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VOTE FOR
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VIRGINIA WINERY! |
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Dear Friend of
Virginia
wine: Cheers! |
It's August and summer
is in full swing at the Official Virginia WINE
LOVER. There's lots of activity at the wineries
and special events abound around the state. In
particular, check out the Progressive Wine, Cider and
Mead Tour on the Blue Ridge Wine Trail. (That's
putting it all together!) This month's newsletter
is loaded with information about Virginia wines,
including features on the newest wine trail, a Central
Virginia vineyard and a great recipe.
If you are a regular
reader, tell us what you like . . . what we could do
better . . . and what you would like to see in
September. If you are receiving WINE LOVER for the
first time, we hope you enjoy it, and we'd also like to
hear your comments. Just e-mail us
at info@vawinelover.com.
(Please feel free to forward
our Newsletter to anyone you know that may be
interested.) |
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VIRGINIA WINES SWEEP
ATLANTIC SEABOARD WINE COMPETITION
Sponsored by the
Vinifera Wine Growers Association
Virginia wines took 169
awards at the Third Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition
held on July 21st and 22nd at
the Regency at Dominion Valley in Haymarket,
Virginia.
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine
Competition is one of the few, if only, wine
competitions that focuses on the wines being produced on
the Atlantic Seaboard that encompasses 17 states and is
promoting national consumer awareness that there is a
quality wine producing region along the East Coast of
the United States, as well as the West Coast.
This year's competition
received 450 wine entries from 102 wineries in 13 states
with qualified judges from ten Atlantic Seaboard states,
representing a cross section of the wine industry's
market palate of wine promotion and sales, including
winemakers, sommeliers, Masters of Wine, wine writers,
wine appreciation educators, restaurateurs, chefs and
wine regulatory officials, who evaluated a full array of
wine varietals produced from Vinifera, as well as Native
American and French Hybrid grapes.
The Best of Show of the
450 entries was a 2005 Cabernet Franc from Fox Meadow
Winery in Linden, Virginia, as well as 19 Best of
Category awards, 32 gold, 104 silver and 161 bronze
medal winners.
The complete list of
the 2007 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition winning
wines and wineries, competition distinguished judges'
bios and scoring procedures are available on the
Vinifera Wine Growers Association website:
http://www.vwga.org/events.htm.
For more information,
contact:
Gordon W. Murchie,
President of VWGA
(703)
922-7049 | |
WHY THE SHAPE OF THE
WINE GLASS MATTERS
By Kathleen Talbert, Riedel Crystal
of America, Inc.
Claus Riedel of Riedel Crystal of
America was the first wine glass designer to recognize
that the shape of the glass affects the bouquet, taste,
balance and finish of wines. In the 1980's, his
successor Georg Riedel discovered that the correct
choice of glass enhances the flavors and aromas of
wine. By creating glasses that deliver the typical
components of a grape variety, the glass will highlight
balanced flavors, maximize fruit and integrate acidity
or tannins into the overall pleasure of wine
enjoyment. A person interested in wine is led by
color, bouquet and taste, but often the glass is not
considered as an instrument to convey the message of the
wine. Riedel recognizes the complex role that size
and shape play in conveying a fine wine.
Bouquet: When wine is poured, the
bouquet immediately starts to evaporate and its aromas
fill the glass in layers according to their density and
specific gravity.
Taste: Every wine has its own blend
of fruit, acidity, minerals, tannin and alcohol that are
based on the grape variety, climate and soil on which it
is grown.
Shape: To fully appreciate the
different grape varieties and the characteristics of
individual wines, it is essential to have a glass whose
shape is fine-tuned for the purpose. The shape is
responsible for the quality and intensity of the bouquet
and the flow of the wine.
Size: The size of the glass affects
the quality and intensity of aromas. Red wines
require large glasses, white wines medium-sized glasses
and spirits small glasses (to emphasize the fruit
character and not the alcohol).
Serving Quantities: The glass
should never be over-filled. Red wine: four to
five ounces; white wine: three ounces; spirits: one
ounce.
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VIRGINIA VINEYARD FOCUS:
SILVER CREEK
ORCHARDS
(CENTRAL REGION)
(First in a
Series)
When asked the secret of Silver
Creek's high quality wine grapes, John Saunders
(pictured above) said, "Sun, sun and more
sun. We pull leaves by hand to expose all the
fruit when the grapes are blooming in early June.
Dry conditions, of course, will produce the highest
quality wine grapes, but we can't control the amount or
frequency of rain, so we irrigate when it becomes
extremely dry. We do several crop estimates during
the year to make sure we are not over cropping the
plants. If a plant or block has too much fruit, we
simply pick off the fruit necessary."
Well known to
Central Virginians for their delicious apples and
wonderful fruits and vegetables, Silver Creek Orchards
in Nelson County is also one of the region's largest
grape producers. In addition to a 260-acre apple
orchard, the farm operates a 35-acre vineyard that
produces a number of major grape varieties, including
Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Traminette, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Chambourcin.
Apples have
been grown on the land owned by Silver Creek Orchards
for at least 100 years. As far back as 1904, Dr.
E. Parsons won the prestigious "Dickie Cup" for growing
the best apples in the state of Virginia. In 1954,
John T. Morton bought the 1,000 acre farm and later
turned it over to his grandson. What had been a
hobby for John Morton quickly became a livelihood for
Bill Flippin. Today, he operates the farm along
with his daughter Ruth and son-in-law John
Saunders.
In 1997 the apple
industry was very weak, and Silver Creek was looking for
alternative crops. They learned that the best
apple orchard sites are also the best grape sites
because they both need a frost free site and good air
drainage. Because there was an excellent demand
for good quality grapes, Silver Creek Orchards planted
4.5 acres of clone 96 Chardonnay in 1999 and produced
the first crop in the fall of 2000. In the spring
of 2000, they planted 4.5 acres of Cabernet Franc
followed by plantings of Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon.
The demand for
grapes continued to rise, and in 2003 Silver Creek
signed contracts with wineries before actually planting
the grapes. They now have extended contracts for the
most recent plantings of Traminette, Chambourcin, Petit
Manseng and Chardonnay, and they sell to seven
wineries. Among these are Rockbridge Vineyards and
Wintergreen Winery, both of which have won numerous
awards with Silver Creek grapes. In the Atlantic
Seaboard Wine Competition, Wintergreen won gold medals
for their 2005 Cab Franc, 2005 and 2006
Chardonnay.
Saunders says "You
can make excellent wine from excellent grapes, but it is
impossible to make excellent wine from bad grapes.
I told one of the wine makers last year about our merlot
just before harvest, "I did my job, now don't mess it
up."
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VIRGINIA'S NEWEST WINE
TRAIL
The Wine
Trail of Botetourt County features three charming, family-run vineyards,
each offering tours, tastings and special events
throughout the year: Blue Ridge Vineyard, Virginia
Mountain Vineyards and Fincastle Vineyard &
Winery.
Botetourt County,
one of Virginia's oldest, is a place of timeless beauty
and abundant
history, charming towns, breathtaking mountain scenery
and old-fashioned southern hospitality. Its crisp
fresh air and fertile valleys provide ideal conditions
for growing grapes, and the three wineries place special
emphasis on quality wines made with old-world
techniques. No matter where you start your
tour, The Wine Trail of Botetourt County begins and
ends with good taste.
Located at the
head of the Shenandoah Valley, at Blue Ridge Vineyard in Eagle Rock, you'll step back in time
and taste the old world wines such as Gewurztraminer,
Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Franc. The
setting is spectacular, with unsurpassed views of the
mountains. A rustic old barn has been converted to
the tasting room. You can hike the wooded trails on the
300-acre estate, or visit the vineyards to see the old
growth vines that produce this four-generation family's
uniquely handcrafted wines.
Virginia Mountain Vineyards
is located on 100
acres, just outside historic Fincastle and surrounded
with panoramic mountain views. It is a first
generation family owned and operated vineyard and
winery, offering a variety of sweet and dry wines
produced from 100% Virginia grown vinifera vines. Drink
in the scenery as you picnic in the Gazebo and enjoy a
glass of your favorite wine.
Botetourt County's first farm winery,
family owned and operated Fincastle Vineyard &
Winery produces
wines from the Old World vinifera grapes Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. They
place special emphasis on the quality of their wines,
using traditional Bordeaux small-scale techniques.
You can wander through the vineyards, tour the
mountainside winery and sample their fine wines in the
tasting room.
Also
located in this beautiful secluded glen at the foot of
the Shenandoah Valley is the Fincastle Vineyard Bed and
Breakfast, a retreat
filled with elegant tranquility and warm
hospitality. You can stroll through the lovely
gardens surrounding this charming 1926 farmhouse or
wander the country lanes and soak in the breathtaking
scenery.
For
more information on The Wine Trail of Botetourt
County
(540) 473-1167 / www.botetourtwinetrail.com
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RECIPE OF THE
MONTH:
Baked Apple
Pancakes
Courtesy of Fincastle Vineyard Bed and
Breakfast
½ cup all-purpose
flour
1½
tbsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
4
large eggs
¾ cup buttermilk
½ tsp vanilla
extract
4 tbsp butter
2 apples, peeled and thinly
sliced
¼
cup brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
Vanilla ice
cream
Caramel sauce
Chopped, toasted
pecans
In a large bowl, mix
together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. In
separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and
vanilla extract and gradually stir into dry mixture
until batter is well blended.
Spray 4 oval baking dishes
(7x4x1 ½ -inch) with cooking spray. Put 1 tbsp
butter in each dish and bake in a 400º oven until butter
melts. Do not allow butter to burn. Divide
apple slices evenly among the four dishes and bake for 5
more minutes.
Divide batter among the
four dishes (about ½ cup per dish), sprinkle evenly with
brown sugar and pecans, and bake for 20 more
minutes.
Put a scoop of
vanilla ice cream on top of each pancake, drizzle with
caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped, toasted
pecans. Serve immediately. Makes four
servings.
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WINE REVIEWS
By Bill Curtis of Tastings of
Charlottesville
Chester Gap Cellars
Viognier Reserve 2005 ($25.95)
"Quite
possibly the most complete, varietally correct Viognier
to date from Virginia. The wine carries the
mouth-coating texture and flowery peach fruit of
well-made Condrieu effortlessly across the palate.
All in balance with a dollop of acidity to give this
wine a year's potential bottle age."
www.chestergapcellars.com
Whitehall Vineyards
Syrah, Monticello 2005 ($15.95)
"Few efforts
at this varietal have been commendable in
Virginia. Whitehall's, with its broad yet
varietally correct palate of spicy black currant tinged
with pepper, more than bring home the bacon. Yes,
it's even a little meaty with cleansing acidity.
Very impressive."
www.whitehallvineyards.com
Tastings of
Charlottesville
434-293-3663
502 E. Market
St.
Charlottesville, VA
22902 |
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AUGUST WINERY
EVENTS
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
August 4-5 :
Heart of Virginia Wineries-Beach Party Wine
Festival
Held at James River Cellars in
Glen Allen
Wear your wildest Hawaiian shirt and
flip flops to taste the wines and hula to the music.
Craft and food vendors.
www.jamesrivercellars.com
August 4: Duo Sangria &
Belly-dancing at Chateau Morrisette
Held at Meadows of Dan, VA
It's August and it's steamy, so
come to the mountains for a breezy fun afternoon!
Learn the sizzling moves of a belly dancer, and take
refreshing boogie breaks tasting two favorite Sangria
recipes made with Black Dog red wine and Angel
Chardonnay. This event will be held on the winery
lawn Saturday, from 1-4 pm. It is free to the
public. Rain will cancel this
event.
August 4:
Summer Backbarn BBQ
Cookout
Held at Willowcroft Farm Vineyards
near Leesburg
Catered by Famous Dave's
BBQ.
www.willowcroftwine.com
August 4:
Blue Moon Festival
Held at First Colony
Winery in Albemarle
Live music from Jimmy O,
authentic Southern cuisine from Magnolias.
Reservations required.
www.firstcolonywinery.com
August 4: Blackberry Harvest
Festival
Held
at Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery in the Rockfish Valley
near Wintergreen
Pick your own blackberries
and/or sample the blackberry wines and specialty
desserts. Picnic foods, live music and
crafts.
www.hilltopberrywine.com
August 4-5: Blackberry Days Wine
Festival
Held
at Tarara Winery near Leesburg
Oversize
blackberries ready to pick. Wagon rides through
the vineyard, kid's Grape Escape, vintage cars and live
music. Craft and food vendors.
www.tarara.com
August 11: Black Dog
Wine & Jazz Festival
Held at Chateau Morrisette at Milepost
171.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Performances by
LeHot Club de Big Lick, Melva Houston and Deborah
Liles. Crafters, artisans and food
vendors.www.thedogs.com
August 11:
Country/Bluegrass
Jamboree at the Vineyard
Held at Lake Anna
Winery
Backyard cuisine and foot stomping, knee
slapping entertainment.
Food reservations
required.
www.lawinery.com
August 25-26: Progressive Wine,
Cider and Mead Tour
Held at the following locations in
southwest Virginia:
Foggy
Ridge Cider www.foggyridgecider.com
Villa
Appalaccia www.villaappalaccia.com
AmRhein www.roanokewine.com
Blacksnake
Meadery www.blacksnakemead.com
Chateau
Morrisette www.thedogs.com
Wine down the Blue Ridge Wine Trail, hop from winery to winery to meadery to
cidery. Enjoy wines, meals and ciders paired with
food at each stop. Purchase tickets at any
participating winery.
August 25:
30th Anniversary Celebration
Held at
Oasis Winery in Hume
Blessing of the Vines Gala
to benefit Journey for the Cure Fdn. Includes
ceremonial procession through the vineyard and wine
dinner prepared by celebrity Chef Morou on the
pavilion. Reservations:
540-635-7627
www.oasiswine.com
August 26:
Blessing of the Vines
Held at
Valhalla Vineyards overlooking Roanoke
Eighth
annual. An ecumenical service followed by a party
in celebration of the harvest to come. Blessing at
2:30 sharp.
www.valhallawines.com
August 28: Vintners
Dinner
Held at Chateau O'Brien at
Northpoint off I-66 in Markham (near Front
Royal)
Vintners Dinner in the vineyard
celebrating wine and food.
www.chateauobrien.com
If you have a winery festival or special
event that you would like to include in WINE LOVER
Newsletter, send details to: info@vawinelover.com.
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VIRGINIA WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
SELECTIONS
Willowcroft Farm
Vineyards
This month's
members of the Virginia Wine of the Month Club received
wines from Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. The two
wines chosen were a 2004 Merlot and a 2006 Riesling
Muscat Ottonel.
The 2004 Merlot is a blend
of 90% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 3%
Chambourcin. This wine uses a "stallestage"
technique that results in a more mellow drinkable wine
at an earlier age, so this wine is ready to enjoy
now.
The 2006 Riesling Muscat
Ottonel is approximately half and half Rielsing and
Muscat Ottonel. A great off-dry wine for meals or
enjoying on the patio before or after
dinner.
The Willowcroft Farm
Vineyards is located in Leesburg, Virginia at 38906 Mt.
Gilead Road.
If you can't make it
to Willowcroft for a tasting, you can order from
the Virginia Wine of the Month Club at www.vawineclub.com. |
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FESTIVALS &
EVENTS...WE WERE THERE!
Horse and
Hound Festival - 7/14/07
Johnson's Orchards in
Bedford, VA
With nine
Virginia vineyards on hand, those attending the third
annual Horse and Hound Wine Festival had ample
opportunity to savor some of the Old Dominion's finest
offerings. The event also featured a host of vendors,
showcasing everything from hand-rolled cigars to custom
jewelry. There were activities and demonstrations for
the many dog lovers in attendance and a "Parade of
Horses" for equestrians. Great food. Live
entertainment. Pony rides for the kids. If
you missed it this year, make plans to attend next
summer!
Daylily & Wine
Festival - 7/22/07
Andre Viette Farm & Nursey
in Fishersville, VA
The setting
was breathtakingly beautiful with the mountains forming
a backdrop for thousands of colorful daylilys in full
bloom. This was the 11th annual festival and
according to all reports, it was the most successful
ever with over 4,000 in attendance (a 30% increase over
2006). There were artists and crafters, music,
food, children's activities . . . and, of course,
wonderful wine tastings by Virginia wineries, including
Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, Chateau
Morrisette, Davis Valley Winery & Vineyard, Delfosse
Vineyards & Winery, Hill Top Berry Farm &
Winery, North Mountain Vineyard & Wine, Peaks of
Otter Winery, Rebec Vineyards, Rockbridge Vineyard,
Tomahawk Enterprises, Veritas Vineyards & Winery,
Virginia Mountain Vineyards, and Wintergreen
Winery.
Tomahawk
Mill Winery Festival -
7/28/07
 
There was plenty of fun
for all in Chatham on the 28th. There were
tastings from 6 wineries, hay rides, clowns, food &
craft vendors, live bands, grape stomping, and of course
tours of the winery and the historic grist mill that was
built by a Confederate
Soldier.
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QUESTION OF THE
MONTH:
Do You Prefer Natural or
Synthetic Corks?
Click on the question mark and give us
your opinion and we'll give you the poll results and
opinions from the experts in the September
newsletter.
| |
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If
you would like to contribute an article to our
WINE LOVER e-newsletter, please send
information to news@vawinelover.com. |
The Official Virginia WINE
LOVER™
Magazine
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