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Vol. II, No. 12 December 2007
Happy Holidays from Virginia Wine Lover! |
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Dear Lorraine:
Tis the season to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays, and there's plenty of both at Virginia wineries. You'll find exciting winter weekend events across the state throughout December. You can travel the Jingle Bell Trail, listen to holiday jazz, make your own wreath, taste a warm glass of wassail, enjoy an old fashioned Christmas dinner and even visit with Santa Claus. See our list of Holiday Festivals & Winery Events and be sure to check out Vintage Gifts for the Holidays.
Also in this issue are wonderful recipes from the fabulous Lemaire Restaurant at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, new selections from The Virginia Wine of the Month Club, an introduction to a new red wine for Virginia, and much much more.
In this final newsletter of 2007, we thank you, our readers, for your interest, support and enthusiasm. In the new year, we will continue to bring you news and information about Virginia's wineries and the fine wines they produce. And, as we look to May 2008, we hope you share our excitement in the launch of the VIRGINIA WINE LOVER Magazine.
Frank C. Britt
Publisher
P.S. First time subscriber to the newsletter? Please share this issue with your friends and associates...just click on the Forward to a Friend button below. Feel free to e-mail us your comments at info@vawinelover.com.
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| VIRGINIA WINE LOVER MAGAZINE COMING IN 2008! |
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 We take pride in announcing that the premier issue of the VIRGINIA WINE LOVER Magazine is scheduled for May 2008. A quarterly lifestyle publication, it will celebrate the quality and uniqueness of Virginia wines, the personalities that make them, the events that surround them and the food and lifestyle that pairs with them.
VIRGINIA WINE LOVER is published jointly by Randy Thompson of VistaGraphics, Inc. (Virginia Beach) and Frank Britt of Britt Marketing & Public Relations (Forest). Editor is Patrick Evans-Hylton. Author of six books (one of which is on Virginia wines), Patrick is also a chef, food critic and television personality in the Norfolk area.
In the coming months, we will be bringing you more information about the magazine and the people behind it. In the meantime, we'd like to have you as one of the first subscribers to VIRGINIA WINE LOVER. Subscriptions (currently half price) also make great gifts for friends and colleagues. (For how to subscribe, see "Vintage Holiday Gifts" later in this newsletter.) For advertising sales inquiries, e-mail vwlsales@VirginiaWineLover.com. |
| BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS WINS 2007
GOVERNOR'S CUP
By Tonya S. Rideout, Executive Director, Virginia Wineries Association |
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Pictured above: Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards, with daughter Maria, accepts Governor's Cup from Robert Bloxom, Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry.
From a field of over 350 entries in this year's Governor's Cup Wine Competition, Barboursville Vineyards received the distinguished 2007 Governor's Cup for their 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. On behalf of Governor Tim Kaine, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Robert Bloxom presented the 2007 Governor's Cup, the highest award in the state for a Virginia wine, to winemaker Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards at the awards ceremony and tasting on November 15 at the Bank of America building in Richmond, Virginia. Secretary Bloxom also recognized the gold medal winners, awarding the "Best of White" to Horton Cellars for their 2006 Petit Manseng and the "Best of Dessert" to Oakencroft Vineyard & Winery for the 2005 Encore Late Harvest Dessert Wine. Gold medal winners displayed and poured their award-winning wines during the ceremony. The 25th Annual Governor's Cup Wine Competition, sponsored by the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA), took place in September. A panel of approximately 30 judges evaluated over 350 entries from 64 Virginia wineries and vineyards across the state. After a full day of tasting and deliberation, the judges awarded 25 gold medals, 103 silver medals and 119 bronze medals. For a complete list of winners and further information about events, tours and tastings, visit VWA's website at www.virginiawines.org or call 1-800-VA-VINES (828-4637). |
AGLIANICO: ONE OF ITALY'S THREE GREAT REDS ARRIVES IN VIRGINIA
By Stephen Haskill, Appalaccia Winery |
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Ally who? This is the usual response when we tell a customer we have a new wine to try: Aglianico. To tell the truth, we had never really tried Aglianico until Susanne and I took a trip in 2003 to the East coast of southern Italy to visit Appulia, the land of the trulli houses and our favorite Italian red at the time, Primitivo. Returning from there up the west coast of Italy, we stumbled upon the remote and sparsely populated internal region of Basilicata, home of Aglianico, an ancient grape widely respected by Italian winemakers as one of the three great red varieties in Italy. (Quite a statement from world class producers of Chianti.) Here in the curious canyon town of Matera we had our first taste and knew immediately that we had to change our travel plans to visit the producers of this great wine.
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| MURDER, SHE CO-WROTE
By Ellen Crosby, Author of The Merlot Murders and The Chardonnay Charade |
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When Juanita Swedenburg passed away on June 9, she was remembered in the press as the gutsy woman from a small Virginia vineyard who fought and won a Supreme Court battle ending discrimination against interstate wine shipments. But I will remember her as a teacher, a friend and a woman with a good mind for murder.
Seven years ago I showed up on Juanita's doorstep, explaining that I was a writer who thought her beautiful, bucolic vineyard would be a great place for mystery, mayhem, and perhaps a bit of sin. She loved the idea and invited me right in. That was three books ago.
Pictured above: Juanita Swedenburg
 The Merlot Murders and The Chardonnay Charade by Ellen Crosby are available in bookstores and at the following wineries: Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, Three Fox Vineyards, Rogers Ford Farm Winery and Keswick Vineyards.
Pictured above: Ellen Crosby |
| VINTAGE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS |
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VIRGINIA WINE LOVER MAGAZINE
Introductory Subscription
$9.95 for 4 quarterly issues (save 50% off the newsstand price of $19.90)
Give the gift that keeps on giving: VIRGINIA WINE LOVER MAGAZINE'S premier issue is coming in the Spring of 2008. Give an introductory subscription to your friends and family for HALF PRICE! Each quarter, receive the latest on Virginia wines, wineries, restaurants, festivals and much more!
Great Stocking Stuffer!
THE MERLOT MURDERS
By Ellen Crosby www.ellencrosby.com
$6.99
"Finely ladled suspense," says the Sun-Sentinel about the complex flavor of Ellen Crosby's debut mystery set in the wealthy Blue Ridge wine country of northern Virginia, where vineyard heiress Lucie Montgomery must find a killer or lose her cherished family heritage.
You'll find Ms. Croby's books in bookstores and these wineries: Rogers Ford Farm, Three Fox, Swedenburg and Keswick.
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THE LOUDOUN WINE TRAIL
By Dezel Quillen, www.myvinespot.com |
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Welcome to Loudoun County, home to 16 unique wineries that are hand-crafting high quality and award winning wines. Over the past 10 years, Loudoun's wine country has blossomed and is the perfect destination from which to embark on a wonderful and memorable wine tour. Spend a day or a weekend - you'll find a wine to suit every taste. The county's fertile soil and climate are ideal for growing popular and lesser known European, French-American hybrid, and native grape varieties. The perfect comingling of old world character and new world charm awaits you.
Whether you begin your tour along Route 15, Route 9, or Middleburg, you are sure to have an enjoyable, relaxed, and tastefully unforgettable time. Be sure to grab a Loudoun County Wine Trail guide at one of the wineries. The guide provides a full listing of all the Loudoun County wineries and a map to guide you. I have sixteen reasons for you to plan your visit to Loudoun's burgeoning wine country right now, so grab a glass and follow along.
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BED & BREAKFAST: THE ASHBY INN & RESTAURANT
Paris, Virginia |
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The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is located in the quiet village of Paris, Virginia (population 49), just one hour west of Washington, D.C. From the Marquis de Lafayette to Stonewall Jackson and John Singleton Mosby, the village has played an integral part in the lives of those who shaped America. Built about 1829 by Manley Pierce, the original house had four rooms with additions over the years. It was on the original porch that Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Stonewall Jackson rested on their way to the First Battle of Manassas the night of June 17, 1861. The house later served as a Methodist parsonage for many years.
In 1984, Roma and John Sherman bought, renovated and opened The Ashby Inn
& Restaurant. After 21 years of love and hard labor the inn was purchased by Jackie and Charles Leopold who continue the inn in the same tradition. The inn's guest rooms vary in size and decor. Each is furnished with 19th-century pieces, including four-poster beds, hand-painted wardrobes, quilts, oriental rugs and blanket chests. Four rooms have wood burning fireplaces.
Outside the inn Adirondack chairs invite guests to relax as they gaze out on long manicured lawns lined with beautiful perennial flower beds and the inn's vegetable and cutting gardens. Few settings in Northern Virginia are as beautiful as the inn's back lawns and gardens with a view of the Blue Ridge foothills beyond.
Long regarded as one of the very best restaurants in Northern Virginia, The Ashy Inn offers a menu that is thoughtful, expressive, inspired by its own gardens. The restaurant stays close to the seasons, waiting for the first asparagus, shad roe, local morels, soft shell crabs and raspberries. Fall and winter bring a range of game dishes, sausages, terrines, breads and pastas. And, of course, the wine list includes a selection of Virginia wines. The restaurant is rated in the "Excellence category by Zagat Survey 2007.
The Ashby Inn and Restaurant 692 Federal Street - Paris, VA 20130 Phone: 540.592.3900 www.ashbyinn.com |
| THE VIRGINIA WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
DECEMBER SELECTION |
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 This month's selections from The Virginia Wine of the Month Club are from Naked Mountain Vineyard in Fauquier County, owned and operated by Bob and Phoebe Harper. Naked Mountain wines have been reviewed by Robert Parker, served at the White House and honored by winning the Virginia Governor's Cup.
Scarlet Oak Red 2005 is a Rhone style blend with rich aromas of dark fruit and violets, hints of spice, leather and tar on the palate. Its delicious smoky character makes this selection a perfect match for roasted meats and game, as well as sausage, strong aged cheeses and bittersweet chocolate. Serve at cellar temperature around 58°.
Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2003 is Naked Mountain's signature wine. It is smooth with vanilla and toasty rich fruit overtones, and the buttery, oaky character of French oak barrels. This dry white wine is ready to enjoy now. Best served around 55° to 60°.
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RECIPES FROM LEMAIRE TO PAIR WITH VIRGINIA WINE
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia |
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Lemaire, one of the region's landmark restaurants, is located in The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. A contemporary Southern restaurant with French influences, it is known for refined service paired with elegant cuisine. Lemaire received the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence in 2007.
Chef Walter Bundy, who has worked with some of the great American culinarians of our time, including Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and Mark Miller at The Coyote Café, shares some of his Lemaire recipes with us.
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DECEMBER FESTIVALS & WINERY EVENTS |
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 Join Gray Ghost for the Annual Holiday Celebration on December 1 & 2, 2007! See the world's largest cork Christmas display containing over 50,000 corks!
December 1-2: OLIO & VINO NOVELLI AT VILLA APPALACCIA WINERYBlack Olive Oil from Tuscany paired with oven-baked flat breads and fresh Chianti. www.villaappalaccia.com
December 1-2: HEART OF VIRGINIA JINGLE BELL WINE TRAIL
Tour Cooper, James River, Lake Anna, Grayhaven, Green Springs and James River wineries. Map of trail and directions at each winery.
www.coopervineyards.com
December 1, 8: WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP AT BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS
Make your own holiday wreath.
www.barboursvillewine.com
December 1, 8, 15, 22: HOLIDAY JAZZ AT TARARA WINERY
Some of Virginia's finest musicians, along with holiday treats.
www.tarara.com
December 2-3: DECK THE WALLS WEEKEND ON SHENANDOAH WINE COUNTRY TRAIL
Six Central Virginia premier wineries, each with a unique holiday ornament.
www.svwga.org
December 7: RED, WHITE AND BREW IN NELSON COUNTY
Special events and activities at six wineries (Cardinal Point, DelFosse, Veritas, Wintergreen Wineries, Flying Fox Vineyard and Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery) and Blue Mountain Brewery.
www.cardinalpointwinery.com
December 8: KICK OFF THE SEASON AT WILLOWCROFT VINEYARDS
Champagne and hors d'ouevres. Reservations.
www.willowcroftwine.com
December 8: OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS DINNER - WINERY AT LAGRANGE
www.wineryatlagrange.com
December 8-9: HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WEEKEND AT PEARMUND CELLARS
Enjoy tastings and hors d'oeuvres as you shop for that special wine lover gift.
www.pearmundcellars.com
December 8-9, 15-16: HOLLY DAYS AT AMRHEIN WINE CELLARS
Award winning wines, gourmet desserts, unique gifts.
www.amrheinwinecellars.com
December 9: SANTA CLAUS VISITS GRAY GHOST VINEYARDS
Old fashioned Santa has a gift for every child. Cameras welcomed.
www.grayghostvineyards.com
December 15: NORTH MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Join in lighting the great bonfire. Christmas festivities.
www.northmountainvineyard.com
December 15-16: WASSAIL WEEKEND AT SMOKEHOUSE
Spiced mead to nurture the soul. Unique gifts.
www.smokehousewinery.com
December 31: NEW YEAR'S AT BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS
Five coarse dinner at Palladio Restaurant. Reservations.
www.barboursvillewine.com
In December, throughout Virginia, wineries are hosting holiday open houses. For dates and details, visit the Virginia Wine Guide at www.virginia.org/wine. |
| WE WERE THERE... |
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25TH ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CUP WINE COMPETITION AWARDS CEREMONY
Richmond, Virginia
Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards, winner of the 2007 Governor's Cup,
with co-publishers of VIRGINIA WINE LOVER Magazine, (l) Randy Thompson and (r) Frank Britt. (Photo courtesy of Carter Nicholas, Barboursville Vineyards.)
Shenandoah Vineyards is awarded a gold medal for 2006 Riesling at the 2007 Virginia Governor's Cup Award Ceremony. Emma Randle is presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
OPENING DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR WEDMORE PLACE
Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg, Virginia
November 16, 2007
Special guests, Governor and Mrs. Gerald Baliles share a toast with the Duffelers at the opening of Wedmore Place, Williamsburg Winery's upscale country hotel. (Photo courtesy of Wedmore Place.) www.williamsburgwinery.com
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| NOTEWORTHY NEWS |
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DelFosse Vineyards 2005 Reserve Chardonnay earned a score of 93 and finished 2nd overall in a national tasting dominated by California estates including Cosentino, Grgich, Rodney Strong and O'Brien. The Beverage Testing Institute's (BTI) 2007 World Wine Championships judged the Chardonnay as exceptional.
Gray Ghost Vineyards and Winery owners, Al & Cheryl Kellert, had the distinction of being asked to represent Virginia as speakers at the 40th Anniversary National Conference of the American Wine Society on November 1-3 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The conference features prominent American and international speakers conducting seminars and lectures on all aspects of wine appreciation, wine production, grape growing and cuisine. The presentation concluded with a tasting and in-depth discussion of four Gray Ghost wines: 2006 Chardonnay, 2006 Reserve Chardonnay, 2006 Cabernet Franc and 2006 Adieu. |
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COMING NEXT MONTH! |
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Welcome 2008 with Virginia Bubbly!
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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.
Virginia Wine Lover Magazine |
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