Temperance leader Carrie Nation hailed from the Sunflower State and the relentless work of her movement resulted in Kansas becoming the first US state to adopt a statewide prohibition of alcoholic beverages in 1881 - predating the national era of Prohibition by nearly four decades.
It has been noted that around the beginning of the 20th century - despite the state's prohibition - there were still thousands of acres of grapevines which served Kansas bootleggers and the booming wine industry in neighboring Missouri. National prohibition killed off the wine industry in Kansas - Missouri, too - and recovery would not begin until the 1980s.
Kansas is known for its fertile soil and long growing season, particularly in the eastern half of the state where most of its 30 or so vineyards are located. The Holy-Field Vineyards and Winery website waxes poetic about making wine in Basehor, Kansas: "The bounty of the vines springs forth on fourteen beautiful acres tended under the personal touch of owners Les and Michelle Meyer. Holy-Field's ten grape varieties ripen to produce fifteen distinct wines."
The name of the vineyard and winery is inspired by its location at the intersection of 158th Street and 24-40 highway in southern Leavenworth County Kansas. In bygone years 158th street was named Holyfield Road, and the name offers a tip of the hat to that era. The vineyard is filled with Native American and French Hybrid varieties
Also known by the more masculine name of Norton, Cynthiana grapes are thought by many to be America's great lost grape. It flourished in Midwestern vineyards for many years until Prohibition pulled the carpet from beneath its feet. The wine industries in these states literally died at that time, taking Cynthiana with them. The grape - by both names - has undergone a great resurgence and is now grown in several states, Kansas among them.
The Holy-Field Cynthiana shows extreme earthiness on the nose, which is somewhat obscured by the aroma of alcohol, more than the 13.5% abv number would suggest. The taste is brimming with tart - bordering on sour - cranberry, raspberry and cherry. Spice is abundant, a result of the 12-16 months aging in American oak which the wine undergoes.
Here is a nice article giving a brief history of the Norton/Cynthiana grape.
This refreshing white wine blends two French hybrids grapes - Chardonel and Traminette. The former claims Chardonnay as its parent, while the latter hails from the Gewürztraminer grape. The wine is done completely in stainless steel, with no oak used to color the beauty of the fruit. It hits only 12% abv on the alcohol scale
This wine's light golden color suggests a light and refreshing quaff, and the nose adds a hint of sweetness to the expectations. Aromas of apples, white peaches and a sweetly herbal note are inviting. The flavors deliver on what has been promised. Sweet fruit and a slightly spicy edge are wrapped a delicate acidity that tingles just right. There is just a hint of earth underlying all this, and it stays on the finish. I am reminded of an off-dry Riesling, which is a good thing to be reminded of now and then.
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