https://blog.extraface.com/2024/08/07/d57z9l6ifqp Thanksgiving will be here soon! We’ve put together some suggestions to enhance your holiday meal. Press play to see the short video of the wine recommendations.
Category: Food
Celebrating the Shenandoah Valley AVA
https://inteligencialimite.org/2024/08/07/qwid2y3lu On July 24 and 25, Paul and I participated in an industry event showcasing the Shenandoah Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area). The two-day event began with a luncheon at Muse Vineyards and ended with a tasting of select wineries from the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Participants enjoyed well-crafted wines, dined on culinary delights prepared by chef Tassie Pippert, and engaged with winemakers to learn what makes this particular AVA unique.
https://sugandhmalhotra.com/2024/08/07/el5fwk0 Sally Cowal, co-owner of Muse Vineyards, welcomed participants to the winery as we arrived for the luncheon. Stephanie Pence, co-owner of Brix and Columns Vineyards, and Lee Hartman, winemaker at Bluestone Vineyards, gave the event’s opening remarks to inform us that the Shenandoah Valley AVA was the oldest one in the state of Virginia, and Shenandoah Winery was the AVA’s first winery. Jim and Emma Randel founded it in 1976. The AVA also benefits from conditions that are ideal for growing grapes. Cooler nights and limestone soils produce wines with lower alcohol levels and brighter acidity. In addition, the Shenandoah Valley AVA receives less rainfall than other AVAs in the state; due to the superior quality of the grapes grown in the AVA, many of the state’s wineries source grapes from the Shenandoah Valley AVA.
https://www.completerehabsolutions.com/blog/i3sewrzpxkh 
Online Xanax Prescription The afternoon then transitioned to lunch paired with wines from Muse Vineyards. Owners Sally Cowal and Robert Muse introduced the wines as they were paired with each course. It should be noted that all foods presented during the event were prepared with locally-sourced products. The luncheon’s first course began with a lovely pate served atop a bed of lettuce dotted with radish slices and slivers of red onions. Muse’s 2021 Rose Nebbiolo was partnered with this dish, and its notes of rose petals and grapefruit proved to be the perfect pairing. Quiche Lorraine followed, and this was served beside the fuller-bodied 2020 Rousanne. Dessert included a rich chocolate brownie with chocolate or vanilla ice cream from South Mountain Creamery. This decadent dessert was paired with Muse’s Cabernet Franc from the 2016 vintage. Raspberry notes from the wine provided a perfect duet with the chocolate delight.
Alprazolam Uk Buy A tasting of sparkling wines followed lunch, and Joy Ting, Research Enologist and Exchange Coordinator at Virginia Winemakers Research Exchange led a panel discussion with winemakers or owners who presented their sparkling wines to the group. These included Lee Hartman from Bluestone Vineyard, Loretta Briedé of Briedé Family Vineyards and Robert Muse of Muse Vineyards. Lee Hartman observed that crafting sparkling wines was the “nerdiest level of winemaking,” and anyone familiar with the méthode champenoise would probably agree with this assessment. Hartman further offered that the Shenandoah Valley AVA was conducive for quality sparkling wines due to the AVA’s climate, which resulted in fresh and refreshing bubbly. The most interesting sparkling wine was the 2017 Sparkling from Briedé Family Vineyards. It was crafted from the Cayuga grape, a hybrid variety that seemed more prevalent at wine festivals many years ago. However, Briedé Family Vineyards has brought the Cayuga grape to a much higher quality. Their sparkling wine featured whiffs of fresh pair and citrus followed by a bright palate and refreshing acidity. Loretta Briedé explained that she and her husband Paul were committed to organic methods to showcase the untapped potential of hybrid grapes, including Cayuga and red varieties such as Marquette and Arandell.
https://foster2forever.com/2024/08/u9ednuqwmr.html 
Buying Xanax Bars The day’s final event was also its highlight—-a four-course dinner prepared by Emmy-winning chef Tassie Pippert, the producer and host of Un-wine’d on PBS. The dinner was hosted by Brix and Columns Vineyards owners Stephanie and Steve Pence at their lovely home. Appetizers included deviled eggs topped with pickled mustard seeds and a slice of smoky bacon, and pastry shells stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, and salsa. The 2017 Blanc de Blancs from Bluestone Vineyards provided a refreshing accompaniment to these tasty starters.
https://eloquentgushing.com/eoxcpb4 The first course featured scallops with asparagus, grits, and a prosciutto chip served beside Burgundian-styled 2019 Chardonnay from Brix and Columns Vineyards. The rich textures of this course matched perfectly with the fuller-bodied Chardonnay.
https://www.psicologialaboral.net/2024/08/07/dtum9le 
The next course was a salad of mixed greens, nuts, berries, and local cheese partnered with the 2017 Viognier with Barren Ridge Vineyards. The Viognier’s tropical fruit flavors played well with the berries which accented the salad, and its honeyed texture provided a rounder yet fruity palate.
https://transculturalexchange.org/e6z6j38umjq 
https://foster2forever.com/2024/08/kprpg3rrv.html The main course, though, was the stunner. Tenderloin of beef was topped with a local cherry sauce and served beside roasted potatoes and green beans. This course was paired with the 2017 Houndstooth from Bluestone Vineyard. The cherry sauce allowed the Bordeaux-style blend to shine with its blackberry, raspberry, and dried herb components.
https://solomedicalsupply.com/2024/08/07/2o0pf08oku The dessert course included a dark chocolate bourbon cheesecake. Tassie Pippert provided an answer for wine lovers wondering how to branch out beyond dessert or port-style wines with decadent sweets. Pippert selected the 2017 Petit Verdot from the Winery at Kindred Pointe to pair with this decadent cheesecake.
https://mandikaye.com/blog/koivihj Alas, all good things must come to an end, and that included our first day of celebrating the Shenandoah Valley AVA. However, there will be a second part to this post so stay tuned for a summary of Day 2. In the meantime, plan your celebration of the Shenandoah Valley AVA to visit these and other regional wineries. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!
We would like to Thank all the partners who made this media tour possible:
https://merangue.com/bq5xgv8 Shenandoah County Tourism
Rockingham County Tourism
Virginia Wine Marketing Office
Seven Bends Spirits Tours
Muse Vineyards
Brix & Columns Vineyards
Bluestone Vineyard
Vicki Ruckman, Owner, The Virginia Farmhouse
Stephanie Pence, Co-owner, Brix & Columns Vineyards
Lee Hartman, Winemaker, Bluestone Vineyard
Solstice Paired With Virginia Wines
Paul and I made our annual summer trek to the Charlottesville area, and this year it coincided with summer solstice, the official start of the summer season. These longer days allowed us to enjoy late dinners and wine on the porch at our favorite Stay cottage located on the Afton Mountain Vineyards property. In this post, I offer a review of favored wine varieties, blends, and sparkling wines that we sampled from various wineries in the Charlottesville area. Notice a special focus on summer wines since stocking up on these was our mission; however, any wine can be enjoyed in all seasons, and we do note some wines that some may find to be more appropriate for cooler weather.
White Wines/Rose/ White Blends/Sparkling:
Albarino: Pay attention to this grape in Virginia because it shows promise. Afton Mountain’s 2021 release features classic citrus notes and a leaner palate. A different twist will be offered by Jake Bushing’s 2021 Albarino that saw some time in oak barrels and thus presents a fuller-bodied palate.
https://inteligencialimite.org/2024/08/07/ev9ilfdc Chardonnay: Always my favorite. Full-bodied treatments of this grape can be enjoyed at Septenary (2019), King Family Vineyards (2020) and Hazy Mountain (2019). Sippers who prefer a medium to lighter-bodied style may want to consider the releases from Pollak (2019) and Keswick (LVA 2021).
Sauvignon Blanc: This is another grape that has potential in Virginia. The 2021 offering from Septenary captures classic notes of boxwood and citrus with a refreshing acidity. Similar characteristics were noted in the current 2021 release from Jake Busching Wines. Sauvignon Blanc is also the key component in two white blends from Blenheim Vineyards. 2020 On The Line also includes Rkatsiteli, Chardonnay, and Petit Manseng while the 2018 Painted White incorporates Chardonnay and Petit Manseng. I will add that these two blends convinced me that Petit Manseng with its tropical fruit notes, acidity and texture brings much more to the table (or the bottle) as a blender than a stand alone.
https://oevenezolano.org/2024/08/kyb7wa04n 
Rose: Dry rose for us, please. Thankfully, Virginia wineries can deliver here too. We can recommend current releases now offered at Blenheim Vineyards (2020) King Family Vineyards (2021), Hark Vineyards (2021) and Septenary (2020). While rose conjures images of beaches or picnics, be sure to have Rose on hand for all seasons—-rose is versatile and can pair with almost anything.
Sparkling Wine: Any occasion or no occasion at all calls for sparkling wine. Try the 2018 Brut from King Family Vineyards produced from 100% Chardonnay, the Sparkling Amelie Blanc de Noir from Keswick Vineyards and/or the Sparkling Rose from Septenary.
Vidal Blanc: Once a driver at most Virginia wineries, Vidal Blanc seems be less common these days. Fortunately, the 2020 Virginia Verde from Hark Vineyards keeps Vidal Blanc alive, and it screams summer.
Red Wines: Cabernet Franc: This is probably the one red wine that is another all season gift. Enjoy it with light grilled fare in summer or with Thanksgiving turkey in the fall. I tend to prefer lighter style Cabernet Franc that presents juicy red berries with little interference from extensive use of oak or blends with other varieties. Blenheim’s 2020 release fits that bill. Pollak Vineyards’ 2019 bottling sees a bit more time on oak with a noted presence of black pepper; however, it too can be served on its own or with food. Septenary’s Cloverplains 2017 is a blend that leads with Cabernet France but includes Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Bright seed berries, sweet tobacco and subtle black pepper nuances offers a complex wine that can be enjoyed now or later.
Petit Verdot: This is another winning grape for Virginia. However, there are those who prefer this one on its own, while others would rather enjoy it as part of a blend. (Review my Petit Manseng comment). The 2018 vintage from Pollak Vineyards was surprisingly juicy and rich given the rather wet 2018 growing season. Hark Vineyards’ 2017 release is dark and brooding—-decant now or hold for a bit longer. Don’t ignore the 2019 vintage from DuCard Vineyards, especially if you are tracking down the gold medal winners from 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup. Looking for a Petit Verdot-dominant blend? Give 2018 Blended Red from Blenheim Vineyards a try. It includes an equal part of Merlot followed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Others: We always grab a bottle (or two, three) of Bacco from Afton Mountain Vineyards. This one always includes Sangiovese, and the 2017 is delicious. If your library includes the 2016 Meritage from Pollak Vineyards, it is still showing quite well. Drink or hold. I bought a bottle to join its sibling on our wine rack. One will be enjoyed soon and the other will be poured in another year or so. Our 2013 Merlot from King Family Vineyards has definitely gathered dust, so it was a treat to try a sample of this one at the winery. I would put this one in the drink now category but made sure to purchase another one. Can it hold on for another year or two? We’ll find out.
Our front porch dinners paired with a perfect Virginia wine were lit with late sunsets followed by starry skies and dancing fireflies. Another treat was the cooler than usual night temperatures that allowed us to open the windows to enjoy cool nighttime breezes. If Mother Nature was treating us to a solstice concert, then she put on a stellar performance.
Plan to visit the wineries mentioned in this post to sample these well-crafted wines for yourself this summer. Let us know if you find others that you enjoyed but not described here. Of course, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Virginia Wines Shine on a Rainy Day
We braved a recent chilly weekend to join wine friends for wine tasting and lunch at Stone Tower Winery and Fleetwood Farms Winery. Read on to learn more about our experiences.
Our first stop at Stone Tower Winery required us to brave pelting rain drops and gusty winds. It did not seem like a spring afternoon despite what the calendar told us, and we were fooled into thinking that it was early May. However, our tasting at Stone Tower Winery was worth braving the elements. Our wine friends are members at Stone Tower, and we were treated to an estate wine tasting experience that was expertly guided by the sharp-witted Joe. Of course, white wines were tasted first, and the 2019 Chardonnays hit all the right notes. The 2019 Chardonnay Reserve presented notes of wet stone and fresh pear; its acidity made for an elegant wine that would pair well with poultry or seafood dishes. The 2019 Kristi Chardonnay was crafted from a designated lots on the vineyard site and is named after founder Kristi Huber. Thirty percent of the Kristi Chardonnay is done in concrete eggs to allow for micro-oxygenation of the wine without the impact on its flavors and aromas that would be expected from an oak barrel. The result is a fuller bodied wine that is better able to express terroir.
We transitioned to red wines, and Joe treated us to a comparative tasting of the 2015 Hogback Mountain and the 2015 Wind Swept Hill; the former is a left bank Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon taking the lead, and the latter is a right bank blend spearheaded by Merlot. The 2015 Hogback has transitioned to more savory elements associated with an aging red, so collectors with this one on the wine rack may want to consider drinking it soon. However, its right bank sibling still held on top its fruitier profile to suggest further aging potential. The 2019 Cabernet Franc was also excellent with dark berry notes and a juicy palate. Our tasting experience ended with the 2021 Rose that was crafted from all Merlot grapes. Bright strawberry notes and a fruity yet dry palate made for a versatile wine that plays well in all seasons.
We lunched on handmade pizzas, olives and cheeses while sipping a bottle of the 2019 Hogback Mountain. The comfy members tasting room allowed us to enjoy our food and wine experience as the weather continued its tantrum!
A subsequent tasting at Fleetwood Farm Winery signaled an upcoming milestone for Virginia Wine Time—-it was winery number 199 on our list of Virginia wineries visited. The 2019 Tempete Blanche, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, and Muscadelle grown by Chateau Kalian in France, should prove to be popular in the summer with its fresh floral aromas and refreshing palate. Tasters looking for an easy summer sipper to pair with grilled fare should be please with the fruity 2019 Ellzey Red, a juicy blend that fills the palate with fresh berry flavors. Virginia wine aficionados may recognize the mention of Chateau Kalian—-it is the home of co-winemaker at Fleetwood Farms, Katell Griaud. Katell is also the winemaker of Slater Run Vineyards. It is she, along with Ashton Lew, who craft the wines at Fleetwood Farm Winery.
We look forward to winery number 200, wherever it may be. Summer warmth seems to be upon us now, so we are certain that our goal will be met sooner rather than later. In the meantime, visit the Virginia wineries mentioned in this post; of course, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Celebrating Spring With Virginia Wines!
Winter is slowly losing its seasonal grip as spring flowers begin to bloom in the area. We recently treated ourselves to a long weekend visiting Virginia wineries while taking in the beauty of spring flora!
Our scenic trek through Virginia landscapes allowed us to take in lovely cherry trees, blooming Bradford pears (not my favorite but they do herald spring in their own way), and dazzling bulbs that included daffodils. We brought along sliced deli meats and cheeses to enjoy a tasting and lunch at Gray Ghost Vineyards, a favorite winery of ours. The newly released 2021 Riesling announced spring in all its glory—aromas of white blossoms were followed by stone fruit flavors on the palate suggested a perfect pairing with ham or shellfish. We opted to enjoy lunch with my favorite 2018 Reserve Chardonnay with its pear notes and fuller mouth feel. A warm breeze and fluttering birds joined us for wine and snacks.
Quievremont Vineyard and Winery was next on our tasting agenda, and we were glad that we included this winery on our weekend trip. It had been quite a while since our last tasting at Quievremont Vineyard and Winery, and winemaker Karl Selzer treated us to a wonderful tasting experience. The 2019 Q Table Red reminded us that we needed a lighter-bodied red wine on the rack that can be enjoyed either on its own or with simple fare. This blend included Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, but light aging in neutral oak barrels made for a fruity quaffer. The 2019 Vin de Maison was more complex, and this blend included Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Aged for a year in both American and French oak barrels, this one exhibited notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and plums. Oakier nuances suggested a pairing with a beef dish sided with roasted veggies. Watch out for a release of a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon; although quite young, it presented blackberry and cherry notes along with a whiff of licorice. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, we look forward to tasting this one again once it is released. Our outdoor tasting allowed us to take in mountain views decorated with trees waiting to burst with a splash of fresh green leaves as temperatures warm.
We always look forward to dinner at Claires at the Depot whenever we stay in Warrenton, and we nursed a glass of the 2018 Reserve Chardonnay from Gray Ghost Vineyards while gazing upon a sunset layered with tones of pink, periwinkle and cobalt.
Our final winery tasting included a self-guided flight at Pearmund Cellars. My favorite is always the Old Vines Chardonnay, and the 2017 vintage did not disappoint me. I enjoyed the lush aromas of grilled pineapple and pear, and its rich palate finished with a generous kiss of oak. Our outdoor tasting proved to be a chillier experience since the sun decided to take a nap that day; however, a sturdier breeze toyed with wind chimes to provide music for our tasting experience.
We encourage readers to plan their own spring outing to these and other Virginia wineries. Of course, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Walsh Family Wine
We joined Kurt from Wine About Virginia at Walsh Family Wine to celebrate their recent anniversary weekend. Happy Anniversary Walsh Family!
We began with a self directed tasting of the 2019 Estate Chardonnay, the 2018 Viognier, the 2018 Loudoun County Cuvée and the 2017 En Passant. The Chardonnay was a favorite as we worked our way through the wines. The Viognier was soft and refreshing. The 2018 Cuvée was smooth, fruity and a perfect light red sipper. The 2017 En Passant ended up being the favorite red in this tasting. We noted dark fruit, coffee and some black pepper.
After our tasting we selected the 2019 Estate Chardonnay to enjoy with our lunch items. We had lots of food items to enjoy with the chardonnay. It paired well! While enjoying our lunch and the chardonnay, Nate Walsh came by and chatted with us. It was nice to catch up with him. We were also able to see Sarah and the new baby!
We enjoyed our time at Walsh Family Wine. It’s always nice to visit and catch up and enjoy all the wonderful wines. If you haven’t been to Walsh lately, you need to plan a trip and when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Dinner Wine
Recently we had a wonderful dinner of filet mignon topped with port reduction sauce served with sautéed potatoes sprinkled with tarragon. Of course it was delicious but we needed a wine that could stand up to such a dish. Warren selected the 2014 Meritage from King Family Vineyards.
We noted Blackberries, currants, a whiff of cedar on the nose. It was well balanced and elegant. Warren noted it had the acidity characteristic of the 2014 vintage. It paired nicely with our meal. It’s always fun to find a gem from years ago. We are finding that we are really enjoyed the 2014 reds right now.
If you travel to King Family Vineyards we’re sure you’ll enjoy all their wines. While there, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Wines for the New Year
Last week we were sent two bottles of wine from Virginia Wine.org. They asked us to taste the wines and share our food pairings. What a great way to start 2020!
The first wine was the 2018 Blenheim Vineyards Albariño. We love the wines from Blenheim so much that I’m a club member! We decided to have this bottle as our evening sipper. We paired it with various crackers and brie and Havarti cheeses. We noted white stone fruit, citrus zest, chamomile, a refreshing palate. Even though we enjoyed this as an evening sipper, we could also see pairing this with a fish dish. If you don’t often find yourself in the Charlottesville area, you can purchase this wine right from their website for $23.
The second bottle of wine was the 2016 Pinot Noir from Ankida Ridge Vineyards. We have been a fan of their pinot noir for years but hadn’t had a chance to taste the 2016. We were looking forward to it! Warren decided to roast a chicken to enjoy with the wine. He also made roasted root vegetables with a sprig of thyme and mashed potatoes. We noted bright seed berries, hint of anise, bright berries on the palate, fruity through the finish…elegant yet paired well with the rustic fair. We became instant fans of this vintage. Again, if you are unable to visit their tasting room, you can purchase this vintage from their website for $44.
A big Thank You to Virginia wine.org for sending us these wonderful wines. You should plan a visit to Blenheim Vineyards or Ankida Ridge Vineyards soon and when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations
We have gathered together some wine recommendations for your Thanksgiving meal. Watch the video to see the recommendations.
Stay
And we did just that during a recent summer getaway to the Charlottesville area. We rented a cottage on a vineyard site managed by Stay Charlottesville, and the cottage named Coop Billon was located on the property associated with Afton Mountain Vineyards. Of course, we visited several wineries during our stay!
For readers looking for a local weekend getaway or longer vacation in the historic Charlottesville area, consider booking accommodations through Stay Charlottesville. We booked a cottage located on a vineyard because we are wine geeks; however, other Stay sites include Charlottesville estates, rustic Virginia countryside, and University of Virginia. The Coop Billon is one of four cottages that offer guests views of Afton Mountain’s vineyards, a tasting in the tasting room, a gorgeous views of Virginia mountainsides. The cottage itself can be described as country quaint with a complete kitchen, spacious bathroom, and a back porch that included rocking chairs. Paul and I enjoyed simple meals each night paired with a favorite Virginia wine while dining al fresco on the porch. Each meal was partnered with lovely skies, and on one evening, music from the winery.
A stay at the cottages includes a free tasting at the winery; of course, we took advantage of the opportunity to sample the latest releases from Afton Mountain Vineyards. Owner Elizabeth Smith greeted us warmly, and it was she who conducted our tasting. I already had dinner on my mind even though it was 11 AM—-it’s never too early to think about dinner; anyway, I knew that we were going to enjoy crab cakes that evening. The first pour on the tasting list was also my choice to pair with dinner, and it was the 2018 Albarino. It presented floral notes with peach aromas and a crisp, refreshing feel in the mouth. Be on the look out for lots of rose from the 2018 vintage due to the heavy rainfall during that growing season, and the 2018 Rose from Afton Mountain Vineyards offered bright red berry notes and fruity palate that demanded to be enjoyed on a hot summer day.
Speaking of the 2018 vintage, readers may know that some winemakers have opted not to produce red wines from that growing season; however, remember that microclimates matter. While some vineyard sites got soaked, others were more fortunate to receive a break from the constant rainfall and were able to produce red wines. The 2018 Cabernet Franc from Afton Mountain Vineyards was quite enjoyable. It was lighter bodied with lots of red raspberry and cherry notes; it also presented a fruity palate that makes it an easy pairing with lighter fare now or in the fall. If in doubt about which winemaker is doing what with the 2018 vintage, ask the particular winemaker at a specific winery——don’t assume everyone has decided not to produce red wines.
Of course, summer will not last forever and fall/winter fare will grace the dinner tables. Consider Afton Mountain’s Bacco 2016 which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Tannat. This one featured a profile of ripe dark berries and currants with a chewy/tannic presence that plays well with heavier beef dishes and game meats. Look out for a white port-style wine crafted from the floral muscat grape; we were treated to a sneak preview; however, we are not sure when it will be released.
And so our day ended just as we had planned—-crab cakes with the 2018 Albarino from Afton Mountains. We dined outdoors and were entertained by the band playing at the winery; a cool breeze greeted a colorful sky made brighter by fire flies flitting above the meadow. Consider a Stay at the vineyard cottages while visiting the Charlottesville area, and enjoy the lovely wines at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!