Earlier this week I had the tremendous opportunity to be a speaker during the 2017 Virginia Wine Summit. During the panel, titled “Defining Local on the East Coast,” I helped lead a tasting of four Virginia wines and four New York wines. Discussions of history, style, soil, acidity and — not-at-all-surprisingly — pricing ensued. The other sessions that I attended focused on varietal Petit Verdot wines and Virginia Viognier. Both fascinating and obviously a bit different from what we see here in New York.
The day prior to the Summit, all of the various panelists — mostly sommeliers and beverage directors from up and down the eastern seaboard — hopped on a bus and toured a bit of Central Virginia wine country. I tasted a lot of wines and talked to a lot of winemakers. There will be at least a handful of stories to come out of the trip — and hopefully even some Virginia wines in upcoming shipments from The Cork Club.
In the meantime, here are some of the best things I tasted and saw on the trip. Look for more starting next week.
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- Winemaker Kirsty Harmon’s first estate Albarino was a fresh, fruity, saline way to kick off dinner at Seven Oaks Farm.
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- Walking through the vineyard at Stinson Vineyards.
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- Bordeaux-style blends from RdV and Seven Oaks Farm.
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- Some of our group during dinner at Seven Oaks Farm.
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- One of the best meals I’ve had this year.
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- The Northeast doesn’t have a monopoly on delicious, traditional cider. Foggy Ridge is a must-known producer.
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- The view at Seven Oaks Farm
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- Red clay soils at Stinson Vineyards
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- 100% Mouvedre. 100% delicious — and always a favorite.
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- Terrific sauvignon blanc that is lower in alcohol (12%) but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfectly balanced.
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- 100% chardonnay sparkling wine from Veritas Vineyards.
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- I tasted a lot of viognier on this trip. Liked this one quite a bit.
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- I don’t love chardonnay — but I love this one from Ankida Ridge.
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- Not hyperbole to suggest that the Ankida Ridge site is a Virginia grand cru vineyard. Stellar pinot noir.
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- Cabernet Franc-heavy blend with a low oak footprint. Delicious.
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- One of the best roses I tasted, from Early Mountain Vineyards.
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- The views at Stinson Vineyards are pretty spectacular.
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- New-to-me producer, Afton Mountain Vineyards, poured this crunchy, floral Albarino.
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- Didn’t taste a lot of varietal cabernet franc — but this one from Pollak Vineyards stood out.
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- Always like the Blenheim Vineyards wines. This rose is no exception.
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- Even though it’s a 2009, this wine was as fresh and crisp as could be. Really shows the aging potential of well-made Viognier.
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- Speaking of aging potential. This was a real treat — and while clearly mature, it wasn’t on the decline in any way.
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- Some new oak flavors here, but still fruity and fun.
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- Multiple harvest passes — and a little skin contact — create this beautifully balanced and textured Viognier from Keswick Vineyards.
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- Best sparkling wine I tasted this week. To be released soon.
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- King Family Vineyard winemaker Matthieu Finot pouring for the group.
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- This is what orange wine can and should be. Clean flavors — no VA or oxidation — with beautiful mouthfeel.
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- One of the real “wow” wines from the week. Bone dry and explosively flavorful with a rich, concentrated feel.
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- How we kicked off the entire event at Fleurie restaurant in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia.
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- Orange wine made from Rkatsitelli grapes.
