Tasting: Scuppernong Blush

 Name of the wine: Scuppernong Blush 

Grape varietals: Muscadine and Scuppernong

Origin: North Carolina 

Producer: Duplin Wine Cellars, Rose Hill NC

Price: $9

Alcohol Content: 12%

Appearance: Strawberry 

Winery Review of the wine: "Taste the smooth, fruit notes in our famous Scuppernong Blush. Best served Chilled"

Aroma: Musky, moldy, mushroom, burnt rubber, cranberry and red apple 

Grape Varietals: North American grape species high in antioxidants. Primary flavors are ripe banana, yellow apple, lime peel, cranberry, rubber cement. 

Taste: flavors of candied strawberry, cranberry, and apple, red fruits, traditional "grapey" flavor, but also strong notes of musk and spice, very nutty aftertaste of almond. Some earthy and muskiness. Layered flavor. Medium bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity, medium finish. Semi-sweet to sweet. 

My review: This wine grew on me with each sip, and glass. When I first twisted off the cap, I was pretty turned off by the aroma. The strong musky/moldy/earthy components were at the forefront and almost scared me away. However, I gave it a pour and tried to be open minded. I did enjoy the flavor. If the aroma wasn't as bad, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. The primary flavors were sweet and candied which I like, but it did have some complexity and layers with the nuttiness and musky flavor notes as well. I enjoyed this aspect of it. I also appreciate the value, high alcohol content for a low price and easy to drink. I will not be quick to repurchase this wine but I will try other wines from Duplin winery, such as a pure scuppernong (white wine) in hopes of less of the strong muscadine musky smell.