tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82243172595162447482024-03-13T13:09:02.269-04:00Virginia Wine TVShowcasing the fine wines crafted in the Commonwealth of Virginia through music and video.Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-37473160000814882872014-08-07T08:55:00.001-04:002014-08-07T08:55:16.463-04:00Savor the Flavors of Virginia’s Best Wine, Beer, & Cider at Epicurience Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUvrJ9VYPBo/U-Ny1P-OYRI/AAAAAAAAMN8/vaEngcQ85L8/s1600/image002.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUvrJ9VYPBo/U-Ny1P-OYRI/AAAAAAAAMN8/vaEngcQ85L8/s1600/image002.png" /></a></div>
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If you are staying at home this Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29-Sept 1) and want to enjoy a complete farm and wine to table experience then check out <a href="http://epicvirginia.com/">Epicurience Virginia</a> - which brings a one-of-a-kind edible showcase that brings Virginia’s award-winning
wines and farm-to-table cuisine to the grounds of historic <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Morven+Park/@39.141545,-77.568629,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b617e4acd18d75:0x2aa09cfaeca02059">Morven Park</a>." This event is a partnership with <a href="http://www.saveur.com/">SAVEUR Magazine</a> and connects attendees directly to the winemakers and
farmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the main event on Aug.
30<sup>th,</sup> - from noon to 6pm - Virginia’s finest wine, beer, spirits and cuisine will be available in
the Grand Tasting Tent. The tent is sponsored by <a href="http://www.virginia.org/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">VirginiaTourism Corporation</span></a>, and attendees can watch celebrated chefs cook up culinary creations and
attend seminars on Virginia’s wine and cider scene in the education tent
sponsored by <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Virginia Wine</span></a>. These chefs include TV host, author and chef <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nathalie
Dupree</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Todd Gray</span> of Equinox
Restaurant (DC), <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shannon Overmiller</span>
from The Majestic (Alexandria), <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scott
Drewno</span> of The Source by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wolfgang
Puck (DC) and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jason Alley</span> with
Pasture<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>& Comfort (Richmond &
Charlottesville). Ingredients for the demonstrations are being sourced from <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ayrshire Farm</span>. </div>
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One of the coolest events during the Saturday Aug.
30 Grand Tasting at Morven Park is the Speed Blending Competition. People
interested in participating can enter the code EpicBlend when purchasing
tickets and up to 48 winners will be randomly selected to participate. Blending sessions will run from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with
each session lasting one hour. During that time, participants will get to work
with one of Loudoun’s winemakers to taste and create their own unique blend
using three randomly selected Loudoun wines.A winner will be selected from each group and entered into
the final competition set to kick off at 4:30 p.m. LWA members and VIPs from
the community will select one winner who will get to spend time over the next
year working with a Loudoun winemaker to help create a wine to be released at
Epicurience Virginia 2015. How cool is that? </div>
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General admission tickets cost $85 per person, whereas a VIP ticket is $125 per person includes a food and wine pairing at <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Early Mountain Vineyards</span>’ airstream, modeled after its tasting room,
and the VIP tent furnished by <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bella
Villa</span> and featuring exclusive tastings. </div>
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Additional culinary events will take place throughout the
weekend at Loudoun’s wineries and historic estates including wine and cocktail
pairing dinners, farm-to-table picnics and the opening night event at the
Marshall House. One such event is the Catoctin Creek Distillery dinner at Magnolias on Sunday August 31st. Information for these events can be found at <a href="http://epicvirginia.com/">Epicvirginia.com</a>.See you there. </div>
WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-10057334674504130442014-04-30T15:17:00.000-04:002014-04-30T15:17:25.978-04:00Annual WineMaker Magazine Conference set for Virginia Wine Country in 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://subscribe.pcspublink.com/sub/subscribe.aspx?guid=16e13aae-276a-4cd1-a95f-735deea6562b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhdNkHmUv_k/U2FH8ZiRHQI/AAAAAAAAHAU/7KmwisYRGmc/s1600/wmfreetrial.jpg" height="41" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you make your own wine or our thinking about starting? Then...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Join fellow hobby winemakers from across
North America in Northern Virginia's wine country for three days packed
with seminars and special events to help you make your own great wine. "</blockquote>
From June 5-7th, <a href="http://winemakermag.com/1328-june-5-7-2014-your-conference-registration-includes-it-all">WineMaker Magazine</a> is hosting their annual conference at the <a href="http://www.lansdowneresort.com/">Lansdowne Resort</a>, Leesburg in <a href="http://Join fellow hobby winemakers from across North America in Northern Virginia's wine country for three days packed with seminars and special events to help you make your own great wine.">DC's Wine Country</a> - Loudoun County Virginia. The conference includes workshops, seminars, and a keynote address from Doug Fabbioli of <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=d0924c65-9463-4d57-84a6-1e40de96dfb3">Fabbioli Cellars</a>. There are also several boot camps lead by consultant Tom Payette; Wes Hagen of <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=622a3259-1cf0-4bda-b6e9-c2b4fba31917" id="_ctl6_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_0">Clos Pepe Estate</a>; Daniel Pambianchi of <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=ef95ef48-8a48-481f-8120-158cb67b20dd" id="_ctl6_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_0">Maleta Winery</a>; Chik Brenneman from UC-Davis; Robert Herold, Winemaker for M&M Wine Grape Co.; Tim Vandergrift, Technical Services Manager for Global Vintners International; and BobPeak, Partner in <a href="http://www.thebeveragepeople.com/">The Beverage People</a> home winemaking retailer shop. The conference also includes a day trip to a few Virginia Wineries and admission to the 2014 WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competition Awards Dinner as well as the Friday night Wine Share & Tasting Party. That's the event I want to attend; but sounds like an informative weekend. Cheers. <br />
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<br />WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-64793148413657832982014-04-26T07:04:00.001-04:002014-04-26T07:07:45.603-04:00Local Beer & Wine Pouring at the 7th Annual Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1482864778596278/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1016866_710232312332016_224661492_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
One Spring event I always anticipate is the annual <a href="http://wineandfoodnh.com/">Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor</a>, now in its 7th year - held May 3rd & 4th. The reason: always a wide selection of wine, beer, spirits, cigars, fresh food (oysters), as well as numerous cooking demonstrations and food. Lots of food. There will be also be plenty of wine, beer, & spirits options (over 150) including local options from <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=c301336e-ba64-4eac-81fb-dd57314a7359" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_9">Boordy Vineyards</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=b5aa0d94-67d0-4e16-88a0-f09e19fc3698" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_104">The Winery at Olney</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=3d35ba09-1246-46c3-8ffa-a9a525b2fb83" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_27">Detour Vineyard and Winery</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=06f7797c-4dc6-4362-bf4e-c0d5bf2e279b" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_7">Fenwick Wine Cellars</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=9fdc55bc-0b41-4394-aef0-fbf923878e3c" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_39">Far Eastern Shore Winery</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=4a0f8c7c-bf11-4c25-8b19-b7b52bfdc6d3" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_9">Harvest Ridge Winery</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=2956ab25-cc45-45c1-a652-232b7489db20" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_8">Fordham Brewing Company</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=41e022ac-0410-428d-8cd9-3683ecaeb35c" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_57">Heavy Seas Brewing Company</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=1664b1f5-4c89-4b0d-948b-be32aa35f141" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_53">Bold Rock Cidery</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=cedcbfc2-2623-4eff-9aa2-8c8fa5cb9057" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_107">Devils Backbone Brewing Company</a>, and <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=1e0f470b-f574-442e-a7c6-4c4250440669" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_274">Starr Hill Brewing</a>. And the night before the festival, on May 2nd, the Old Hickory Steakhouse is hosting a wine dinner featuring <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_24">Barboursville Vineyards</a>. On Sunday I am looking forward to Theo Rutherford - Craft Whiskey Specialist for Beam Global presentation, but over the course of the weekend there will be presentations from Shannon Shaffer, Executive Chef, Design Cuisine; Michael Schlow; Victor Albisu - Del Campo & Taco Bamba; Scott Drewno - The Source by Wolfgang Puck; Chef Bryan Voltaggio - Volt | Lunchbox | Family Meal | Range; Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper; and Mike Isabella - Graffiato, Washington D.C.. Here's the promotional video from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Drink.Eat.Relax">Drink.Eat.Relax</a>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sd8GURJ7W04?list=UUvdJLiE5A25CKuz9CqGatMg" width="400"></iframe> WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-62373888258509766472014-03-31T17:07:00.004-04:002014-03-31T17:07:57.973-04:00Corcoran Brewing Re-opens in Purcellville<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/p/the-mobile-compass.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jhcci_H4F3U/UzmZZNHNHmI/AAAAAAAAGCA/eNNrGMqlv5o/s1600/corcoran_brewing.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/p/the-mobile-compass.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yW8xMgCibWA/UzmZa_ZzLgI/AAAAAAAAGCI/2KOyY5GH5bg/s1600/corcoran_beers.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/p/the-mobile-compass.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvH_ZyiO5UA/UzmZO5jShPI/AAAAAAAAGB4/sAcQSQv1o6I/s1600/Corcoran_brewing.png" height="200" width="112" /></a>This weekend <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=d1c652bb-0d55-4c98-8de0-598bf63c2131" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_93">Corcoran Brewing Company</a> reopened at their new Purcellville brewery, after outgrowing their Waterford barn next to the family's winery: <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=b3d542cf-008a-4bbd-ba1d-4aab2c52c6bf" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_94">Corcoran Vineyards</a>. The brewery had been idle for the past four months constructing and moving to the new location, yet all that has changed is the volumes of beer - the selection is the same and the increased capacity means inventories will remain more constant. Although looking at the picture, Saturday may have depleted quite a bit of inventory since brewer Kevin Bills mentioned it was their biggest sales day ever. Whereas the standard lineup is intact, a new beer added to the menu is the John Champe, an English style barley wine coming in at 9.7% abv. Despite the high alcohol, the beer is quite smooth with a nice malt-hop balance. Also, the brewery continues the tradition of including detailed information in the tasting sheets such as style, ABV (Alcohol by Volume), IBU (International Bittering Units - hops), and SRM (Standard Reference Method for color). In the future expect food trucks, an outdoor seating area, and perhaps some local live music. And as always, <a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/p/the-mobile-compass.html" target="_blank">theCompass</a> Winery, Brewery, and Distillery Locator app can guide you to Corcoran's Brewing Company and the other area wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Cheers.WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-58920660396390606702014-03-10T17:00:00.000-04:002014-03-10T17:00:00.518-04:00A Much Belated Return to Willowcroft Farm Winery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HoZTyymvV8/Ux3Ksvls4qI/AAAAAAAAFtM/tCRq1TfvnEo/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HoZTyymvV8/Ux3Ksvls4qI/AAAAAAAAFtM/tCRq1TfvnEo/s1600/barn.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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This weekend I realized that it had been almost eight years since I last visited <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=fed3ea97-f8f8-4cd6-baaa-a5d813b88694" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_325">Willowcroft Farm Vineyards</a>, located just southwest of Leesburg in Loudoun County Virginia. Don't know why the long hiatus, but Sunday night we used <a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/p/the-mobile-compass.html">theCompass</a> mobile application to navigate to the winery. Good timing, since the winery is celebrating it's 30th anniversary in 2014 - one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. Once a space opened at the tasting bar, our tasting room rep, Lydia, guided us through the winery's portfolio and history. (We also found a couple books in the tasting room that describe the history of the properties on Mt. Gilead.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDzYUZ5sr0o/Ux3Ksr9sPBI/AAAAAAAAFtI/OFWPiPWGykM/s1600/wines1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDzYUZ5sr0o/Ux3Ksr9sPBI/AAAAAAAAFtI/OFWPiPWGykM/s1600/wines1.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>All the wines we tasted were harvested directly from the estate, except for the Petit Manseng which is sourced further southwest in the Shenandoah Valley. We sampled most of their wines, and in general, I was quite impressed. Almost all possessed the characteristics you would expect from each grape. The estate grown Albarino was my favorite white (floral with nice acidity), followed by the Harmony and Cabernet Blanc. The former is an semi-dry blend of Petit Manseng, Vidal Blanc and Traminette (great acidity to balance the sugar); whereas the later is a lightly pressed Cabernet Franc that tastes of the lighter side of cherries. Moving on the reds, the Petit Verdot was medium bodied with mellow tannins; the Chambourcin was also medium bodied with a spicy tail, and the Merlot was full bodied - very smooth and tasty. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddw5CflOJUo/Ux3KtAjjHBI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/tvVuHYPZ9cg/s1600/medals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddw5CflOJUo/Ux3KtAjjHBI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/tvVuHYPZ9cg/s1600/medals.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>I plan on returning very soon, particularly when the medal winning Cabernet Franc and Apple wine are released to the public. Lydia almost talked me into the Wine Club, and I think I can be persuaded on my next visit. Since the strength of their portfolio encompasses the breadth of the wine selection, I think I can be assured that every two months I'll receive a wine I enjoy. Cheers. </div>
WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-78504767711004075942014-03-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-03-02T13:49:10.340-05:00A Taste of Science at Doukenie Winery<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Dp2Wwu6hM/UxN7y_Bco3I/AAAAAAAAFnU/Un0ukaSyY8Q/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Dp2Wwu6hM/UxN7y_Bco3I/AAAAAAAAFnU/Un0ukaSyY8Q/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>The first Saturday of every month <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=655b880f-d187-4198-aac0-5f199a1379e3" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_112">Doukenie Winery</a> (Hillsboro, VA) hosts a very informative and interesting event: <b>A Taste of Science at <a href="http://www.doukeniewinery.com/">Doukenie Winery</a></b>. Led by geologist <a href="https://twitter.com/craterlady">Leanne Wiberg</a>, the program starts with a tour and wine tasting in the depths of the facility followed by a vineyard tour of the winery's experimental vineyard. After a year of urging I finally found a free Saturday to participate. The tour costs $18.00 for general public, but free for Heritage Club members, and starts with an overview of the winery's Greek Heritage: Doukenie=Dutchess. Once in the basement we then learned about winemaker Sébastien Marquet and his Burgundian background followed by a tasting of eight wines. Most of these wines were made from estate grapes with the others sourced from a vineyard near Fredericksburg. And the wines were quite pleasant, with the Riesling, Pinot Grigio, "Le Vin Rouge", and Cabernet Franc selected as the group's favorite. In fact, the Pinot Grigio, was the nicest I can remember tasting in quite some time. After the tasting we learn about the winery's use of oak and the source of their French oak barrels.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLqi7vjNBjc/UxN75sArf0I/AAAAAAAAFoc/A1o4FTZbOZM/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLqi7vjNBjc/UxN75sArf0I/AAAAAAAAFoc/A1o4FTZbOZM/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmpbyobNhGo/UxN7z0K_pFI/AAAAAAAAFnk/hxW2wtOhQ6k/s1600/DSC_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmpbyobNhGo/UxN7z0K_pFI/AAAAAAAAFnk/hxW2wtOhQ6k/s1600/DSC_0485.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vak8N03qeKI/UxN710Hf5-I/AAAAAAAAFn8/sULVWU1M3oo/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vak8N03qeKI/UxN710Hf5-I/AAAAAAAAFn8/sULVWU1M3oo/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>Finally it was time for the vineyard tour and Leanne led us to the experimental vineyard where Marquet grafts various grape vines on another varying set of rootstock. Leanne described to the group the history of phylloxera and reason for rootstock and interpreted the different combinations of rootstock to grape vines.She then showed us geological maps of the area and described how Short Hill and the plateau to Leesburg were created. Then on to sunshine, rain runoff, soil, you name it; pretty interesting stuff - even in the cold weather. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9BpZXeWIo4/UxN73grYYjI/AAAAAAAAFoM/lfCF5qeAo24/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9BpZXeWIo4/UxN73grYYjI/AAAAAAAAFoM/lfCF5qeAo24/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>After the program I realized there was plenty to appreciate about Doukenie; the obvious being that they provide a geologist to host this program. The others is the dedication to quality - having an experimental vineyard - and even Marquet selecting the specific trees for the cooperage. And this reflects in their wines - as a whole they are much nicer than my last visit many years ago - and their are a few standouts that I'd like to partake on a daily basis. Cheers to that.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLCFoX1pvSc/UxN72pCbrCI/AAAAAAAAFoE/UjXLoEuoVug/s1600/DSC_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLCFoX1pvSc/UxN72pCbrCI/AAAAAAAAFoE/UjXLoEuoVug/s1600/DSC_0491.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIlySMqe3HI/UxN75uWUFDI/AAAAAAAAFog/2TyTQNvjvBU/s1600/DSC_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIlySMqe3HI/UxN75uWUFDI/AAAAAAAAFog/2TyTQNvjvBU/s1600/DSC_0494.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-11016365446962771442014-02-28T07:54:00.001-05:002014-02-28T07:54:35.730-05:00Governor McAuliffe Announces Williamsburg Winery’s 2010 Adagio Awarded 2014 Governor’s Cup<div align="center" class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">~Adagio Joins 11 Other Fine Virginia Wines from 9 Wineries to Comprise Governor’s Cup~</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">Secretary Haymore Awarded Wine Person of the Year by the VWA</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">RICHMOND</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: black;">–</span>
Governor Terry McAuliffe tonight awarded the 2014 Virginia Wineries
Association’s (VWA) Governor's Cup to <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=eec237b8-a590-445c-b230-c861dfbdf8a0">The Williamsburg Winery's</a> 2010
Adagio, a blended red wine. The Governor’s Cup was awarded Thursday
evening, February 27 at the VWA’s Governor’s Cup Gala at the John Marshall Hotel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt;">Speaking
at the Governor’s Cup awards ceremony, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am
honored to award the Governor's Cup to The Williamsburg Winery, one of Virginia’s
oldest and most prolific wineries. It is no secret the Commonwealth’s
wine industry has experienced tremendous growth both in quantity and
quality in recent years. Such growth has an enormous impact on Virginia
in terms of economic development and job creation. The Virginia
Governor's Cup, now recognized as one of the nation's most stringent
competitions, helps to raise awareness of the world class wines grown
and blended right here in the Commonwealth. My congratulations to The
Williamsburg Winery for their long history of success and their most
recent notable contribution to the Virginia wine industry."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt;">The
Williamsburg Winery's Adagio is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 30%
Merlot and 28% Petit Verdot. Aged in French, American and Hungarian Oak,
the ratio is 43% new oak, 14% one year old oak; 29% two year old oak;
and 14% three year old oak. The winemaker's tasting notes are as
follows: <i>The 2010 Adagio is a very bold upfront wine with loads of
jammy fruit. The blackberries and blueberry notes are accentuated with
some elegant mature darker fruit such as figs, dates and prunes. There
is a hint of spice (warm cinnamon) with molasses and soy. The earthy
notes come across with a touch of nuttiness. The oak is very integrated
into the weight of the wine and the tannins are smooth and graceful.
The wine has a wonderful finish that lasts for quite awhile. </i></span></div>
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"It is very satisfying and very humbling to be with my peers and the
others who have won the Governor's Cup. The 2010 Adagio was
unbelievable, exceeding all expectations for quality, and it was nice
for Adagio to get that recognition,” said Matthew Meyer, vice president
and winemaker of The Williamsburg Winery. "Adagio, from the Italian ad
agio, or 'at ease', is a musical term indicating the tempo of a
composition that is meant to be slow and stately, so named in honor of
the extraordinary depth, elegance and grace of this wine."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">The 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition was conducted over three weeks of preliminary tastings, held at the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C. The final round of tastings was held at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond
in early February. The Governor's Cup award winner was selected from
the 2014 Governor's Cup Case. The top 12 scoring wines of the
competition, The Governor’s Cup Case, were selected from 410 entries of
both red and white wines, from 96 wineries.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to The Williamsburg Winery's 2010 Adagio, the other 11 wines in the Governor’s Cup Case are: </span></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe">Barboursville Vineyard</a> - 2008 Malvaxia Passito</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe">Barboursville Vineyard</a> - 2010 Nebbiolo Reserve</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe">Barboursville Vineyard</a> - 2010 Octagon</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=90123bf8-443f-4b7c-9022-933916e0efc4">Barren Ridge Vineyard</a> - 2009 Meritage</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=d0924c65-9463-4d57-84a6-1e40de96dfb3">Fabbioli Cellars</a> - 2011 Tannat</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=d1387308-a7f3-4479-9f4b-90bc9d1b9f71">Horton Vineyards</a> - 2010 Tannat</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=93f77a86-2a30-4c86-9429-846a84b15304">King Family Vineyards</a> - 2011 Meritage</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=3d80a9c4-1643-4446-9835-fee38897adc4">North Gate Vineyard</a> - 2011 Meritage</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=c99e59fc-d375-4060-b49c-819d273f7afb">Rockbridge Vineyard</a> - 2008 Meritage, DeChiel Reserve, unfiltered</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=6d38d640-6ed7-462e-bb2a-dcd28b242e42">Sunset Hills Vineyard</a> - 2010 Mosaic</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=737c4490-9edf-42db-9fa4-dabb9d194628">Two Twisted Post Winery</a> - 2012 Chardonnay</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt;">The
Governor’s Cup competition, revamped in 2011, is a result of a
partnership among the gubernatorial-appointed Virginia Wine Board (VWB),
the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA), and the VWA, which owns and
manages the competition. Any wine made from 100% Virginia
fruit was eligible for the competition, while ciders and fruit wines
had their own category and medalists. All entries included an affidavit
with a certification of 100% Virginia fruit and vineyard particulars,
including grower names and location, as well as information on alcohol,
acidity or basicity (pH), and residual sugar.</span></div>
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Wine included in the Governor’s Cup Case will be used by the Virginia
Wine Board Marketing Office for marketing purposes in Virginia, across the country, and around the world. A number of cases will be shipped to select wine media, promoting Virginia wines to a larger national and international audience. The award winning wines will be used for education purposes at Virginia winemaker roundtable discussions to improve overall quality of Virginia
wines. Governor’s Cup Case wines will also be used by Governor
McAuliffe on select domestic and international marketing missions and
other events designed to promote Virginia wine and winery tourism.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"> Jay Youmans, one of only of 31 Masters of Wine (MW) in the U.S., directed the competition. Youmans, who is also a Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and the owner and educational director of the Capital Wine School in Washington, DC,
recruited wine judges from the professional wine buying and wine media
community. The judges were compensated for their time for a rigorous
schedule of judging to ensure the competition maintained the highest
level of professional evaluation. There were 30 judges in the
preliminary round and 15 judges in the final round. A list of the judges
along with their bios can be found at </span></span><a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt;">One
of the most important aspects of the revised competition is the
educational component of the judging. After the competition, regional
forums for the winemakers will be held with the judging director. Notes
with the judges’ blind comments will be shared with individual
winemakers, so that they will get direct feedback on how their wines
were received.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> The Williamsburg Winery is located on Wessex Hundred, a 300-acre farm located in Virginia's
Historic Triangle. The winery has experienced continuous growth
through an expanding portfolio of wines. The introduction of the 2007
Adagio was the culmination of a single-minded goal to produce the
highest quality wines in the world. This is the second Governor’s Cup
for Williamsburg Winery. The winery won in 1989 for its 1988 Chardonnay.</span></span><br />
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"Winning the Governor's Cup is a testament to Matthew's talent and to
the dedication of our entire team, whose focus is on excellence in wines
made 100% from Virginia
grapes. Our goal is to grow as a leader in the industry, developing
wines that reflect the character of our Commonwealth, neither
Californian or European, but displaying elegance and interesting
flavors," said Patrick Duffeler, president and CEO, The Williamsburg
Winery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">In
addition to awarding Williamsburg Winery’s 2010 Adagio the 2014
Governor’s Cup, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore was
named Wine Person of the Year for his contributions to this rapidly
growing sector of the Commonwealth’s economy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">As
Secretary, Haymore works closely with the Governor, General Assembly,
and key stakeholders on numerous legislative and budgetary initiatives
to integrate agriculture and forestry fully into Virginia’s overall economic development and jobs creation platform. A dedicated proponent of the Virginia wine industry, Secretary Haymore has worked in partnership with Virginia’s wineries and vineyards to proudly showcase Virginia
wines during domestic and international trade missions. During his
time as Secretary, Haymore has facilitated the first commercial shipment
of Virginia Wine to China; helped to launch the Virginia Wine Summit,
bringing national and international attention to Virginia wine; helped
to almost triple the amount of funds placed in the Virginia Wine
Promotion Fund for research, education and marketing; and worked with
the General Assembly to establish a reimbursable tax credit program for
the establishment or expansion of vineyards and wineries. His strategic
focus has led to new sales and opportunities for Virginia wineries that will continue the industry’s growth in the years to come.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">Sales of Virginia wine reached a record high in fiscal year 2013 with more than 511,000 cases, or more than 6.1 million bottles, sold. Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with 250 wineries. Virginia is also tied with Texas as the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producing state. According to a recently released economic impact study, the Virginia
wine industry employs more than 4,700 people and contributes almost
$750 million to the Commonwealth’s economy on an annual basis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">For a complete list of previous Governor’s Cup winners and information about the Virginia wine industry, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office </span></span><a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.virginiawine.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup/awards/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"> or call 804-344-8200.</span></span></div>
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WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-62943961887013683752014-02-27T20:20:00.000-05:002014-02-27T20:20:35.115-05:00Love by the Glass: Virginia Wine & Dine Month - Begins Saturday March 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7_rtMQ-Rvs/Uw_kIS1pTyI/AAAAAAAAFjg/zLPq--E_1dI/s1600/vawinedinemonth.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7_rtMQ-Rvs/Uw_kIS1pTyI/AAAAAAAAFjg/zLPq--E_1dI/s1600/vawinedinemonth.PNG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
We just received this press release announcing Love by the Glass:
Virginia Wine & Dine Month. Hope you can travel around the Commonwealth to sample excellent Virginia wine and food. And as always, <a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/p/the-mobile-compass.html">theCompass</a> mobile app can guide you to your favorite Virginia winery. Cheers.<br />
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Richmond</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">,
Va. (February 27, 2014) - The Virginia Wine Marketing Office and the
Virginia Tourism Corporation today announced March as Love by the Glass:
Virginia Wine & Dine Month, a celebration that showcases Virginia
wines at more than 500 participating restaurants and wine shops across
the Commonwealth. Special wine and food pairings along with wine travel
packages make March an ideal time for wine lovers to visit Virginia.</span></span></span> <span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Across
the state, restaurants and wine shops alike will be showcasing Virginia
wines by carrying a minimum of five Virginia wines either by the glass
or the bottle, as well as offering special packages and events including
winemakers' dinners, pre fixe menus paired with Virginia wines,
Virginia wine and food pairings, Virginia wine dinners with local
B&Bs, Virginia wine flight/comparative tastings and educational
events.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Virginia</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">,
home to more than 250 wineries statewide, is fifth in the nation for
wineries and for wine grape production and was recently named one of the
10 best wine travel destinations for 2012 by <i>Wine Enthusiast Magazine.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Love by the Glass: March Wine and Dine Month is a great way for consumers to try new and exciting Virginia
wines, which rank among the best in the world. From regional food and
wine pairings to flight/comparative tastings, March Wine and Dine Month
gives wine connoisseurs and wine neophytes everywhere countless reasons
to fall in love with Virginia wines for the first time or all over
again," said David King, chairman of the Virginia Wine Board. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Virginia
Wine and Dine Month is a partnership between the Virginia Wine
Marketing Office and the Virginia Tourism Corporation to encourage Virginia restaurants and wine shops to feature more Virginia
wines by the glass. Love by the Glass started as Virginia Wine Week in
2010. It quickly grew in popularity, so much so that the state has
expanded the event to the entire month of March.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Select
hotels, resorts and inns have created special travel packages for
visitors who want to partake in Virginia Wine and Dine
Month. Highlights of these travel packages are below with more found
on </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/wine-and-dine" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.virginiawine.org/wine-and-dine"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.virginiawine.org/wine-and-dine</span></a></span><br />
<br />
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consumers can also learn about Love by the Glass: March Wine and Dine Month<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>on social media:</span></span></div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Virginia Wine Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/vawine" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/vawine</span></a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Virginia Wine Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="https://twitter.com/VAWine" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">twitter.com/VAWine</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Virginia Wine Instagram:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> vawine <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pinterest:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/vawine" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.pinterest.com/vawine</span></a> </span></span></div>
</span></blockquote>
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WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-74165588916389653942014-02-25T07:01:00.000-05:002014-02-25T07:01:52.829-05:00Boneyard Wines Take Over #VAWineChat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3LqXhADRDk/UwuzhQDtP1I/AAAAAAAAFi4/UfJ4n4fKmgU/s1600/boneyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3LqXhADRDk/UwuzhQDtP1I/AAAAAAAAFi4/UfJ4n4fKmgU/s1600/boneyard.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
Last week <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=db6eda10-d754-4c51-8cce-1e14d27f1e1c" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_284">Tarara Vineyard & Winery</a> winemaker Jordan Harris presented a selection of his new brand, <a href="http://www.boneyardwines.com/" target="_blank">Boneyard Wines</a> to the monthly twitter chat #VAWineChat. These wines diverge from the traditional Tarara brand in that they are more experimental and consist of entry level as well as "uber" luxury options. The labels are very cool - earth movers digging up the boneyard - which respects Tarara's tradition by honoring a field where old wine making and vineyard equipment are sent to rust. The tasting for the evening consisted of the Boneyard 2012 Skins (Rkatsiteli orange wine), the Boneyard Boneyard Bubbles Blanc de Blanc, the Boneyard 2012 Cabernet Franc, and Boneyard 2010 Syrah.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63ewc3JhayU/UwuzhXeoj2I/AAAAAAAAFjA/OZiDONXdJpE/s1600/skins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63ewc3JhayU/UwuzhXeoj2I/AAAAAAAAFjA/OZiDONXdJpE/s1600/skins.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>We started with the much anticipated Boneyard 2012 Skins ($20), much anticipated in the sense that I am a deep believer in <a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/2007/02/wine-101-rhatsiteli.html">Rkatsiteli</a>. In order to create an orange wine, the juice was macerated on its skins for 31 days, followed by mild oak treatment. In general, this type of wine possesses a floral aroma, with spicy characters in the palette and finish - with plenty of acidity. Unfortunately, the Boneyard Skins did not live up to my expectations; the floral aroma was present but the wine lacked both acidity and the spicy characters. Yet, I applaud Jordan for his experiment - keep on digging....<br />
<br />
The Bubbles Blanc de Blanc ($35), on the other hand, nailed all expectations. The wine was produced from Chardonnay grapes harvested in 2009 and then vinified using methodoise champagne traditions. The wine was then bottled aged on its lees for 3 and a half years, developing texture and creaminess, before being disgorged and undergoing secondary fermentation. There sparkling wine is clean, fresh with plenty of effervescence, as well as gentle green apple and citrus flavors. Well done. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhV-1Dna1b4/UwuzhUEFhqI/AAAAAAAAFi8/07Wjb2gN99w/s1600/cab_franc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhV-1Dna1b4/UwuzhUEFhqI/AAAAAAAAFi8/07Wjb2gN99w/s1600/cab_franc.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>Only 26 cases were made from the Boneyard 2012 Cabernet Franc so this wine is only available for Case Club members. The wine spent 12 months in oak and despite the oak, is a medium bodied, fruit forward wine with very smooth tannins. The nose has a little smoke and tobacco, but the palette is a mixture of blackberries and raspberries. I enjoyed this one, but so long - unless I join the Case Club. <br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: whitesmoke; color: #505050; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 15px; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loxm0pPUYCg/UwuziLYWmcI/AAAAAAAAFjM/criJC24qVJM/s1600/syrah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loxm0pPUYCg/UwuziLYWmcI/AAAAAAAAFjM/criJC24qVJM/s1600/syrah.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>We finished with the Boneyard 2010 Syrah ($100) - yes the most expensive Virginia wine to date - more than those from <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=f318282e-b939-423e-880f-7d7b250d7235" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_248">RDV Vineyards</a>. The Syrah was co-fermented with 6% Viognier and then aged 38 months in oak; Jordan is a self-described Rhône geek. Like the Cab Franc, the tannins are smooth - yet the flavor is more plum and finishes with plenty of spice. Like the other wines, this one is closed with the screwcap and it needed to breathe for awhile to allow the Viognier floral notes and fruit to develop. Before breathing, the wine raced straight to the spicy finish. The price point speaks for itself, and we will let buyers express their rational. Cheers.WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-83162458879169954682014-02-07T15:55:00.004-05:002014-02-07T19:54:55.112-05:00Notaviva Vineyards Hosts Melodies of the Danube 2015 - a European River Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wineandwaterways.com/virginiawinetv.htm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://winecompass.com/images/melodies_danube.jpg" /></a></div>
Stephen Mackey, owner of the Virginia winery <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=c2d166eb-c136-46db-a02f-5838b12432c8" id="_ctl6_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_0">Notaviva Vineyards</a> (Purcellville), is hosting a wine and music European river cruise next year where travelers can enjoy fine European and Virginia vinifera and Central European music. The <a href="http://www.wineandwaterways.com/virginiawinetv.htm">Melodies of the Danube 2015</a> starts in romantic Budapest where you spend the day touring Buda and Pest. I highly recommend an hour in the Central Market Hall and the Tokaji wine bar. Learn to appreciate dry Furmint as I did many years ago. Also, if you have a chance to sample Soproni Kekfrankos or anything from Villany - drink it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wineandwaterways.com/virginiawinetv.htm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wineandwaterways.com/images/wineandwaterways004002.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a>From Hungary, the boat travels to Austria and while gently cruising
along the Danube, Mackey will be leading several wine lectures
throughout the journey. He will be pouring wine from Notaviva and
showcasing why Virginia is a rising wine region as well as leading
comparative tasting between the Virginia and Austrian wine. <br />
<div style="background-color: #e5eecc; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1) Onboard Wine Tasting</b> - "Austrian Varietals in
America" Host Stephen Mackey leads a discussion of Blaufrankisch,
Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner. Enjoyed with Notaviva Vineyards
"Vierzig" Blaufrankisch inspired by Mozart's 40th symphony. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2) </b><b><b>Onboard </b></b><b><b><b>Wine Lecture </b></b>#1</b> - "Wine and Music
Pairing Experience" -- Led by host Stephen Mackey, guests will enjoy two
blind tastings of Virginia wines, accompanied by diverse music
playlists and and engaging, interactive evaluation of how various
musical genres accompany different wine styles. Includes discussion on
the science of cognitive neurology and emotional receptors as they
relate to the sensory perception of wine. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3) </b><b><b>Onboard </b></b><b><b><b>Wine </b></b></b><b><b><b><b><b><b>Lecture </b></b></b></b></b>#2</b> - "Introduction to Music
Theory" -- Enjoy a carefully chosen selection of Virginia and Austrian
wines while host Stephen Mackey analyzes works from Beethoven, Mozart
and Strauss and explains the core technical elements of Western music
such as melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, dynamics, form and tone color.
Each composer's work will be paired with an appropriate wine, and
there will be fun quizzes and prizes! </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4) Paired Wine Dinner</b> - "Ottantotto" barrel-fermented Viognier, "Vierzig" (Mozart) Blaufrankisch, "Ode to Joy" (Beethoven) Meritage </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5) </b><b><b>Onboard </b></b><b><b><b>Wine </b></b></b><b><b><b><b><b><b>Lecture </b></b></b></b></b>#3</b> - "TasteLive!" -- Host
Stephen Mackey will conduct the first-of-its-kind live International
tasting of Austrian and Virginia wines from the ship while connected via
social media and video conferencing with passengers' friends, family
and Virginia wine industry colleagues back in Loudoun at the Notaviva
Vineyards tasting room.</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wineandwaterways.com/virginiawinetv.htm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.austrianwine.com/typo3temp/pics/W_a928c5f93f.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wachau - courtesy of <a class="glossary" href="http://www.austrianwine.com/servicelinks/glossary/wine-glossary/glossar/awmb-10/"><abbr title="Austrian Wine Marketing Board">AWMB</abbr></a> / Gerhard Elze
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The boat spends four days in Austria - Vienna, Krebs, Durnstein, and Linz where the spotlight remains on wine but the classical music of Strauss and Mozart as well as traditional folk music are introduced. There are several opportunities to explore medieval villages and sample wine from various Austrian wine regions: Wein, Wachau, Kremstal, Wagram, and more. Here you will get your fill of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and perhaps a smooth Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder). The final destination is Passau, Germany where Octoberfest and beer come into play. And for even more fun, AMAwaterways, the host travel agency, is also offering pre and post cruise tours of Budapest, Munich, and Prague. To learn more about the host winery, Notaviva Vineyards, check out this profile in <a href="http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/food-and-wine/vino/2013/06/05/double-coverage/">Northern Virginia Magazine</a>. Cheers and happy cruising. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MjFsNLc7p9U?feature=player_embedded" width="500"></iframe>WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-15914012954536551522014-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T06:00:08.181-05:00Three Keswick Vineyards Viogniers for #VAWineChat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjg9dlM0C8/Uu5dE8YbKrI/AAAAAAAAFJk/DI1UQJ7-dGE/s1600/keswick_viognier.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week we were invited to participate in the monthly twitter tasting <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%23vawinechat" target="_blank">#VAWineChat</a>, feauring a trio of 2012 Viognier from <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" target="_blank">Keswick Vineyards</a>.The winery is situated due east of Charlottesville and with 16 acres, has one of the state's largest planting of Viognier - perhaps the largest. The three wines were produced from 100% estate fruit and are 100% single varietal. 2012 was a typical growing year for Virginia and winemaker Stephen Barnard also explained that they "backed off on ripeness for racy lower alcohol wines". In the winery, Barnard believes that neutral oak gives the palate some lift and enhances the texture and using a small percentage of new oak adds to complexity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_V4pDwzC8vE/Uu5dEbPh9SI/AAAAAAAAFJY/vf37s-4wfY0/s1600/keswick_2012.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>We started off the tasting with the <span class="userContent">2012 Viognier ($24, </span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">13.5% abv</span></span>), where </span>70% of the juice was tank fermented, the other 30% fermented in neutral. The fermented juice then maturated for 6 months on lees. The result is an assertive fruity wine with a mouthful of citrus cream followed by a clean, refreshingly acidic finish. A rather nice start to the evening.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-No7xnfBxuzU/Uu5dEBFlQSI/AAAAAAAAFJU/5MObzSnzgkY/s1600/keswick_reserve.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>Next was the 2012 Reserve Viognier ($27.95, 14.2% abv) , where the juice was whole cluster pressed and then fermented wholly in neutral barrels. This wine possesses more of the peach & apricot notes usually associated with Virginia Viognier as well as more oak creaminess with hints of coconut on the nose. There's a bit of white pepper as well, which initially threw me off, but as the wine breathed, integrated nicely into the overall sensation. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zCttS7bEIc/Uu5dEAQyW2I/AAAAAAAAFJc/aBxca88hFWA/s1600/keswick_signature.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>The final Viognier was the 2012 Signature Series Viognier ($34.95, abv), a bold project where the juice was whole cluster pressed and racked straight to barrel without being inoculated with custom yeast strains or primed with sulpher. The hardest part for Barnard was waiting for the various yeast strains moving about the winery to begin fermenting the juice. These yeast strains could be natural strains that exist in all around us or perhaps commercial yeast that is still floating in the winery. 30% of the oak used in fermentation and aging was new French oak; thus the resulting wine is heavier than the other two with more of a toasted vanilla and honey character. The finish is still citrusy with plenty of balancing acidity - definitely the best of the bunch.<br />
<br />
The Keswick wines showed why Viognier has great potential to be the Commonwealth's signature grape. If only the grape was not so finicky in the vineyard, more wineries could participate in the Virginia Viognier movement. But cheers to those who do, particularly <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" target="_blank">Keswick Vineyards</a>. Pair with Charlottesville based rock band <a class="Normal" href="http://www.myjoog.com/tradex_web/tabid/88/ItemID/3488/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Sons of Bil</a> and Green PA Broadleaf cigars from <a href="http://www.cigarvolante.com/products-page/green-pa-broadleaf/viognier-sampler/" target="_blank">Cigar Volante</a>.
WineCompasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04345126760904894726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-72958967281523152072014-01-31T15:56:00.000-05:002014-01-31T15:56:01.891-05:00Virginia Vineyards Association Names Jeff White Grower of the Year <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">CHARLOTTESVILLE,
Va. – Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore today
presented the Virginia Vineyards Association’s Grape Grower of the Year
award to Jeff White, owner and winemaker of <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=64230810-1020-47f9-913b-fd9a2be3964c" target="_blank">Glen Manor Vineyards</a>, Front
Royal, VA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I’m
very pleased to honor one of the leaders of the Virginia wine
industry,” said Secretary Haymore. “Virginia's burgeoning wine industry
is making a significant and growing contribution to the Commonwealth’s
economy, and that’s because of leaders like Jeff White who are producing
world-class wines. I congratulate Jeff for his work to make Virginia
one of the world's emerging wine production and tourism regions.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tom
Kelly, president of the Virginia Vineyards Association, echoed
Secretary Haymore’s comments, adding that the association selected Mr.
White for the award not only to recognize his contributions to the
Virginia wine industry, but his support for the VVA as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Two
years ago, he won the Governor’s Cup with his 2009 Hodder Hill, a
Bordeaux-style red wine, and last year, he was gracious enough to
volunteer his vineyard for a session at our summer technical meeting,”
Mr. Kelly said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jeff is one of the industry leaders who is helping put Virginia wine on the map, and he is more than deserving of this honor.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The award was presented to Mr. White during the Association’s Winter Technical Meeting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr.
White was chosen based on criteria established in 2005 with the first
presentation of the award. The criteria requires that the recipient be
an active member of the Virginia Vineyards Association with at least
seven years of experience managing or operating a commercial vineyard of
at least five acres. The nominee must also be an active participant in
the Virginia viticulture community with a history of service to our
industry and must be well respected by his or her peers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Jeff
met and exceeded the criteria for this award,” said Mr. Kelly. “He has
always gone the extra mile in promoting wine grape growing and the
Virginia wine industry.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
a young boy growing up in Fairfax County, Mr. White spent summers
working on his grandfather’s farm, which has been in his family for 113
years now. As an adult, he eventually tired of the corporate life as a
financial analyst and decided to move full time to the family farm in
1990.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The farm was originally a Christmas tree and cattle operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
as the Whites struggled to make a living off the farm, Mr. White’s
father wondered if grape production was a viable option. Mr. White began
researching the possibility.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In
1993 he found a job with Virginia Tech’s Tony Wolf for a season at the
Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Winchester. Shortly after
working for Dr. Wolf, he began working with Jim Law at Linden
Vineyards. He became Jim’s assistant and worked at Linden for 12 years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr.
White’s first six acres of vines were planted in 1995 and with them a
new vineyard came to Virginia, Glen Manor. He planted classic Bordeaux
varieties; Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot
along with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. All of the early harvests
were sold to Linden Vineyards. The Chardonnay that Mr. White originally
planted was pulled out in the early 2000’s and replanted to Merlot,
Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In
2006, the Whites made the decision to start their own winery. From 2006
to 2009, the vineyards were expanded, with plantings of Petit Manseng,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon bringing the total to 14.5
acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new plantings are on an extremely steep portion of the property, high up the slope from the original vineyard. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr.
White has learned his craft well and his attention to detail in his
vineyard and winery has produced wines of exceptional quality. In 2012
Glen Manor Vineyards won the Virginia Governors cup with their 2009
Hodder Hill Meritage blend. In 2013 Glen Manor’s 2010 Hodder Hill was
awarded a Gold medal at the Virginia Governors Cup. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Along
with his passion in the vineyard and winery, Mr. White has been a
mentor and friend to many of the members of the Virginia Vineyards
Association. He has given freely of his knowledge and experience in
seminars to his fellow grape growers, and was one of the hosts of the
VVA’s summer technical meeting in 2013.</span></div>
Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-80654461011585569352013-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-09T06:00:09.101-05:00New Virginia Wines Shine at the Washington Wine Academy's "State of Wine"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xrBS-8LFKA/UqUM1BJdmRI/AAAAAAAACyw/cZfN_jDxKCc/s1600/serious_cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xrBS-8LFKA/UqUM1BJdmRI/AAAAAAAACyw/cZfN_jDxKCc/s200/serious_cider.jpg" width="112" /></a>On Saturday night, December 7th, I joined dozens of wine fans at the <a href="http://washingtonwineacademy.org/" target="_blank">Washington Wine Academy</a> event <i><a href="http://washingtonwineacademy.org/event/state-wine-pop-event-dec-7th/" target="_blank">State of Wine: a Tasting of Virginia Wines</a>.</i> Because of junior basketball, I was late arriving and didn't get a chance to sample from a couple wineries, but for those I did try, 2014 will be another stellar year for Virginia wine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0wLjZgXOP4/UqUM1etXbaI/AAAAAAAACy4/uukKz0thtDU/s1600/trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0wLjZgXOP4/UqUM1etXbaI/AAAAAAAACy4/uukKz0thtDU/s200/trump.jpg" width="112" /></a>Participants were first treated to two sparkling wines from <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a85d26e7-2aa0-4f92-a3ad-63b4792cfd55" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_281">Trump Winery</a> and Serious Cider from <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=b99b07ff-2110-4cee-afdf-6f10b0d8eb3b" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_119">Foggy Ridge Cider</a>. Hard cider is serious business in the Commonwealth and Foggy Ridge is one of the leaders. And Trump continues the former Kluge Estate's champagne methodois mentality.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GI2v6P6uCM/UqUM0cWszPI/AAAAAAAACyk/miCykjMmOqI/s1600/ps_viognier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GI2v6P6uCM/UqUM0cWszPI/AAAAAAAACyk/miCykjMmOqI/s200/ps_viognier.jpg" width="112" /></a>I headed over to the <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a17d2a47-50ac-4120-96f6-d01fac4d7dc9" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_215">Paradise Springs Winery</a> booth and found Drew Wiles pouring the family's latest two releases: a Viognier and Cabernet Franc. Both had just been bottled, yet no signs of shock, and both were quite agreeable - with the Viognier melting with a creamy apricot flavor. <br />
<br />
Turning around, I eased my way through the most crowded tabled to sample a trifecta of <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_24">Barboursville Vineyards</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=1c09c39f-c70c-41c4-a508-86a94b9bb841" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_174">Linden Vineyards</a>, and <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=f318282e-b939-423e-880f-7d7b250d7235" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_236">RDV Vineyards</a>. Barboursville had contributed their Octogan, enough said, perhaps the best longest running wine in Virginia. Jim Law is probably the most celebrated winemaker in Virginia and many of his Linden wines are usually quite affordable - particularly the Riesling Vidal and vineyard specific chardonnays. I really enjoyed the Riesling Vidal because that combination is now a rarity in Virginia and is quite flexible. Out of the two Linden reds, I preferred the 2006 Boisseau, a blend of predominately Petit Verdot and Merlot, with plenty of dark fruit (blackberry) with traces of cassis. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2womBeRp1o/UqUM0i2KupI/AAAAAAAACys/cfK9M1oGs6M/s1600/linden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2womBeRp1o/UqUM0i2KupI/AAAAAAAACys/cfK9M1oGs6M/s200/linden.jpg" width="200" /></a>The single varietal 2010 Linden Petit Verdot was tannic heavy - sucked my mouth dry - but would love to sample again in a few years. Finally, we got to try the 2009 RdV Vineyards Rendezvous - a big Bordeaux blend (35% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot) with a heavy price tag $75. Much has been written about RdV and for what its worth - they make great wine - this one smooth and creamy balanced by easy tannins and nice acidity. <br />
<br />
Over at <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a4448463-d2d9-49d2-9ecf-b6a9ef16de29" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_218">Pearmund Cellars</a>, I had time to taste their whites - a Viognier, Chardonnay, and a Traminette dessert wine. The Viognier was completely different from the Paradise Springs; more floral, less cream; but shows Virginia excels in either style. The grapes for Old Vine Chardonnay is harvested from the historic Meriwether Vineyard and the wine is a solid offering. However, it was the Traminette that was the most interested, with the spice cutting through the sugar and easing the dessert feel. A pretty cool offering.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWgpXSJFe8/UqUM0i0BvvI/AAAAAAAACyo/jHGw1rWMM84/s1600/horton_reserve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWgpXSJFe8/UqUM0i0BvvI/AAAAAAAACyo/jHGw1rWMM84/s200/horton_reserve.jpg" width="200" /></a>Finally, I spent much time with the Old Wino and <a href="http://www.winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=d1387308-a7f3-4479-9f4b-90bc9d1b9f71" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_151">Horton Vineyards</a>. The winery is releasing a new, Reserve brand to prove that they can compete in the same higher end field as the Barboursville and Lindens, yet at an affordable $20. Horton wines are always consistent and you can be assured that each of these will be well worth your outlay. Particularly the Syrah, which I falsely assumed was co-fermented with some Viognier. This is one smooth and silky wine. The Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay were also nice - but if you can find the Syrah - that's the first choice. Thanks for the <a href="http://washingtonwineacademy.org/" target="_blank">Washington Wine Academy</a> for hosting the event. Cheers. Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-27381389981976579562013-11-04T20:28:00.001-05:002013-11-04T20:29:27.978-05:00Second Annual Virginia Wine Summit a Crowd Pleaser<div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Oz Clarke
praises Virginia wines for their quality and
uniqueness</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RICHMOND</b> - More
than 250 members of the wine trade, including wine critics, sommeliers,
restaurateurs, chefs, retailers, winemakers and winery owners gathered at The
Jefferson Hotel October 28 for the second annual Virginia Wine Summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hosted by Governor Bob McDonnell and First
Lady Maureen McDonnell, and presented by the Virginia Wine Board and The
Virginia Tourism Corporation, the event was a sell out for the second
consecutive year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wine experts and
industry leaders, both domestic and international, attended the summit. They
tasted Virginia wines, comparing them to
vintages from California and
France and discussed how to
continue to move Virginia wines forward,
gaining prominence within the United States and on the world
stage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Internationally acclaimed British wine
authority Oz Clarke gave the keynote address. One of the world's leading wine
experts, Clarke has one of the finest palates of any wine writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has won all of the major UK and
US wine writing awards, including the Glenfiddich, Andre Simon, Wine Guild,
James Beard, Julia Child, World Food Media and Lanson awards.
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Virginia wine has a rich
and deep history, dating back to 1607," said Clarke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"But what makes Virginia wine so
brilliant is what has occurred in the past 20 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soils and climate are completely
different; no new world winemaker would have thought to start a vineyard here,
except for two crusaders back in 1976: Dennis Horton and Ginanni Zonin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"When I tasted
Horton's first Viognier in 1993 I sat up with a jolt; 386 years after Jamestown
the Virginia wine industry, wine identity and wine future was established - the
two crusaders had made the right choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Virginia should not try to be California or France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way to show the brilliance of
Virginia wine
is to do what others can't do - Viognier, Norton, Cabernet Franc. They can't
produce your wine and you shouldn't try to produce theirs."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In addition to the
keynote, Clarke led a <span style="color: black;">comparative tasting of Cabernet
Francs from Virginia and other wine regions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Dave McIntyre, wine writer for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Washington Post</i> led a discussion on the
ageability of Virginia wines, and Todd Kliman,
author and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Washingtonian</i> dining
editor led a session on Virginia wine and food pairings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Virginia</span><span style="color: black;"> wines fared extremely well in the comparative tastings of
Cabernet Franc and Viognier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition, Virginia wines aged well, a testament to the
quality of the wines produced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many new
and exciting wines and vintners were showcased, including varietals most people
do not associate with Virginia, such as Pinot Noir, Vermentino,
Petit Manseng and Hard Cider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virginia has a distinct
advantage over other wine regions because wines are not mass produced here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More talented winemakers are coaxing more out
of the grapes and the soil, learning to use the terroir to its full
advantage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">"You may look at Virginia and see sparking wine, Cabernet Franc
or Viognier. I see jobs and revenue booming," said Governor McDonnell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Wine is the fastest growing part of
agriculture in Virginia, due to the hard work and no excuses
attitude of the folks in the industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the past four years the industry has doubled in size, to 511,000 cases
or 6.1 million bottles. Sales have increased 23% and sales outside of Virginia have increased
69%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I pass this baton may the next
Governor of Virginia continue to make the wine industry a
priority."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">For more information about the
Virginia wine industry, please visit the
Virginia
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wine Marketing Office’s website
</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">at www.virginiawine.org/</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> or call
804-344-8200.</span></span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">CAPTION:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Oz Clarke leads "Francly Speaking," a
comparative tasting of Cabernet Francs from Virginia vs. other wine regions at
the second annual Virginia Wine Summit 10/28/13.</span></div>
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<span lang="0" style="color: blue; font-family: Bradley Hand ITC; font-size: large;"><b>Karen</b></span><span lang="0" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />Karen Batalo Marketing &
PR<br />804.262.9130 Office<br />804.337.3045 Cell</span></div>
Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-75093745472057135662013-10-05T07:10:00.002-04:002013-10-05T07:11:59.882-04:00Using theCompass Winery & Brewery Locator in Southwest VirginiaFor those traveling down Route 81 to southwestern Virginia, take a look at the theCompass Winery and Brewery Locator. Besides wineries in Virginia, it will help you locate wineries near the border in Tennessee and North Carolina. In the past we've explored <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=2448d06d-4f2e-4733-a433-ccb1671fefe6" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_81">Coltsfoot Winery</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=8d7df278-e487-493f-9654-f5cda5be41aa" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_27">Corey Ippolito Winery</a>, and <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=0246a553-3363-424f-98c4-636757243f0b" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_29">Countryside Vineyards & Winery</a>. This year we hope to tackle <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=53e086c0-6db3-455e-b9d6-a5b09eeb160e" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_3">Abingdon Vineyard & Winery</a>. Cheers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.winecompass" target="new"><img alt="theCompass" src="http://www.winecompass.com/images/en_app_rgb_wo_60.png" /></a>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-D0LF5Z5rOY?list=UU0jjebzafmA-pMbqSXS6uTg" width="500"></iframe>Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-1987111878367954562013-09-01T15:39:00.002-04:002013-09-01T15:39:41.005-04:00A Day of Tubing & Tasting at Twin Oaks Tavern Winery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Bwh5pggLc/UiOXl_bBwfI/AAAAAAAACwQ/lPjmtdiFtEs/s1600/IMG_20130831_164555_102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Bwh5pggLc/UiOXl_bBwfI/AAAAAAAACwQ/lPjmtdiFtEs/s200/IMG_20130831_164555_102.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This Saturday we decided to spend the day along the Shenandoah River, specifically tubing the warm waters at <a href="http://watermelonpark.com/" target="_blank">Watermelon Park</a>. On the return ride towards Loudoun County we had a couple of winery options, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=468d6b5b-ac14-4df0-b941-1a20f70e042c" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_278">Veramar Vineyard</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=ebaac5eb-e4c9-4c49-8110-f4338d2630cb" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_40">Bluemont Vineyard</a>, and our choice: <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=f402559e-e1fa-4ef5-8abd-dd8a09339f57" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_273">Twin Oaks Tavern Winery</a>. The winery opened a few years ago behind the Evers family's stone house: Twin Oaks Tavern. This building was built around the turn of the century and operated as an inn until the 1950's. Visitors would escape the summer humidity by venturing to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoying the cooler temperatures and views of the Shenandoah Valley below. On our visit, local musician <a href="http://www.lennysjukejoint.com/" target="_blank">Lenny Burridge</a> was entertaining guests on the patio where we remained the rest of the afternoon enjoying a bottle of Chardonnay. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkzn1UjoZ2k/UiOXlzVPNFI/AAAAAAAACwU/FEkEnTDJRjU/s1600/IMG_20130831_170752_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkzn1UjoZ2k/UiOXlzVPNFI/AAAAAAAACwU/FEkEnTDJRjU/s200/IMG_20130831_170752_013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v4IKZZEWbc/UiOXluGNxyI/AAAAAAAACwM/-Zc0twaWMHY/s1600/IMG_20130831_170648_272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v4IKZZEWbc/UiOXluGNxyI/AAAAAAAACwM/-Zc0twaWMHY/s200/IMG_20130831_170648_272.jpg" width="112" /></a>Twin Oaks offers several wines, with the estate Chardonnay the sole white. It is aged slightly in French oak, providing a slightly buttery flavor, but refreshingly acidic finish. The reds were also nice, the Cabernet Sauvignon full of dark, dark cherry flavors and the Raven Rocks Red more berry then cherry and a smoother finish. They also source Norton grapes from <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=4756c7b6-454e-4249-be2c-40e3446923a1" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_78">Chrysalis Vineyards</a> and the result is a jammy, acidic wine, that should mellow as it ages in the bottle. The winery also produces two fruit wines, a peach and a raspberry, but our party definitely preferred the grape wines. And the views of the Shenandoah Valley are quite impressive. A perfect end of the day, listening to Lenny, drinking Virginia Chardonnay, and enjoying the sites. Cheers. Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com018035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont, VA 20135, USA39.1210083 -77.84498289999999113.5989738 -119.15357689999999 64.6430428 -36.536388899999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-7405968594365427832013-08-23T22:27:00.000-04:002020-03-26T08:11:57.967-04:00Swedenburg Estate Vineyard Transforms to Greenhill Winery & Vineyards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpsCbkHP8DM/UhgXzilicjI/AAAAAAAACv8/9iddl-SUnOU/s1600/swedenburg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpsCbkHP8DM/UhgXzilicjI/AAAAAAAACv8/9iddl-SUnOU/s320/swedenburg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
We've been behind the times this summer and just learned that <a href="http://www.swedenburgwines.com/" target="_blank">Swedenburg Estate Vineyard</a> has closed and will soon re-open under new ownership as <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=1131889e-4bd8-4041-bc80-ca577d9b603d" target="_blank">Greenhill Winery & Vineyards</a>. At this time, we are not familiar with the reasons, but it's sad to see the passing of a historic Virginia winery. I've missed walking into the winery and seeing Ms. Swedenburg, then being under suspense whether she will emit a partial scowl or a welcoming smile. <span class="Normal"> For those who are unfamiliar, Mrs. Swedenburg, is the reason we can now purchase wine from most states as she was the driving force behind the 1995 U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding the legality of interstate wine sales. Before the ruling, some states
allowed in-state wineries to ship directly to consumers, but not out-of
state companies. The ruling was a major victory for small family-owned
wineries who want to expand their businesses or who simply wanted their customers to be able to ship wine to their homes. </span><br />
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<span class="Normal">As <a href="http://greenhillvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Greenhill Winery</a> moves forward, they have hired <a href="http://www.sebastienmarquet.com/" target="_blank">Sébastien Marquet</a>, </span><span class="Normal"><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=655b880f-d187-4198-aac0-5f199a1379e3" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_102">Doukenie Winery</a>, as their winemaker consultant. When visiting the tasting room, they offer several wines - a Vidal, Blanc de Blanc, Syrah, and the Philosophy - a Bordeaux blend. We wish them well. </span>Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com523595 Winery Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117, USA38.968006 -77.70499413.445971500000002 -119.013588 64.4900405 -36.3964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-90693024058225946582013-06-06T21:57:00.001-04:002013-06-06T21:57:19.112-04:00June Happenings in Maryland Wine Country<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7DYwQXNStiY/T30T3Pyt1qI/AAAAAAAABck/vQHHm8nTGS8/s1600/vlcsnap-2012-03-26-13h09m46s114.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7DYwQXNStiY/T30T3Pyt1qI/AAAAAAAABck/vQHHm8nTGS8/s200/vlcsnap-2012-03-26-13h09m46s114.png" width="200" /></a>There's a lot going on north of the Potomac, so I decided to share a few special events happening in <a href="http://www.marylandwine.com/" target="_blank">Maryland Wine</a> Country. First, this weekend finds <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=58cd9245-c9bd-4661-8537-06cc2c313ca1" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_65">Old Westminster Winery</a> hosting their official Grand Opening on Saturday, June 8th from 12 to 5 pm. If you recall, we featured winemaker Lisa Baker in a <a href="http://www.virginiawinetv.com/2012/04/winemaker-series-old-westminster-winery.html" target="_blank">VirginiaWineTV</a> video last year and the Baker family received wide acclaim for their offerings at this year's <a href="http://drinklocalwine.com/">DrinkLocalWine.com</a> conference. So pair some excellent wine - their Cabernet Franc is my favorite - with locally sourced baked bread and farm raised cheese as well as live acoustic music.<br />
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Not far away, but two weeks later, <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=93f16ea3-3e3e-4387-ad38-daf65fe35ba3" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_57">Linganore Winecellars</a> is hosting their Vine Rewind Wine, Music & Art Festival during the weekend of June 22 & 23. This festival pays tribute to the music of the 70s, 80s, & 90s and features many regional performers such as <a class="CommandButton" href="http://www.myjoog.com/tradex_web/Default.aspx?tabid=88&ItemId=3530" id="dnn_ctr542_SearchResults_dgResults_lnkLink_2">The Reagan Years</a>, <a class="CommandButton" href="http://www.myjoog.com/tradex_web/Default.aspx?tabid=88&ItemId=21911" id="dnn_ctr542_SearchResults_dgResults_lnkLink_12">All Natural</a>, the <a class="CommandButton" href="http://www.myjoog.com/tradex_web/Default.aspx?tabid=88&ItemId=21912" id="dnn_ctr542_SearchResults_dgResults_lnkLink_0">Leslie Avenue Band</a>, and <a class="CommandButton" href="http://www.myjoog.com/tradex_web/Default.aspx?tabid=88&ItemId=2210" id="dnn_ctr542_SearchResults_dgResults_lnkLink_0">Spiral</a>. Attendees will be able to <span class="Normal">sample 19 Linganore wines and take
tours of their eco-friendly wine-making facility. Try the Traminette, I hear its quite good and don't miss TRYs. </span><br />
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<a href="http://marylandwine.org/mdwineweek/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mwwdate2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://marylandwine.org/mdwineweek/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mwwdate2.gif" width="200" /></a><span class="Normal"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Normal">Finally, the <a href="http://www.marylandwine.com/" target="_blank">Maryland Wineries Association</a> (MWA) is preparing for <a href="http://marylandwine.org/mdwineweek/" target="_blank">Maryland Wine Week</a>, a period (June 14-24) designated to encourage Maryland wine consumers </span>to ask for Maryland wine at their favorite wine shop or restaurant. The MVA is also assisting local restaurants and wine shops host
a range of events themed around Maryland wine; including wine maker
dinners, tastings, wine flights, and more. Check back to the <a href="http://marylandwine.org/mdwineweek/" target="_blank">events</a> website for more updated event information. Cheers to Maryland wine. Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-62507031990642021142013-05-15T17:06:00.000-04:002013-09-01T15:51:19.272-04:00Mother's Day at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQWLTJCxhoY/UZE_sfO21QI/AAAAAAAACnY/RRXxroLr2aE/s1600/IMG_20130512_163240_171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQWLTJCxhoY/UZE_sfO21QI/AAAAAAAACnY/RRXxroLr2aE/s320/IMG_20130512_163240_171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It seems we spend quite a few Mother's days in Charlottesville and this year we continued the trend by visiting a few wineries and breweries within the <span class="Normal"><a href="http://www.monticellowinetrail.org/" id="_ctl1_dlStateLinks_hplStateLink_11" target="_new">Monticello Wine Trail</a>. On Sunday we stopped off at Michael Shap's </span><a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=0ae1e36a-ae5f-4cb7-b614-61d4abeb4a0e" target="_blank">Virginia Wineworks</a> in order to stock up on their excellent boxed wine - yes boxed wine - made from 100% Virginia fruit. One box holds the equivalent of 4 750ml bottles and cost between $35-$40. In addition to the traditional Chardonnay, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc boxes, the winery has now boxed a White & Red Blend as well as a Rose - made from the bleed from the Michael Shap's. brand Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot grapes. The White Blend consists of Traminette, Vidal, Riesling, Viognier, & Petit Manseng whereas the Red Blend is comprised of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat, and Malbec. Being on a schedule, we didn't even get to the Michael Shaps branded wines but were all too happy bringing home a couple boxes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcPTzUGt6Ig/UZFBAvPo0zI/AAAAAAAACnw/C3pL8dcPd6U/s1600/IMG_20130512_134138_954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcPTzUGt6Ig/UZFBAvPo0zI/AAAAAAAACnw/C3pL8dcPd6U/s200/IMG_20130512_134138_954.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqjYkBQCeRs/UZE_dcez_SI/AAAAAAAACnI/wq-04ZJ_Ol4/s1600/IMG_20130512_134712_017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqjYkBQCeRs/UZE_dcez_SI/AAAAAAAACnI/wq-04ZJ_Ol4/s200/IMG_20130512_134712_017.jpg" width="200" /></a>But while browsing the barrels in the tasting room we noticed a few for <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=c9fbea41-53cf-4c7d-9f58-616aed224f73" target="_blank">Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards</a>. We knew that Shaps is their winemaker, one among many for Shaps, and remembered that they winery hosts a full service kitchen. No need to head all the back to town; instead we became one of dozens of families who made Pippin Hill their Mother's day destination. The winery is located outside of North Garden right off Route 29, south of Charlottesville and we navigated to the winery using the new <a href="http://winecompass.blogspot.com/2013/05/monticello-wine-trail-from-scottsville.html" target="_blank">Compass</a> mobile app. Upon arriving we realized why the parking lot was full. The view of Castle Rock and Mill Mountain are spectacular - can't believe I left the HD video camera at home. And even though the winery was crowded, the Andrews run an efficient operation. There was never a wait at any of the tasting bars and we only had a slight wait to have a large party seated in the dining area.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pd_nKR7Cvk/UZE_kedtrII/AAAAAAAACnQ/073Ci3hjYis/s1600/IMG_20130512_153826_784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pd_nKR7Cvk/UZE_kedtrII/AAAAAAAACnQ/073Ci3hjYis/s320/IMG_20130512_153826_784.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
And we used that time efficiently by sampling several of their wines. The Pippin Hill Farm Blanc de Blanc was a favorite as was the Winemaker's Select White, Viognier, and Chardonnay Reserve. The Select White was similar blend as the White box above and the Chardonnay Reserve was my favorite white as it only exhibited a touch of oak treatment. For reds, I enjoyed the Winemaker's Select Red, an easy drinking wine that includes Merlot and Chambourcin. The single varietals were solid with the Cabernet Franc being my preferred red. <br />
<br />
During lunch, we feasted on sliders, prawns, cheese plates, and later Chesapeake oysters and caramel popcorn - all washed down with Viognier and the Winemaker's Select White. Having a sustainable mindset, the winery sources from local and regional farmers and Chef Amalia Scatena's team created small, but filling entrees. A pretty awesome day - and according to the harshest critic - her new favorite Virginia winery. Cheers.Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com15022 Plank Road, North Garden, VA 22959, USA37.960776 -78.65969000000001212.438741500000003 -119.96828400000001 63.4828105 -37.351096000000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-85266532143173395462013-03-27T07:35:00.000-04:002013-03-27T07:38:02.538-04:00Middleburg Gets Some Signage For Their AVA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--66SctoQx6A/UVH4iVwpAiI/AAAAAAAACDE/N87TKR-b5aA/s400/sign3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--66SctoQx6A/UVH4iVwpAiI/AAAAAAAACDE/N87TKR-b5aA/s320/sign3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Boxwood Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to a number of American Viticultural Areas (AVA) such as Monticello (1984), the North Fork of Roanoke (1987) , the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace (1987), Rocky Knob (1987), and Virginia’s Eastern Shore (1991), as well as sharing the Shenandoah Valley AVA (1987) with West Virginia. As you can see, the last AVA from the above list was Virginia’s Eastern
Shore in 1991, with the remaining acquiring a designation in the 1980's.<br />
<br />
In terms of the contemporary Virginia wine making industry, that's
ancient history and quite a lot has changed since those early petitions.
For instance, the petitioner of the North Fork of Roanoke AVA, Woolwine
Winery, was the precursor to <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=8292465f-461a-453d-a34a-9a0c2294cbb2" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_61">Chateau Morrisette</a>
and this AVA as well as Rocky Knob are currently home to very few commercial vineyards.
In contrast, the number of vineyards in Northern Virginia have escalated
rapidly in the past two decades particularly in Fauquier County and its northern neighbor
Loudoun County, where there are now over 60 wineries operating between the two. <br />
<br />
Back in 2006, Rachel Martin, Executive V.P. at <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=af4b0488-3d45-48d7-8d9a-003be51d8a3d" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_39">Boxwood Winery</a> thought there was enough similar characteristics in geology, soil, climate and
geography between many of these wineries that warranted a petition to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (<a href="http://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava.shtml" target="_blank">TTB</a>) to designate a distinct AVA. The TTB defines an American Viticultural Area (AVA) as<br />
<div style="background-color: #e5eecc; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A viticultural area for American wine is a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing features as described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 27 CFR part 9 and a name and delineated boundary as established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to its geographic origin.
</blockquote>
</div>
According to Martin, the designation matters for a number of reasons, first because it will allow wineries within the AVA to label their wines as “estate bottled” if the wine meets these conditions as stated by <a href="http://www.steveheimoff.com/index.php/2011/01/18/ttb-time-to-clear-up-some-of-these-vague-misleading-label-terms/" target="_blank">Steve Heimoff</a>:<br />
<div style="background-color: #e5eecc; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Take the term “estate bottled.” Up until now, a wine can be called
“estate bottled” only if (a) it is labeled with an appellation of
origin, and (b) the bottling winery is located in the labeled
viticultural area, grew all of the grapes used to make the wine on land
owned or controlled by the winery within the boundaries of the labeled
viticultural area; and crushed the grapes (there are some additional
restrictions).
</blockquote>
</div>
Second, an AVA designation gives a wine a place of origin, even if it doesn't meet the estate condition. Since 85% of the grapes must be grown within the AVA, it gives consumers confidence that a particular wine labelled with an AVA contains fruit grown in that jurisdiction. Perfect for the locapour movement. <br />
<br />
Finally, an AVA designation provides a huge marketing advantage to the area and even the state, particularly when the <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Wine Board</a> and the Secretariat of Transportation and the Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry get involved. These agencies have developed the Virginia Wine Region Sign Program which, as you would expect, road signs promoting the various AVAs and wine regions within the state. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=216784395633153914266.0004d8d191ccf7f5c4be5&ie=UTF8&t=m&source=embed&ll=39.077492,-77.802236&spn=0.388417,0.398812&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=216784395633153914266.0004d8d191ccf7f5c4be5&ie=UTF8&t=m&source=embed&ll=39.077492,-77.802236&spn=0.388417,0.398812" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Midleburg AVA</a> in a larger map</small>
</div>
<br />
In September of 2012, the TTB announced that Martin's petition had been approved and the Middleburg AVA was officially created. The AVA boundary is quite detailed and maps to 46 unique points bounded by the Potomac River to the north and mountains to the east, south and west. The TTB lists these map points in detail <a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=9cfdb16bbeb8c115d87f38c0bc52e68c&rgn=div8&view=text&node=27:1.0.1.1.7.3.41.205&idno=27" target="_blank">here</a>. In total, the Middleburg AVA covers approximately 190-square miles (121,600 acres) and contains 229 acres of commercial vineyards and 14 wineries. I've created a <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/IvIxz" target="_blank">map</a> of these wineries that is also embedded above. It includes many of our favorite NOVA wineries, but is also interesting in terms of those that are outside the boundary. For instance, the borders exclude eastern Middleburg and <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=4756c7b6-454e-4249-be2c-40e3446923a1" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_68">Chrysalis Vineyards</a> as well as the western slope of Short Hill Mountain and <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=762182b1-6baf-48eb-af33-8a01118ead15" id="_ctl1_dgProducers_Hyperlink3_42">Breaux Vineyards</a>. Other neighboring wineries may feel disappointed, but all should expect to benefit from the designation as well as the Virginia Wine Region Sign Program.<br />
<br />
And yesterday, March 26, First Lady Maureen McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore unveiled the Middleburg Virginia AVA sign at a ceremony hosted by Boxwood. Both the sign and AVA designation will assist in the continued expansion of the Virginia Wine Industry. In the words of Rachel Martin, "<span style="color: black;">This AVA designation promotes Northern Virginia as a recognized
US wine growing region further placing Virginia in a national context of making
wine and allows us to tell a more comprehensive story of Virginia vineyards,
wines, viticulture and winemaking
practices.</span>"Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com1Burrland Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117, USA38.943104 -77.75514190000001238.918406499999996 -77.795482400000012 38.9678015 -77.714801400000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-78400277669641516492013-02-26T07:46:00.000-05:002013-02-26T07:48:17.149-05:00Time for LOVE By The Glass: Virginia Wine & Dine Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.virginia.org/pressroom/release.asp?id=412" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.virginia.org/pressroom/images/image_library/lg/WINEandDINEmonth2013_en.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It's that time of the year again. Yes Tax time; but also <a href="http://www.virginia.org/pressroom/release.asp?id=412" target="_blank">Virginia Wine & Dine Month</a>, a collaboration between the <a href="http://www.virginia.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Tourism Corporation</a> and <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Wine Marketing Board</a>. The theme for March is "LOVE By the Glass", where restaurants and wine retailers in the Commonwealth are encouraged to feature Virginia wines. Nearly 300 such entities have agreed to participate, and why not. There are over 230 wineries in Virginia making the state the fifth largest producer in the U.S. <br />
<br />
Like a majority of old world wines, Virginia wines are bonded to the culinary experience. To see an example, take a look at our video pairing wine and food at <a href="http://www.virginiawinetv.com/2012/04/pairing-wine-and-food-with-potomac.html" target="_blank">Potomac Point Winery</a>. And according to Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, "This is a perfect
match of the two." He explains further, "each year we see more restaurants and wine shops across Virginia
choosing to promote Virginia wines. We hope this year's March Virginia
Wine & Dine Month will spur additional interest from new trade
partners. We
continue to get positive feedback about the growing interest in
Virginia wines and its vibrant culinary community. "<br />
<br />
To find a sample of the participating restaurants as well as travel packages, visit the official <a href="http://www.virginia.org/pressroom/release.asp?id=412" target="_blank">LOVE By the Glass</a> page. And since we favor videos, check out the latest <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx2vqT_SQRE" title="For the LOVE of Travel - Historic Food Crawl through Richmond">For the LOVE of Travel webisode</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wx2vqT_SQRE" width="500"></iframe>Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-65272518137720943482013-02-23T11:44:00.004-05:002013-02-23T11:44:59.244-05:00Where Did All the Gold Medal White Wines Go?There's been a few comments in the twittersphere noting that Viognier, and for that matter, all white wines are under-performing in the Virginia Governor's Cup Competition. For a little background, in the past, white wines and red wines had their own competition, but starting in 2012 the revamped Governor's Cup combined the two and included new requirements that the wines be sourced from 100% Virginia fruit. In 2012, two white wines were awarded Gold medals; the <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=db6eda10-d754-4c51-8cce-1e14d27f1e1c" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl227_Hyperlink3">Tarara Vineyard & Winery</a> Honah Lee White Blend and the <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=30c17344-397c-4cd3-a6dd-aff866183831" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl254_Hyperlink3">White Hall Vineyards</a> Gewurztraminer. On the other hand, ten red wines were awarded Gold medals, including the Governor's Cup Winner <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=64230810-1020-47f9-913b-fd9a2be3964c" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl104_Hyperlink3">Glen Manor Vineyards</a> Hodder Hill. There was also a sparkling wine Gold medal - the <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a85d26e7-2aa0-4f92-a3ad-63b4792cfd55" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl232_Hyperlink3">Trump Winery</a> Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc. In the 2013 competition, white wines fared even worse as the <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=0ae1e36a-ae5f-4cb7-b614-61d4abeb4a0e" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl250_Hyperlink3">Virginia Wineworks</a> Michael Shaps Chardonnay was the only white Gold medalist. Along with the <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a85d26e7-2aa0-4f92-a3ad-63b4792cfd55" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl232_Hyperlink3">Trump Winery</a> Sparkling Rose, the remaining wines were red, including the Governor's Cup winning <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl19_Hyperlink3">Barboursville Vineyards</a> 2009 Octagon. <br />
<br />
There results are significant since, in 2011, the <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Wine Marketing Board</a> designated Viognier as the Commonwealth's "signature grape". If Viognier is the state's future, why isn't it preforming better in the competition? Let's start by looking at the entrees. In 2013, over 400 wines were submitted in which I do not have the actual breakdown between red, white, sparkling, or ciders. However, I did compute the medal winners in which there were approximately 109 white wines, 243 red wines, and 10 ciders or sparklers. Out of the 109 white wines, 23 were 100% Viognier - thus the grape accounted for 21.1 % of white medalists and 6.4% of all medalists. In comparison, 32 single varietal Chardonnay wines were awarded medals resulting in 29.4% and 8.9% of white and overall medalists respectively. On the other hand, there were 41 wines labelled as Meritage that medalled, and of these, 9 or 22% were award gold medals. Not a bad showing. <br />
<br />
What does the above analysis mean? I don't know - maybe this entire exercise is statistically meaningless. It does show that there's defiantly some awfully good Meritage being produced in the state and that Virginia Chardonnay is just as good (or better) than Virginia Viognier? Yes, there were more than twice as much red wines entered than white wines (assuming the ratio of medalists equals the ratio of submitted); but this doesn't help us statistically. The question remains, why did only one white wine win a Gold Medal. Some people on Twitter noticed the absence of some major Viognier players such as <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a4448463-d2d9-49d2-9ecf-b6a9ef16de29" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl185_Hyperlink3">Pearmund Cellars</a>, <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=4756c7b6-454e-4249-be2c-40e3446923a1" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl71_Hyperlink3">Chrysalis Vineyards</a>, and <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=179ec5bb-ed71-4433-a98f-b7b029cee32e" id="_ctl1_dgProducers__ctl69_Hyperlink3">Chester Gap Cellars</a> - but I don't think their entry would change the results significantly.<br />
<br />
In the case of Viognier, maybe there is just not enough fruit being grown in the state. Only a third of the state's wineries even produce a Viognier wine. The past few years have also witnessed unseasonable weather patterns that may have affected Viognier grapes more than others. Or, is Viognier just too fickle in the vineyard. Maybe consistent, year over year, quality or quantity is difficult. In any event, this may help explain Viognier's absence, but not necessarily Chardonnay or other white wines. <br />
<br />
Or perhaps, as many have suggested, Virginia is a red wine state. Bordeaux reds seem to work, whether its both cabernets, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Add Syrah and Tannat and Virginia looks solidly Red. Obviously, a two year sample is too short to provide a definitive analysis, but it does suggest a pattern.<br />
<br />
That being said, I don't think it invalidates Viognier being named the Commonwealth's signature grape. We all know there is very nice Viognier being produced in state and as a marketing campaign, the grape can differentiate Virginia from other regions. We all know the Governor's reference to Napa versus Virginia, but do we really think Virginia Meritage would compete against Napa reds in the marketplace. Some perhaps, but generally no. On the other hand, can Virginia Viognier compete against California or Washington? My answer would be affirmative. What do yo think? Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0Virginia, USA37.4315734 -78.65689420000001131.0335944 -88.9840427 43.8295524 -68.329745700000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-70050553270133235532013-02-22T06:56:00.001-05:002013-02-22T07:29:19.205-05:00Governor McDonnell Announces Barboursville Vineyards Awarded 2013 Governor’s Cup ~ 2009 “Octagon<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">February 21,
2013</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">RICHMOND</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> – </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Governor Bob McDonnell, who championed
major changes to the Virginia Governor's Cup competition in 2011 that made it
one of the most stringent and comprehensive wine competitions in the
United
States, awarded the 2013 Virginia Wineries
Association’s Governor's Cup to Barboursville Vineyards’ 2009 Octagon
12<sup>th</sup> Edition. By winning this year’s Governor’s Cup, Barboursville
becomes the first Virginia winery to win the award four times.
Barboursville also won in 1992 (1988 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve), 1999 (1997
Cabernet Franc), and 2007 (1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve). The Governor’s Cup
award announcement was made Thursday evening at the Virginia Wineries
Association’s Governor’s Cup Gala.</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Speaking at the Governor’s
Cup awards, Governor McDonnell said, “I congratulate Luca Paschina, the Zonin
family, and the entire Barboursville team for winning this year’s Governor’s Cup
for their 2009 Octagon, one of Virginia’s most iconic red wines. Luca’s
Octagon wines are personal favorites of mine, and I know this award winning
12<sup>th</sup> Edition will make the Virginia wine industry proud now and in the
years to come. I also commend the winemakers of the other distinguished wines
that comprise this year’s Governor’s Cup Case. I am confident that wine
aficionados and enthusiasts alike will take notice of Octagon and the other
impressive offerings in this case. The advancements in Virginia winemaking are on display in every bottle we have
here tonight and the stringent requirements of the Governor’s Cup competition
ensure that Virginia wines receiving medals have been
through the most demanding evaluation process."</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Barboursville’s
award-winning Octagon is a Meritage-style blend of the winery’s best Bordeaux varietals. The
wine is made only in top vintage years. The 2009 vintage is comprised of 70%
Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The
wine’s tasting notes are as follows: <i>It has a deep garnet color, with aromas
of chocolate, red berries, cranberries, gaining further depth with tar, spice
and a touch of forest floor. Dry yet somewhat fruity, medium to full body with a
long finish of tannins. A wonderfully structured old world style red
blend.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">"It has been a pleasure and
a reward to follow the evolution of the 2009 vintage of Octagon. Since harvest I
took notice of its promising characters, and I was not shy to share with many
that it was destined to be among the best wines I will ever produce in my life,"
said Luca Paschina, Barboursville’s General Manager and Winemaker. “</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The Virginia Governor’s Cup award is an
honor and further validates the character of a wine that has already won 90
points at <i>Wine Enthusiast,</i> the Gold Medal of the Beverage Testing
Institute in Chicago, of the Winemaker’s Challenge and Critics Challenge in
California, and the Platinum Medal of the Sommelier Challenge, also in
California."<span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">The 2013 Virginia Governor’s
Cup Competition was conducted over two weeks of tasting. The preliminary
tastings were held over ten days at the Capital Wine
School in Washington DC, while the
final round of tastings was held at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. The Governor's
Cup award winner was selected from the 2013 Governor's Cup Case, the top 12
scoring wines of the competition, which were selected from 377 entries of both
red and white wines, from 93 wineries.</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to
Barboursville’s 2009 Octagon, the other 11 wines (along with varietal
descriptions as appropriate) forming the Governor’s Cup Case include:
</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooper Vineyards – 2010
Petite Verdot Reserve</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">King Family Vineyards – 2010
Meritage</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovingston Winery – 2009
Josie’s Knoll Estate Reserve (Meritage)</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Philip Carter Winery – 2010
Cleve (Petite Verdot, Tannat)</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Pollak Vineyards – 2009
Cabernet Franc Reserve</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Potomac Point Vineyard and
Winery – 2010 Richland Reserve Heritage (Merlot, Cabernet
Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petite Verdot</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Rappahannock</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Cellars – 2010
Meritage</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">RdV Vineyards – 2010
Rendevous (Meritage)</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">RdV Vineyards – 2010 Lost
Mountain (Meritage)</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset Hills Vineyard – 2010
Mosaic (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite
Verdot)</span></span></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Trump Winery – 2008
Sparkling Rose (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">At least 10 cases of each
wine included in the Governor’s Cup Case will be used by the Virginia Wine Board
Marketing Office for marketing purposes. A number of cases will be shipped to
select wine media, promoting Virginia wines to a larger national and
international audience. The award winning wines will be used for educational
purposes at Virginia winemaker roundtable
discussions to improve overall quality of Virginia wines. Governor’s Cup Case wines will
also be used by Governor McDonnell on select domestic and international
marketing missions and other events designed to promote Virginia wine and winery
tourism.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">The Governor’s Cup
competition, revamped in 2011 at the request of Governor McDonnell, is a result
of a partnership among the gubernatorial-appointed Virginia Wine Board (VWB),
the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA), which owns and manages the competition,
and the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA). Any wine made from 100% Virginia fruit was
eligible for the competition, while ciders and fruit wines had their own
category and medalists. All entries included an affidavit with a certification
of 100% Virginia fruit and vineyard particulars, including grower names and
location, as well as information on alcohol, acidity or basicity (pH), and
residual sugar.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;"> Jay Youmans, one of
only of 30 Masters of Wine (MW) in the U.S., directed the competition.
Youmans, who is also a Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and the owner and
educational director of the Capital
Wine School in Washington, DC, recruited wine judges from the
professional wine buying and wine media community. The judges were compensated
for their time for a rigorous schedule of judging to ensure the competition
maintained the highest level of professional evaluation. There were 45 judges in
the preliminary round and 15 judges in the final round. A list of the judges
along with their bios can be found at<b> </b></span><a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup" title="blocked::http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup</span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="msonospacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the most important
aspects of the revised competition is the educational component of the judging.
After the competition, regional forums for the winemakers will be held with the
judging director. Notes with the judges’ blind comments will be shared with
individual winemakers, so that they will get direct feedback on how their wines
were received.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Barboursville Vineyards is located in the Monticello American Viticulture
Area of Central Virginia, in and around the Charlottesville region. The historic Virginia winery is
located on the estate of James Barbour, former Governor of Virginia, in
Barboursville. The winery was founded in 1976 by Gianni Zonin, a prominent
Italian winemaker whose family has roots in Italian viticulture going back to
1821. The Zonin Group is based in Vicenza, Italy. Barboursville is Zonin's sole
American venture. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Sales of Virginia wine reached a
record high in fiscal year 2012 with more than 485,000 cases, or more than 5.8
million bottles, sold. Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number
of wineries in the nation with 230. Virginia is also the nation’s fifth largest
wine grape producer. According to a recently released economic impact study, the
Virginia wine industry employs more than 4,700
and contributes almost $750 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis.
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">For a complete list of
previous Governor’s Cup winners and further information about the Virginia wine
industry, events, tours and tastings, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing
Office </span><a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/%20" title="blocked::http://www.virginiawine.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.virginiawine.org/</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> or call
804-344-8200.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">###</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">Media
Contact:</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Karen Batalo</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">804.262.9130</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u>kabatalo@aol.com</u></span></div>
Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-79176672254542767242013-02-19T07:46:00.001-05:002013-02-19T09:39:05.168-05:00VWA Announces Gold Medalists in the 2013 Governor’s Cup®We've been slow to publish this press release courtesy of the <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Wine Marketing Office</a>. One of the Gold medal winners is <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=88de6345-bcfb-4b71-86aa-8ab404fcffe1" target="_blank">Potomac Point Winery</a> and their Richland Reserve Heritage which we featured in a video last year in <a href="http://www.virginiawinetv.com/2012/04/pairing-wine-and-food-with-potomac.html" target="_blank">Pairing Wine and Food with Potomac Point Winery</a>. (See entire video below.) Congratulations to all the winners. <br />
<div style="background-color: #e5eecc; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Richmond, Va. (Feb. 14, 2013) -</b>
Twenty Virginia wines have been awarded gold medals in the Virginia
Wineries Association’s 2013 Governor’s Cup® Virginia Wine competition,
which was held over a four week period. 2013 marks the 31<sup>st</sup>
year of the competition, though it was revamped in 2012 to become one of
the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the country.<br />
<br />
The gold medalists from
this year’s Governor’s Cup were selected from 377 entries of both red
and white wines, from 93 wineries. The top 12 scoring wines, which
comprise the Governor’s Cup Case, showcases the state’s top wines. The
top scoring wine of the competition is awarded the Governor’s Cup.<br />
<br />
The Governor’s Cup Case
boosts the visibility of the state’s highest-scoring wines by inviting
judges with national and even international stature. This year’s
esteemed panel of judges had the difficult task of ranking each wine
based on a unified scoring system. Of the 20 gold medals,
18 were awarded to red wines and one was awarded to a white wine and one
to a sparkling wine.<br />
<br />
There are several
theories as to why the red wines dominated the competition. One theory
is because of the timing of the competition, when few whites are
available. Red blends dominated the field with ten gold medals, followed
by eight Meritages, five Cabernet Francs, two Petit Verdots, and one
Cabernet Sauvignon. The remaining two gold medals were awarded to a
Chardonnay and a sparkling wine. See the table below for complete
details.<br />
<br />
Any wine made from 100% Virginia
fruit is eligible for the Governor’s Cup Competition. (Ciders and fruit
wines have their own category and medals.) Entries must include an
affidavit with a certification of 100% Virginia fruit and vineyard
particulars, including grower names and location, as well as information
on alcohol, acidity or basicity (pH), and residual sugar.<br />
<br />
The rapid growth of
Virginia’s vibrant wine industry has made it one of the fastest growing
agricultural sectors in the state. In 1979, there were only six
wineries in Virginia. Today, there are over 230 wineries in Virginia,
and 380 vineyards that cultivate over 3,000 acres of grapes. The state’s
wine industry’s growth is escalating as fast as the state’s
advancements in wine quality and reputation.<br />
<br />
The winner of the 2013 Virginia Governor’s Cup will be announced in a week at the start of the Virginia Wine Expo on Thursday, 2/21. For more information and a complete list of awards, visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office’s website at <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank">http://www.virginiawine.org</a> or call 1‐804‐344‐8200.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2013 Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medal Winners</b></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=85474dde-b39d-4c54-b4dd-ae9b3f5d79fe" target="_blank">Barboursville Vineyards</a> 2009 Octagon (Meritage)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=ebaac5eb-e4c9-4c49-8110-f4338d2630cb" target="_blank">Bluemont Vineyard</a> 2010 The Horse (Cabernet Franc)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=f4e603bf-5fa6-4734-9eca-9377e3b8a6b4" target="_blank">Cooper Vineyards</a> 2010 Petit Verdot Reserve</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=64230810-1020-47f9-913b-fd9a2be3964c" target="_blank">Glen Manor Vineyards</a> 2010 Hodder Hill (Meritage)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=5957b633-670e-4576-ae5f-48d92c0ee311" target="_blank">Keswick Vineyards</a> 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=93f77a86-2a30-4c86-9429-846a84b15304" target="_blank">King Family Vineyards</a> 2010 Meritage</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=94327ef5-4c3f-43ac-9dfc-8df4bd183f28" target="_blank">Lovingston Winery</a> 2009 Meritage</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=706cd4b3-469d-4f68-984d-ebdb1267446d" target="_blank">Philip Carter Winery of Virginia</a> 2010 Cleve (Petit Verdot & Tannat)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=3d58dd64-d4d9-4518-b2d6-c88ea5b8e51b" target="_blank">Pollak Vineyards</a> 2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=88de6345-bcfb-4b71-86aa-8ab404fcffe1" target="_blank">Potomac Point Winery</a> 2010 Richland Reserve Heritage (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petit Verdot)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=03b888c2-1397-4957-ab6b-1b6b66f0acab" target="_blank">Rappahannock Cellars</a> 2010 Meritage</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=f318282e-b939-423e-880f-7d7b250d7235" target="_blank">RDV Vineyards</a> 2010 Rendezvous Meritage</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=f318282e-b939-423e-880f-7d7b250d7235" target="_blank">RDV Vineyards</a> 2010 Lost Mountain Meritage</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=590a9324-ecb7-4937-a812-8e6cf8504a7f" target="_blank">Shenandoah Vineyards</a> 2010 Cabernet Franc</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=590a9324-ecb7-4937-a812-8e6cf8504a7f" target="_blank">Shenandoah Vineyards</a> 2010 Rhapsody in Red (Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=6d38d640-6ed7-462e-bb2a-dcd28b242e42" target="_blank">Sunset Hills Vineyard & Winery</a> 2010 Mosaic (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=a85d26e7-2aa0-4f92-a3ad-63b4792cfd55" target="_blank">Trump Winery</a> 2008 Sparkling Rose</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=0ae1e36a-ae5f-4cb7-b614-61d4abeb4a0e" target="_blank">Virginia Wineworks</a> 2010 Michael Shaps Chardonnay</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=0ae1e36a-ae5f-4cb7-b614-61d4abeb4a0e" target="_blank">Virginia Wineworks</a> 2010 Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc</li>
<li><a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=0ae1e36a-ae5f-4cb7-b614-61d4abeb4a0e" target="_blank">Virginia Wineworks</a> 2010 Red Hill Reserve (Cabernet Franc)</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5l6JwPpWTDQ" width="500"></iframe>
Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224317259516244748.post-86274836712700248902013-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-23T06:00:02.513-05:00Viognier finds a new style at Corcoran VineyardsIn 2011, the <a href="http://www.virginiawine.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Wine Board</a> designated Viognier as the Commonwealth's <a href="http://www.virginiavineyardsassociation.com/2011/06/viognier-virginias-signature-grape/" target="_blank">Signature Grape</a> in order to better market Virginia's growing wine industry. On one hand the policy made perfect sense, since the grape excelled in the Virginia climate and personally, Virginia Viognier is one of my favorite wines. On the other hand, the decision was criticized because only about a third of Virginia wineries produced a Viognier wine and at times the grape can be very temperamental in the vineyard. <br />
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For instance, <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=b3d542cf-008a-4bbd-ba1d-4aab2c52c6bf" target="_blank">Corcoran Vineyards</a> (Waterford Virginia) lost their entire 2010 harvest to frost, came back strong in 2011 with a wonderful dry Viognier, but in 2012 - - -. Well last year, the fruit composition was just too high in sugar for a dry wine. What is a winemaker to do? Looking at the success of their red port styled wine - the Chambourcin USB - Lori Corcoran thought, why not a white port? She fortified the wine to 18% with grape brandy - just under the legal 20% threshold - and then aged the wine and used <a href="http://winecompass.com/winecompass/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=699eff6e-1402-4796-8b88-564907ec1d13" target="_blank">A. Smith Bowman Distillery</a> bourbon barrels. The result is initially, a hot wine with a little burn, but very quickly the butterscotch\vanilla flavors subdue the flames and the wine coasts to a smooth finish. This is a truly unique flavor and a style I never imaged for Virginia's signature grape. The white port is not available yet - this was a sneak preview - but keep checking the <a href="http://www.corcoranvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Corcoran website</a> for a release date. <br />
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And beware, do not consumer too much white port before walking over to the twelve beers on tap at <a href="http://winecompass.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=10&tabid=6&companyid=d1c652bb-0d55-4c98-8de0-598bf63c2131" target="_blank">Corcoran Brewing Company</a>. It could lead to an early night. Cheers. Todd M. Godbouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14313670575438968131noreply@blogger.com114635 Corky's Farm Lane, Waterford, VA 20197, USA39.210978 -77.65316100000001113.688943499999997 -118.96175500000001 64.7330125 -36.344567000000012