Discovering the Heart of the East — Coeur d’Est: New Jersey’s Signature Red Wine Blend
What’s the Outer Coastal Plain AVA?
In South Jersey, the Outer Coastal Plain AVA stretches across more than two million acres. Its sandy soils, ocean breezes, and long sunny growing seasons make it perfect for vineyards. Over 40 wineries thrive here, and together they’ve created a wine that tells the story of the region: Coeur d’Est.
What’s Coeur d’Est?
The name Coeur d’Est means “Heart of the East.” It’s a collaborative red blend designed to capture the best of South Jersey’s vineyards.
Every version includes Chambourcin, often blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Each winery gives it its own style, but every bottle is meant to represent the richness and personality of the Outer Coastal Plain.
A Closer Look: Autumn Lake Winery’s Coeur d’Est
Mark Hernandez of Autumn Lake Winery shares how their blend is made:
“The Coeur d’Est 2021 at Autumn Lake is the current offering on the tasting list. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chambourcin make up the bulk of the blend with Petit Verdot added for color and tannins. All the varieties were vinified separately and placed in French oak barrels for 16 to 20 months. The barrels are tasted separately and tagged for Coeur d’Est blending. The varieties are blended in sample sized lots and tasted for balance, aromatics and flavor. Once the parameters of the blend are settled on, the larger lot can be created in a tank. The new blend is tasted again in a month or so and decisions are made regarding filtration, fining and other possible amendments. Once bottled, the wine is stored in a cool spot and left undisturbed for a year before being released.”
This careful process ensures balance, complexity, and age-worthiness in every bottle.
What Does Coeur d’Est Taste Like?
Because it’s a blend, flavors can vary from winery to winery—but here’s what you’ll usually notice in a glass of Coeur d’Est:
Aromas: Ripe blackberries, cherries, dark plums, and hints of spice. Some versions carry notes of vanilla, cocoa, or toasted oak. Flavors: Smooth layers of dark fruit (blackberry, black cherry, currant) with earthy undertones. Depending on the blend, you may also detect herbal notes from Cabernet Franc or a hint of smokiness from oak aging. Body & Texture: Medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. Food Pairings: Excellent with pasta in red sauce, roasted meats, barbecue, or a charcuterie board full of sharp cheeses and cured meats.
Wineries Making Coeur d’Est
If you’d like to taste this regional signature, here are the New Jersey wineries currently producing it:
Auburn Road Vineyards (Pilesgrove) Autumn Lake Winery (Williamstown) Bellview Winery (Landisville) Blue Cork Winery & Vineyard (Williamstown) Cedar Rose Vineyards (Millville) Plagido’s Winery (Hammonton) Saddlehill Winery (near Green Bank) Sharrott Winery (Blue Anchor) Terra Nonno Winery (Millville area) White Horse Winery (Hammonton) William Heritage Winery (Mullica Hill)
Why It’s Special
Coeur d’Est isn’t just a wine—it’s a community project. Each winery puts its own spin on the recipe, yet together they’ve created a wine that reflects the terroir and the spirit of New Jersey winemaking.
Final Sip
The Outer Coastal Plain AVA is one of New Jersey’s hidden gems, and Coeur d’Est is its signature expression. Whether you sip it at Autumn Lake, Heritage, Sharrott, or any of the other participating wineries, you’ll taste the collaboration, dedication, and passion that define South Jersey wine country.
Raise a glass to the Heart of the East—a wine worth discovering. 🍷
