Vivac Winery – Dixon, New Mexico

Next time on your road to Taos (or from), be sure to make a stop at this vineyard and winery before zipping past Dixon. This brothers and wives team venture started in 1998 as a place for making some quality wines from New Mexico. Spending some time abroad at wineries and vineyards in South America and Europe along with some UC Davis training has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge for their business.  Named for the Spanish term “high-altitude refuge”, the Padbergs have established three area estate vineyards to draw on from grapes with additional grapes sourced from the Deming area.  On the estate, are vines of Riesling, Petit Verdot, Pinot Meunier, as well as some others. The hand built tasting room has been opened since 2003.  It is quite spacious, and you will be impressed with the designs and flagstone add-ons. Tasting is done by wine flights with a pick of four from their two-dozen plus list. We started off with the 2021 estate Riesling. It is a nice dry white with good notes of apples and pears plus solid acidity. Next, was the 2021 Pinot Noir. It was an easy drinking dry red with some smoky notes and good berry flavors. The 2020 Nebbiolo is more medium bodied, light red color, and solid tannins.  Do check out the 2018 red blend Devino. It’s mix of 40% Refosco, 40% Sangiovese, and 20% Montepulciano. This medium bodied jewel is rich in berry notes and has a smooth finish. Barbera fans rejoice!  Their 2020 release is quite fruity, floral, and luscious to enjoy. Syrah fans will be pleased with the 2019 Abbott. With tobacco notes, rich tannins, and mild acids, what’s not there to savor with this one. One of the more unusual reds you should try is the 2020 Refosco. This northern Italian variety seems to have adapted quite well in New Mexico and just might be your next red wine lover craving. There is about 15% of Cabernet Franc in this Refosco vintage and presents itself with big tannins, some currant, and rich berries.  Lastly, we got to taste the 2020 Aglianico. This vintage has 10% Syrah, 5% Abbott Syrah, 5% Refosco, and 5% Malbec mixed in which only adds to the aromas and flavors producing floral notes and berries along with earthy undertones and firm tannins. This one could also age quite nicely for the next 10 years. The surrounding views and overview of the estate vineyard will make a great wine pairing for your visit. Enjoy!

www.vivacwinery.com