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Noble Haight Reflects
In 1974 huntin' and fishin' gentleman farmer Sherman Haight read an article in the Wall Street Journal that had a dramatic effect on his life. It concerned the legendary Dr
. Konstantin Frank, the pioneer of vitis vinifera cultivation in New York state, (i.e. the growing of noble varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet.) Sherman was
captivated by the tale of the Ukranian-born Dr Frank whose first job, on arrival in the USA, was as a dishwasher in a New York city café. Yet he became the inspiration of
many who previously believed that it was only possible to grow American labrusca varietals or hybrid vines in vineyards with such freezing winter climates.
Indeed, he was so inspired by what he read that in his own words 'I didn't even get a toothbrush, went to the airport and flew straight to Rochester NY to find him.'
In the next year, 1975, Sherman planted 750 Chardonnay and 750 Riesling vines which were the first noble varietals ever cultivated in Connecticut. ' The following spring we
were euphoric as we saw the first new greenery arrive,' Sherman Haight told Wine on the Web editor Andrew Jones.
Nearly a quarter of a century later Haight Vineyards has 30 acres planted with vines of which half is committed to Chardonnay and Riesling. More recently Merlot has been added.
Obviously it is not an easy life on the slopes of the Lichfield Hills at some 1,150 feet, where the winters can become a trifle nasty but Sherman Height remains an
enthusiast. ' You know I'm never going to retire says the lively septuagenarian,' and while life and limb will move him you can be confident his statement will be true. In the
meantime a scattering of medals adorn the winery walls alongside his hunting and fishing trophies. Just let him start telling you about the great stag he shot in Scotland
or explain the origin of Covertside White and you will experience the same enthusiasm he reserves for his beloved vineyard. The latter wine, an unusual blend of 90% Seyval
Blanc and 10% Chardonnay is a great local favorite. The Haight Vineyards Chardonnay appears, by a short head, to be his best wine, followed by a Germanic style Riesling which has some slight residual sugar.
 A quarter of a century Sherman thanks the
memory of Dr Konstantin Frank. 'Every ground rule he told us has proven right. It has been a lot of hard work, a lot harder than I expected but well worth.
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Last updated on April 30, 2008