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New Mexico Wines By Linda Milks
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f you love wine, you will appreciate New Mexico wines. After all, New Mexico is home to the first wine region in the United States. Grapes were brought from Europe and planted in 1629 along the banks of the Rio Grande by monks for sacramental wine. Wine growing in New Mexico has had its ups and downs, but in 1978 a study encouraged winegrowers to grow heritage grapes and to work with Italian, Spanish, and French growers to create hybrid grape varieties. The high altitude for growing is part of the reason for New Mexico’s success. Today there are over 50 wineries and tasting rooms. Some examples of fine wineries in New Mexico are the following. Vivac Winery produces a wonderful Nebbiolo wine, a medium bodied red wine reminiscent of a Pinot Noir. Luna Rossa Winery makes Nini, a wine from seven Italian grape varietals with a predominance of Dolcetto and pairs well with a hearty dish. Noisy Water Winery offers a Montepulciano with soft tannins that pairs well with turkey kabobs. Of course, the winery best known in this region is Gruet Winery, home to sparkling wines and loved by top sommeliers. All of these wines can be ordered online. As they say in New Mexico, “Viva Vino.”