Peach Grower Also Colorado's Biggest Grape Producer

Two little known facts: the amount of grapes harvested in Colorado in 2008 exceeded both apples and peaches. Fact number two: Talbott Farm is probably better known as one of Palisade's premium peach producers and as a purveyor of organic apple cider. But it's a almost a secret that Talbott's is now Colorado's largest grape grower, as well.

It all happened after Steve Smith of Grande River Vineyards auctioned off a majority of his vines to the Talbotts. Now, the down home Talbotts are providing the varietals for some premium wines.

Such is the case with the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, which used 100 percent Colorado grapes in its new 2006 vintage.

Under the headline, "Abbey Unveils New Colorado Wine," Pueblo Chieftain Reporter Tracy Harmon writes:

"CANON CITY - Winemaker Matt Cookson of The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey had a revelation that has led to a new fine wine."

'His 2006 Revelation is one of the finest wines ever produced by the winery, Cookson said. It is a true nod to Colorado, featuring 100 percent Colorado-grown grapes, and it has been aged for two years in the Canon City winery's oak barrels."

"Cookson said the revelation is in the grape, pointing out that it is a blend of three of the noble red vinifera grape varieties grown by Talbott Farms in Palisade. It is comprised of 35 percent merlot, 35 percent cabernet sauvignon and 30 percent cabernet franc."

"This wine has been aging in the barrels with tender, loving care in anticipation of the final blend. After bottling the wine, it is better than we'd originally thought," Cookson said. "It is loaded with blueberry and cassis (a black currant) in the nose, followed by clean, subtle hints of toasty oak," Cookson said."

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