The Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition solicits more than 600 wines from some of the best winemakers across the country. Many of those wines originate from the Midwest. “These wines were nominated by the five judging committees to be considered for Jefferson Cups. Out of those seventy honored wines, the judges collectively picked twenty wines to be awarded the Jefferson Cup” (Jefferson Cup Press Release). These 70 are regarded as Jefferson Cup “Nominees.”
The Midwest Wine Review recognizes these “nominees” as “Exceptional — Wine of exceptional quality; excellent and highlights the best expression of varietal characteristics; Reflects very high standards of quality; equivalent to Gold medal.”
Tassel Ridge Winery Prairie Snow White Iowa (NV)
Jefferson Cup “Nominee”
The Wine - (LaCrescent/St.Pepin/Edelweiss) - Iowa Prairie Snow is a sweet, iced wine made from grapes picked at the peak of perfection and frozen after harvest. With its concentrated notes of apple, pear, and nectarine on the nose followed by honey, apple, pear, and peach on the palate, Prairie Snow is best sipped with or as dessert. Prairie Snow pairs well with apple tarts and lemon desserts. Serve well chilled. Store at 55°F. $29.00 per bottle, plus tax.
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The Winery: Family-owned Tassel Ridge Winery is located on highway 163 between Pella, and Oskaloosa, and opened to the public in May 2006. The winery site, on a ridge between the South Skunk and Des Moines River drainage areas, was used for growing corn and bean for over 70 years – thus the name Tassel Ridge. Most of our wines are produced from grapes grown on our 59 acres of vines planted in our four Mahaska County vineyards.
Our goal is to produce outstanding wines with a distinctive character that distinguishes them as extraordinary “Iowa Wines”. We currently grow 11 different varieties of cold climate grape varieties, and most of our harvest is done using our new mechanical grape harvester. We also do hand harvest some varieties which are used for special wines. Our wines are all produced in all new, state-of-the-art equipment specially selected to produce the highest quality wines possible. Currently we have the capacity to produce approximately 43,000 gallons of wine per year, and produced over 30 different award-winning wines (full list) www.tasselridge.com/wines.htm
The winery was designed to help visitors learn about how cold climate grapes are grown and how we make wine from those grapes. Our knowledgeable staff guides visitors through our Visitors’ Gallery as they look down into the cellar production area, look out over the crush pad, and watch our professionally produced video presentations about the history of Iowa grape growing, harvest, crush, winemaking, bottling, and the many uses for wine. The tour ends with a wine tasting in our Tasting Room and Gift Shop, all complimentary. In late spring, summer, and early fall, weather permitting, visitors can also enjoy a tour of our Tassel Ridge Vineyard on our “Grapemobile” (small cost involved).
Visit Winery Website: Tassel Ridge Winery
