Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease)
January 26, 2008 - More than 200 years ago, London's Royal Society of the Arts recognized two New Jersey winemakers for producing the first bottles of exquisite wine derived from colonial agriculture. Today, vines from that rich soil have generated the wines now sold at Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro in Westfield.
Natali Vineyards of Cape May County today began selling 10 of its finest wines through the Westfield coffeehouse, at Prospect Street and North Avenue. The winery has selected four white wines, four red wines and two dessert wines that Rockn’ Joe patrons can enjoy as part of their meal, or to take-out. Wines, ranging from $22-$29, will only be sold by the bottle.
Al Natali, a managing member of the Natali Vineyard, said there has been plenty of preparation to make the wine available, including tastings of the Rockn’ Joe menu and recommendations on what wines best fit with each dish. Wine pairing menus have been made for Rockn’ Joe and sit at each table, helping diners to select the best wine to maximize the experience.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Natali Vineyards wines to Rockn’ Joe in Westfield, as our wines have won numerous medals,” Natali said. “We grow European wine grapes, known as Vitis Vinifera, which are ideal to create the perfect bottle of wine. It’s something I hope you will experience.”
A prime reason for the vineyard’s success is its location, in the Cape May peninsula. In New Jersey, the weather can be hostile: cold, humid, or rainy. But lower Cape May has a maritime microclimate because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. The sandy soil also provides excellent drainage and the summer breeze helps keep the canopy dry.
“We grow our grapes in an area similar to the Bordeaux region of France, between the Atlantic and the lower Gironde River,” Natali said. “That is why our Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc do so well and are so popular.”
Natali said there are more than 4,000 vines at his 22-acre winery, creating 13 different varieties of wine. More information is available at www.natalivineyards.com and www.rocknjoe.net
