184 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 



THE WINES OF THE STATE FAIR. 

 REPORT OJS" WINES, CORDIALS, AXD VINEGARS. 



The committee to whom was referred the examination of the wines and 

 other articles entered in Division 'N, Pomological Hall, respectfully report that 

 they found the following entries, to which were made the awards and recom- 

 mendations as marked : 



1. The Urbana Wine Company of Hammondsport, New York, represented 

 by Mr. Mershon of Grand Eapids, the best collection of American wines, the 

 first premium of 120. 



In this collection there were a large number of champagnes and light dry 

 table wines of remarkable quality. The gold seal champagne was decreed to 

 be a wine of the very highest merit for delicacy and purity, and a complete 

 freedom from any peculiar flavor of the American grape. Its bouquet was 

 delicious, and its flavor and quality would place it equal to the very best 

 imported French champagne that has ever come under the cognizance of your 

 committee. The champagnes made from the lona, the Diana, and the Dela- 

 ware grapes, each had flavors of their own, but that made from the Diana was 

 ranked next to the gold seal. To these wines the committee recommend a 

 special silver medal, suitably inscribed. Of the dry wines tested there were 

 the following, which were tried by the acldometer for the purpose of finding- 

 out what degree of acid there was in each : 



Delaiuare — gave 7 degrees of acid, a light bouquet, and somewhat astringent 

 in flavor. 



Catau'ha — 7f of acid, heavy bouquet, rich, strong body, but pleasant to the 

 taste, being somewhat sweet. 



Sioeet Isabella — 6j of acid, with very light bouquet; a sweet, pleasant bev- 

 erage, with but little strength. 



lona — 65 of acid, a very mild, fine flavor, with a light bouquet; remarkably 

 palatable and agreeable to tastes that are not accustomed to wines. 



Claret — 6| of acid ; a mild, light red wine with a medium bouquet, a pleasant 

 astringent flavor, and which would rank as a good claret. 



Sweet Catawba — was a rich, pleasant sweet wine, with a light bouquet of the 

 grape that made it a pleasant beverage. 



3. The Pointe Aux Peaux Wine Company of Monroe, Mich., represented by 

 J. M. Stirling of Monroe, presented the best collection of wines, the product 

 of Micliigan ; awarded the first premium of 120. 



3. To the same for the best collection of wines, the pure juice of grapes 

 grown in the State, the first premium of $20. 



Amongst these wines were the following : 



Concord of 1868 — marking 4f degrees of acid, a rich body and fine bouquet ; 

 very pure and agreeable. 



Concord of 1869 — ^^ acid ; heavy strong wine with an odor of the grape. 



Red Concord of 1810 — 7^ acid; light bouquet, medium in strength and 

 flavor; rather astringent. 



Norton^ s Virginia of 1860 — 7 of acid; dark high color, quite astringent in 

 taste, a full bouquet, and medium in strength. 



Delaiuare of 1870 — 5 of acid; fine dehcate flavored wine, with a light bou- 

 quet; very pleasant. 



