What is Petite Amie and is Iowa Wine Any Good?

Tonight we are tasting our first Iowa wine on the show. We just tasted this wine for the first time last week and enjoyed it immensely.  Petite Amie is French for “Little Friend”. I’m told it often refers to your little girlfriend.This dry white wine has fruit and floral aromas. There is also a hint of melon on the nose. The wine is aged in Neutral oak (barrels that are not being used for the first time), adding subtle flavors and body without overpowering the flavor.Petite Amie is described as being a Muscat type wine. This would include rose and fruit flavors. It also typically has lower acids.Tonight, we are enjoying an Iowa Petite Amie and a California Chardonnay: 2023 Petite Amie purchased at the Soldier Creek Winery (https://www.soldiercreekwinery.com/)  for $17.76. It has 11.0% alcohol and was aged in neutral oak barrels. Aromas of melon, pear, and rose with similar flavors. 2020 Z Alexander Brown Uncaged Chardonnay. This wine was purchased for around $19.00. White peach, floral orange blossom with hints of honey and baking spice. A rich, velvety mouthfeel is supported by core flavors of juicy stone fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. Fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel, French oak, and American oak. Some of the wine goes through partial or complete malolactic fermentation. The wine comes from Monterey, CA.Next week we will continue to explore Hybrid wine grapes, and will taste:2019 Stone Hill Winery Chambourcin purchased at the winery for $19.00. Stone Hill is located in Hermann, Missouri.