Description

Johnson Estate Vidal Blanc

Region’s Pioneer & Founding the Winery

Frederick Spencer Johnson (1921-1998), grew up on the farm his father purchased. He served in World War II as a naval aviator, graduated from Cornell University in 1946, and then raised his family overseas while working for Nelson Rockefeller’s various agricultural endeavors. When Frederick Spencer returned to the farm in 1960 after his father died, he removed the aging fruit orchards and was first farmer or “pioneer” in Western New York to plant French-hybrid wine grapes in a region completely dominated by Concord and Labruscan juice grapes. His favorite French hybrid grape was Chancellor. Frederick Spencer opened the winery in 1961, receiving New York Farm Winery license #2.

Honoring Tradition

When Frederick Spencer’s children, Frederick, Jr., Elizabeth, and Anthony, inherited the farm in 1998, they oversaw winery operations, planting of new vineyards, construction of a finished goods warehouse, and the introduction of new wines, including fruit, sparkling, and ice wines. In 2010, Frederick Johnson, Jr., became owner of the farm and winery with his wife Jennifer. They completed a renovation of the tasting room in 2011, just in time for the winery’s celebration of its 50th anniversary. Johnson Estate Winery is now the oldest continuously operating estate winery in New York State.

Johnson Estate Vidal Blanc Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Pale straw with youthful green highlights
• AROMA: Fresh and vibrant aromas of pineapple, green apple, and ripe pear accented by hints of citrus blossom and light honey
• TASTE: Light- to medium-bodied with lively acidity, offering flavors of tropical fruit, crisp apple, and lemon zest balanced by subtle sweetness and clean minerality
• FINISH: Bright and refreshing, with lingering notes of citrus and orchard fruit
• ABV: 11%