Finds from the Vine

Jarrett Osborn
May 7, 2008

Organic is all the rage, and unlike some fads, this one seems to be good for you. In the wine industry, each country has different rules and different certification organizations. The result is that many wines are made from organic grapes, but few are labeled as such. One of these labeled wines is the 2006 Jack Rabbit Hill M & N, from Colorado. A new venture, the Jack Rabbit Hill Winery is located in Hotchkiss and makes wine only from organic grapes.

The 2006 M & N is 45 percent pinot meunier and 55 percent pinot noir, hence the M & N moniker. Pinot noir you know, and this grape gives the wine lovely cranberry and raspberry flavors. Pinot meunier, another red grape usually used in Champagne, gives the wine a brambly, rich and rustic characteristic. Both grapes contribute earthiness, while not covering up the lovely, bright berry flavors. Winemaker and owner Lance Hanson ages the blend for 10 months in oak barrels used previously for chardonnay, a nifty little trick that adds just the slightest toast and bread notes.

Lance Hanson founded Jack Rabbit Hill Winery in 2001. He also started Peak Spirits, a distillery that makes lovely organic gin and vodka under the Cap Rock label. Jack Rabbit Hill Winery practices biodynamic farming on their home vineyard, a step beyond growing organic grapes.

The M & N can be treated like a straight pinot noir when pairing with food. Try this with grilled salmon or chicken, light tomato-based pastas and ahi tuna. This wine is $23.