Noisy Water Winery [September 2021]

Hello from Albuquerque!! We are just making a quick pitstop this year as we head back to Phoenix for the winter. It’s pretty amazing how many friends we have made here over the years and it’s always so fun to catch up with as many of them as possible when we’re passing through!! I do not know if y’all have been formerly introduced to Amanda Rae Warren [pictured in the last photo] yet or not, but she has made several appearances in multiple wine blogs in the past. The at home Paint and Wine her sister, Aimee Aldous hosted, as well as several Phoenix area Art and Wine Festivals!!

We met Amanda Rae [affectionally known to me as AR] through ballooning, when we spent a couple summers in Albuquerque. [for my assignments] During the time of this winery get together, AR was still living in Albuquerque so I reached out to see if she could meet up for lunch. AR, correct me if I’m wrong, but I'm pretty sure you suggested Noisy Water Winery, since we both love wine and charcuterie!! We met at their location in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, and I remember that AR was on time [for the first time in all of history… Hahaha!!] and was even there before we were!!

After grabbing a high top in the cutest little winery/gift shop we ordered our delicious charcuterie and wine tasting. You must check out this wine [pictured below] that we tried. Besito Caliente Green Chile Wine… anyone who knows me also knows that I do not do spicy and with the words “green Chile” in the name I am honestly surprised that I even tried it. I think I was mesmerized by the fascinating green hue, I mean when will I ever get to try such a pretty wine again!? The tasting notes, “mild green Chile accompanied with bright notes of orchard fruits and a delicate touch of honey.” Bottoms up!! LOL

I do not remember if I enjoyed it or if I thought it was too spicy, but I do know we were having a great time catching up with a good friend!! Enough about us.. let’s talk about how Nosy Water Winery got its start!! The Winery began operations in 2009 by the mother/son duo, Mary Jo Piedmont and Jasper Riddle. The vineyard is located on 5 acres in the Ruidoso, New Mexico area. Their goal was to create New Mexico True wines with grapes grown from regions across the state. Fast forward 12 years and their patience to open a tasting room in Old Town ABQ finally paid off. This is where we met.

During the early years, Noisy Water Winery had no more than 4 employees but today they have somewhere near 100 people on the payroll and over 20 awards at various International Wine Competitions!! Moving on to my favorite part… how did they come up with this name!? I don’t really think of the word "noisy" when I think of water, but I guess a bubbling brook and/or a raging waterfall are both accurate "noisy" descriptions of water. The name comes from the Rio Ruidoso, a 30 mile long river near the Noisy River Vineyard; it was named by early Spanish settlers since the river made loud sounds while traveling over the rocks and pebbles on the river bottom.

The Spanish translation of Rio Ruidoso is “Noisy River” and Mary Jo and Jasper wanted to pay tribute to their original vineyard location. The Noisy River brand also represents the mentality of being an industry disrupter by making bold wines!! I kind of really like this!! In the beginning I mentioned that there was a gift shop in the tasting room. I saw a sign talking about the 20/20 Rule and found the theory to be interesting. Basically, it’s a 20-minute wine rule, more like a guideline for optimal serving temperatures. I actually forgot all about it until now, but I totally plan to give it a whirl!!

The 20/20 wine rules are pretty simple… place red wine in the fridge for 20 minutes before pouring, allowing them to cool slightly and preventing them from tasting “hot.” Then take white wine out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving to let them warm up a bit, this promotes the aromas and flavors to come forward. Give it a try and lemme know what you think!!

Next week Wine with Wixy will be back in Phoenix looking for new and delicious wine to taste. Coopers Hawk is the first winner, and ironically a newly rediscovered tasting room. Come on back and I’ll tell you all about it!!

Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!