The Tannins
New Hampshire-based Flag Hill Distillery and Winery focuses on fruit flavors with Cayuga White, a lightly effervescent, aromatic white wine. This particular offering is aged in stainless steel barrels, using arrested fermentation (to enhance the fruit notes) and bottled early to preserve its bright aromatics. Made from 100% Cayuga White grapes, you can expect pleasant acidity balanced against a sweet background of orange, pear and green apple that seems to linger on the tongue. Crisp and refreshing, this wine could best be compared to a Reisling in both taste and ideal food pairings.
The Terps
Maine Trees has this lip-smacking combination of Zangria and Gelonade dialed in and ready for display. Unbelievable bag appeal and a crazy nose translate beautifully into the smoking experience, giving way to a fruit-forward powerhouse. Fruit Stand is aptly named, in that it seems to span the full spectrum of fruit flavors. Expect a wave of fruit punch with a hint of candy from the Zangria lineage, as well as a bright first note from the Gelonade. This complex but delicious strain leaves mouth-staining grape, blueberry, strawberry, orange and melon terps and is a smooth, easy smoke.
The Pairing
The combination of Fruit Stand and Cayuga White meld two fruit-forward indulgences into a yin-yang of sweet and tart. The palate-cleansing wine hints toward a fruity finish before a waterfall of Hawaiian fruit punch terps is added back in from the flower. Taking another sip of the wine removes any lingering smokiness before the back-and-forth balancing act commences. The snappy nose from the Gelonade lineage matches the bright acidity of the easy-drinking wine for a balanced combination that bounces between an array of candy fruit flavors. A perfect combination for a summer picnic underneath the sunshine or catching a sunset at the beach.
