When it comes to wine, one of New York’s best known regions is the Finger Lakes.  While dry whites and sleek reds often get the majority of the attention thanks to their recognizable names (riesling, merlot, gewurtztraminer which are part of a European family called Vitis Vinifera), the regions is also known for growing many high quality wines made of varietals native to America.  Take Knapp Superstition for example, which is made of the grape concord (part of the American family called Vitis Lambrusca), a grape best known for it’s pairing with Peanut Butter as a PB & J (in jelly form!).  So is Knapp Superstition good wine, or are you better off leaving it in your sandwich?

Sight:  A very light red, which is practically see through, but just a touch orange on the edges.

Smell:  Exactly like grape jelly.  There’s a little bit of alcohol aroma and a slightly wild smell in there too, but the primary odor without a doubt is grape jelly.

Sip:  Bright, sweet, and round immediately, and loaded with the flavor of grape jelly. There’s again, a touch of wildness or gamey flavors laced in, but they’re something you need to look for in the grape jelly.  There are touches of bitterness, but very minimal, and they’re complimented by the acidity that’s present.

Savor:  The ending goes more toward the wild and gamey end of the spectrum, with a hint of mouth drying tannins. The flavor is very grape orientated, even on the ending.

Knapp Superstition is the spitting image of an alcoholic concord grape jelly.  Simplicity is the name of the game with this wine, with one flavor, one texture, and one grape leading to one heck of a consistent experience.  As wine goes, this is definitely outside the comfort zone of those familiar with Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.  That being said, if you like lambrusco, beaujolais, any sweet red wines, or grape jelly, then Knapp Superstition is definitely worth a try.

Verdict:  Grape Jelly, Gamey, Medium Body, Semi-Sweet
Price: $8.99
Finger Lakes, NY