There's Gold in Dem There Hills

Liquid gold, I say. Tucked away in the Northeast Georgia Mountains...ok, let's call them hills, I struck gold this past weekend. Voluptuous, ripe and lively liquid gold in the form they call Frogtown down yonder.

Spent the past long weekend down in Hotlanta and sheesh was it hot. Happened to find my way with some friends up into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at a little place called Frogtown Cellars about an hour from Atlanta. What started as a trek into the hills to go tubing down a lazy river turned into an afternoon of wine sampling.

Frogtown is a 57 acre family-owned wine estate located in Dahlonega, Georgia and grows a variety of grapes ranging from Chardonnay, Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Sangiovese, Touriga Nacional, and Norton.

The location and view are simply spectacular: the winery is set atop a hill overlooking vineyards with rolling hills in the distance. The perfect spot for sipping on a 95 degree day.

I was most impressed with their white wine offerings, specifically the Rhone Valley varietals. Could the soil and climate of Northeast Georgia be similar to those of the Rhone in France? Hmmmmmm.......

2003 Marsanne--My favorite of the bunch. Rich and highly perfumed with ripe pear, honeysuckle and almond notes. Full bodied. Lingering almond finish.

2003 Rousanne--Notes of green apple, honeysuckle, pear, a hint of nuts. Full bodied.

2004 Viognier--Heady with notes of peach, honeysuckle, a hint of passion fruit. Voluptuous texture.

These wines tickled my fancy to such an extent, I had a mixed case shipped home. Stop by sometime for a first hand sampling.

Frogtown Cellars
3300 Damascus Church Road
Dahlonega, GA
706.865.0687











Wine label image from www.frogtownwine.com