Jamaicans soon to know the sweet Reggae Wine

Sashana Sanderson, Gleaner Writer

Excellent, awesome, fruity, sweet, those were just some of the words used to describe the newest sweet wine soon to be on the Jamaican market. Reggae Wine is a product of Easley Winery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Though not a Jamaican product, it came about through the influence of reggae music.

Last Friday was the launch of the International Reggae Wine Festival, at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston. Among those in attendance were head of Asymmetrical Investments and Financial Planning Company Carlos Daley, a representative of Easley Winery and promoter of the product, Andrew Mohan from Maryland, and Experience Jamaica Consultant Horace Phillips.

The launch got off to a late start with very few people sitting in the well-decorated auditorium. Every corner of the room saw vivid representations of the Reggae Wine product, with colourful drapes and minimal lighting, perhaps to give an irie vibe. After an hour of waiting, the festival was declared officially open and the award-winning Reggae Red, White and Blush, along with the special Reggae Pink Paradise Sparkling Wine, one of the latest flavours, were introduced.

Festival hits

After the brief introduction, the smooth undertones of reggae music could be heard in the background. The popular song Jammin by Bob Marley and the Wailers was just one of the hits at the festival.

With just a handful of people coming in, the wine tasting began, but no sooner had the servers started sharing than even more people started coming in, even guests who were visiting were in attendance. This was indeed a positive look for the organisers who were eager to share what they said was a good product to have on the Jamaican market. Representative of Easley Winery Andrew Mohan said that these sweet, crisp and fruity wines are intended to help those less fortunate in Jamaica. Mohan says the aim is to use money earned from the product to aid some form of charity.

Patrons were served any flavour wine of their choosing along with some appetising hor d'oeuvres which went rather well with the wines. It was evident by the smiles of everyone's face after a taste that Reggae Wines would definitely be welcomed here.

At the centre of attraction was the Reggae Pink Paradise Sparkling Wine. Special because it is not brewed all year round, but it is no less an island-inspired wine. Its intensely sweet flavour and incredible aroma will leave you coming back for more.

Reggae Wine is described as non-traditional, and is praised not only for its sweet nature, but particularly because of its unique pairing with flavoured rum, for some added fun to your drink.

The Reggae Red was awarded three gold medals last year, from the Great Lakes Great Wines Competition, Pacific Rim International, Tasters Guild International Wine Competition, respectively, and also received last year the Chairman's Best of Class from Long Beach Grand Cru. The Reggae Red has an intensely sweet taste, made of the sweetest strawberries and concord jam. The recommended pairing for the Reggae Red is with coconut rum.

Fruity flavour

The Reggae White was awarded a gold medal at last year's Florida State Fair International Wine Competition. It is not as sweet, but it's crisp and fruity flavour is just right, with delicious pear and apricot undertones, the recommended pairing for the Reggae White is with Melon rum.

The Reggae Blush was awarded two gold medals last year at the Florida State Fair International Competition and the Tasters Guild International Wine Competition in 2012. It also won Best of Show Blush last year at Florida State Fair International Competition. The Blush is known for its bright, red grapefruit and strawberry flavours, the recommended pairing for the Reggae Blush is the pineapple rum.

The product which is an all natural blend has no additives and has very low alcohol content. It's perfect for non-drinkers and can be served at any occasion, weddings, dinner parties or just a get-together, you name it.

You can expect to see Reggae Wines in select wine and liqueur outlets soon. And when it does, get yours and live the sweet life.