Spring Release Party at Casa Larga

Fairport, NY - Casa Larga Vineyards has released 5 new wines and vintages for spring. Among those is a brand new wine produced from fruit that was hand-picked from original vines planted on the estate.

Old Vine Chardonnay comes from vines planted by the vineyards' founder, Andrew Colaruotolo, in 1974. Current Winemaker Matt Cassavaugh decided to make a reserve Chardonnay to be released on the 40th anniversary of the Chardonnay planting in honor of the winery's heritage. Clusters of grapes were hand-selected for the wine and the wine was fermented after the first pressing in the sur lies style. Unique to the Old Vine Chardonnay is fermentation in three different types of oak barrel: American, French and Hungarian. Only 105 cases were produced of the first vintage of this new wine.

"I wanted to create a wine that would pay homage to Casa Larga's heritage, and to Mr. C. These old vines make a flavorful Chardonnay," comments Matt Casavaugh, winemaker at Casa Larga. "We love having new wines to celebrate - and we're celebrating making it through a hard winter. The buds are looking good in the vineyard which means it's time to celebrate spring."

To celebrate all the new wines, the winery is planning its first 40-year celebration in the Fairport wine shop from April 24-27. On Thursday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., members of the Wine Lover Club will get the first preview of the new wines. From April 25-27, the celebration will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. The celebration includes tank sample tastings of the 5 new wines and vintages, winery tours at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. each day, and country cheese samples with crackers from local producer Heluva Good Cheese.

Admission to the party is $5.00 per person or $8.00 per couple. Vineyard tours will also be offered, call 585-223-4210 x2 for more information. For those outside of the Rochester area, Casa Larga will offer free shipping and delivery on case orders of any new wines from April 24-27. Orders may be placed by calling the wine shop 585-223-4210 x2 and mentioning the password "Spring Release."

On Sunday, April 27, the winery will also be hosting Elaine Verstraete, 2014 Lilac Festival poster artist. Verstraete will be at Casa Larga from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. to sign bottles of the commemorative Lilac Hill bottles with the Lilac Festival poster design on the label.

New Release Wines:

2012 Old Vine Chardonnay This is a full-bodied wine with hints of kiwi and lime citrus fruit. The aromas of butter, hazelnuts and spices add to the complexity of this excellent Chardonnay.

2012 American Oak Chardonnay Aromas of butter, caramel with a toasty bouquet and a whisper of pineapple. Flavors of butter and smoke finish with an appetizing citrusy grapefruit character in this medium-bodied wine.

2012 French Oak Chardonnay Hints of menthol and eucalyptus float above aromas of toast and butter for this wine, contrasted by the taste of tangy citrus with hints of vanilla and coconut and a long, creamy finish.

2012 Hungarian Oak Chardonnay This Chardonnay has aromas of toasted oak that open up after a few minutes in the glass. Flavors of green apple with a hint of smoke end in a buttery finish.

2013 Medium Dry Riesling Crisp and refreshing with a floral and light peach nose characteristics.

2013 Dry Rose Light-bodied with brilliant ruby color, dark cherry characteristics and subtle flavors of tart apples end with a soft finish.