway Shopping Center, Plattsburgh, Ny 12901
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