In this video we present a food and wine pairing featuring the 2011 Cabernet Franc Reserve from Barboursville Vineyards. Press play to see the video.
Category: Video
Summer Sippers
In this video we talk about a few summer sippers you might enjoy this summer. Press play.
The Ahhhhhh Experience
This is the only way to describe our Saturday afternoon at Glen Manor Vineyards. We both had a hectic week and looked forward to a relaxing getaway even if only for the afternoon. We decided to head out to Glen Manor Vineyards with a picnic in tow; we did not regret the decision.
Our picnic required the perfect wine; of course, we had to taste them all to find out which one would partner with lunch. Our decision came down to two of them: the crisp 2013 Sauvignon Blanc and the dry 2013 Morales Rose. The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc continues the tradition of excellent results with the Sauvignon Blanc grape at Glen Manor Vineyards. It presented grassy notes with flavors of citrus and a crisp finish. Perfect for the afternoon that we had planned, and even better with shellfish. The 2013 Morales Rose is a blend of red grapes that include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This rose is done in the Provence style—dry with lots of strawberry and melon flavors with a crisp finish. It screams summer yet is versatile enough to consider with a fall or holiday menu.
So what was our decision? It was a close call, but we nabbed a bottle of the 2013 Morales Rose to enjoy with a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and crackers. We found a perfect shady spot beneath a canvass canopy, and the Adirondack chairs allowed us the comfort to sip and nibble as we enjoyed the gorgeous view that encompassed mountain slopes, vineyards, and grassy knolls from which birds and butterlies fluttered about. We decided to linger for as long as possible; if we had brought pillows and blankets, we might have taken naps! It was truly an Ahhhhh experience of excellent wine, delicious snacks, and relaxing landscapes.
Consider your own Ahhhh moment at Glen Manor Vineyards. Remember to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you. Press play to see the video.
A Melange of Sensory Experiences
What a lovely Sunday we all just enjoyed! Paul and I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and packed a light picnic lunch to enjoy in the Bishop’s Garden adjacent to the National Cathedral. Once there, we secured a private bench located just above the rose garden; a heavenly blue sky was speckled with fluffy white clouds and young green leaves swayed to the gentle flow of a refreshing breeze. The scent of blossoms fragranced the air as cerulean and lavender hued petals accented the landscape. As we unpacked our simple lunch that consisted of turkey and ham sandwiches spiced with peach chutney, the cathedral bells began to peal and announced that mid day had arrived. Of course, a bottle of Virginia wine enhanced the pleasant overload of sensory experiences. What did we bring along with us? The appropriately labeled Melange Blanc 2013 from Delaplane Cellars. The mélange (or blend) includes Chardonnay, Viognier, and Petit Manseng. Soft peach and pear notes were met with a whiff of citrus; tropical fruit flavors and a hint of almond at the finish presented a nice yet refreshing feel in the mouth. Paul recorded a brief recollection of our experience that you can enjoy below.
Plan your own blend of sensory experiences, and be sure to mention them to us. Perhaps you can do this while sampling the latest pours at Delaplane Cellars; after all, they do have a gorgeous view. If that is the plan, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you. Press play to see the video.
Gray Ghost Vineyards
We recently visited Gray Ghost Vineyards. We tasted the most recently releases and had a chance to hang out and enjoy a bottle of Reserve Chardonnay. Here’s a short video from out trip to Gray Ghost. Some of the footage is shaky because is was a very windy day. Press Play.
Chrysalis Vineyards
Sunday was absolutely gorgeous, and it was certainly a great day to spend with Mom on Mother’s Day. We made certain to make our Moms feel special on Mother’s Day; however, we also made time spend with our friend, Duwayne. Duwayne enjoys Virginia wines, and the three of us had a wonderful afternoon enjoying nice wines, simple nibbles, and lovely springtime views at Chrysalis Vineyards.
We were in the mood for a crisp white wine, and the 2012 Albarino was our wine of choice after our tasting. Initial notes of stone and mineral led to flavors of citrus and peach. Sur lees fermentation provided a nice mouth feel, and it announced that spring is here! I’m always a fan of the Viognier, Chrysalis’ flagship white wine. Lush floral aromas with peach and pear notes and a fuller mouth feel make for another classic from Chrysalis. Favorite red wines? We all preferred the 2012 Locksley Reserve Norton that is a blend of Norton, Tannat, Petit Verdot, and Nebbbiolo. Still young with lots of smoky aromas, tobacco notes and oaky nuances. Dark plum and berry flavors too—buy now and enjoy later!
With a bottle of the 2012 Albarino in hand, we feasted on sliced deli meats, cheese, baguette and crackers. Great wine, simple fare, and good friends—a perfect way to spend a lovely afternoon. We also saw lots of Moms at the winery, and we know that their day was made extra special with a bottle of Chrysalis wine. Visit Chrysalis soon—mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you. And check out the video below from our visit to Chrysalis. Press Play.
Linden Vineyards
Seems like it’s video week at Virginia Wine Time. Last weekend we went to Linden Vineyards. Here is a short video of our visit. Press play.