On my recent trip to Middle Missouri, I stopped for a tasting at St. James Winery, right alongside I-44 in St. James, MO. There is a nice tasting room, a beer garden, and a pub on the grounds. Inside of the tasting room I was greeted by a friendly staff who were more than willing to pour the regular bottlings. Ah, but the real gems were poured at a separate location within the tasting room. These wines, most labelled as “Winemaker Series,” were available with the “Premium Tasting” menu. Of course, I had to have a go.
Blended Norton, Vignoles, Seyval, Chamborcin, and a lovely sparkling labelled as “Champagne American Brut” (tasty!) were offered. My favorite, however, is the least expensive wine on the menu, the Winemaker Series Traminette. Very floral in nose, something like a nice Viognier. Not sugary, but dry with a slightly sweet feel. Long and slightly acidic with a spicy finish. It’s quite interesting, especially at this price point. If one has an aversion to Middle American wines, this one might change your mind. In the blind, you might possibly choose this to be an American West Coast white. I paired it with tuna poke tacos with avocado and it did quite well.
T-Scale rating
: 89 points. $14.99 bottle price. Quite a good deal. Possibly available outside of Missouri. If you see it, please let me know. You are likely to find the Concord and Cranberry wines from St. James, which are also tasty and fun, and best of all, inexpensive.
“Fantastic floral aromas with intense citrus and honey flavors with a hint of white pepper at the finish. Well balanced with a crisp acidity. Perfect with spicy Asian or Thai.” – St. James Winery
All I could find on the wine from the winemaker.