“It is my goal to have a bottle of Norton on every grocery store shelf in America.”

-Jenni McCloud

Jenni McCloud of Chrysalis Vineyards is indeed on a mission—to promote Norton as the premier varietal in the state of Virginia and entire country. Jenni recently gave us an extensive tour of the Chrysalis facilities and grounds, and along the way, she shared with us her goals for Chrysalis Vineyards.

As our tour began, Jenni revealed to us that her interest and passion for winemaking in Virginia began in the mid-1990s; in particular, Jenni knew from the outset that she wanted to develop Cynthiana Norton’s potential, Why? The Cynthiana Norton is a varietal native to North America and thrives in Virginia’s tricky climate. Also, before Prohibition, American made Norton wines won rave reviews from international wine critics; however, after Prohibition, vineyards looked to the more delicate vinifera for America’s winemaking renaissance. With this in mind, Jenni resolved to restore Norton to its place of international prominence with the goal of putting Norton in every supermarket in America!

With over sixty acres of Norton planted, Jenni may be well on her way to realizing her goal. Jenni gave us a driving tour of Norton vineyard, and we witnessed rows and rows of Norton vines and their bare canes. Unlike most vinifera, the native Norton vines seem to have a top-heavy appearance, and Jenni maintains her vines on either single-wire canopies or Geneva Double Curtains. In addition, a greenhouse ensures that young Norton vines will be on the way for planting. If we were not already impressed by Jenni’s dedication to maximizing Norton’s potential, Jenni treated us to grapeseed oil pressed from Norton seeds. What we sampled had the taste and texture of a quality virgin olive oil; however, another Norton innovation was revealed—Norton red wine vinegar. Warren’s brain was swirling with menu possibilities when we were then introduced to innovative chef, Hump Astorga. Hump Astorga’s Aster restaurant earned rave reviews; more recently, he prepared the unbelievable menu for Chrysalis’ VIP party in December. In fact, Hump now works exclusively for Chrysalis as he shares Jenni’s passion for the Norton varietal and its potential; on this particular afternoon, Hump was in the midst of preparations for that evening’s winemaker’s dinner. However, he graciously took a moment to briefly chat with us as we sampled the oil and vinegar.

To say that we were awed as we toured the Chrysalis facility and witnessed Jenni’s vision in action would be an understatement. However, more was revealed on this cold and blustery afternoon. Jenni’s long-range vision is to turn Chrysalis into a center for agri-tainment. To this end, Jenni introduced us to her dairy cows and chickens whose milk and eggs will be used in future food and wine events at Chrysalis.

Our tour concluded with a walk through of the barrel room and a sampling of the upcoming Albarino and Petit Manseng. These we tasted out of the barrel, and both were truly incredible. The Albarino’s acidity imparted a crispness that would be appreciated with most seafood dishes, especially paella. Warren, the Cajun from Louisiana, thought of shrimp jumbalaya. The Petit Manseng evoked images of tropical paradises as we were treated to aromas of banana and pineapple; this varietal is yet another one that seems to do well in Virginia, and Jenni’s treatment of it sets the standard for others to follow.

Our afternoon with Jenni McCloud seemed to fly by, and we were unaware that we had spent two hours with this truly visionary winemaker. Before we left Chrysalis, we visited the tasting room for a sampling of current releases. Deanna skillfully assisted us through the tasting, and our favorites were indeed the Viognier, another international award winner for Jen ni, and the Locksely Norton Reserve; Warren also put a gold star next to the Petit Verdot and decided to purchase a bottle. Paul secured a bottle of Sarah’s Patio White for an upcoming party, and we reluctantly bid adieu to Chrysalis Vineyards. We cannot wait to return! Please visit Chrysalis Vineyards, and be sure to mention that you read about Chrysalis and Jenni McCloud on Virginia Wine Time!

During our recent trip to Charlottesville, we stopped at another one of our favorite wineries, Oakencroft Vineyard and Winery. Oakencroft has been producing quality wines for nearly 25 years in Albemarle County, Virginia. Felicia Warburg Rogan has been an enthusiastic promoter of Virginia wines, and this was evident as we tasted her wonderful wines and enjoyed the scenic tasting room.

Our tasting began with the whites, and standouts included the 2005 Viognier and the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay. As this was in the midst of our El Nino winter weekend, the warm weather suggested that we try the crisp Countryside White with its citrus flavors; we purchased a bottle to enjoy while on a springtime picnic.

Warren enjoying our tasting.

We then moved on to the reds and enjoyed samplings of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 Cabernet Franc, 2005 Merlot, 2005 Jefferson Claret, 2005 Estate Chambourcin, and the Countryside Red. Paul’s personal favorite was the 2005 Merlot with its dark cherry flavors and satin-like texture. At the top of Warren’s list was the 2004 Petit Verdot, and in fact, he purchased a glass to enjoy with hard cheeses and baguette. Its dark garnet color suggested a dense core; aromas of dark cheery and plums gave way to flavors of black cherry, raisins, and mocha. The 2004 Petit Verdot follows in the footsteps of the excellent 2002 Petit Verdot and deserves a place on the wine rack!

If in search of a dessert wine, do try the Sweet Virginia. This is a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier with a touch of Muscat. A floral nose and honeyed texture makes this one a crowd pleaser.

We enjoyed the view and the wine.
While we relaxed by the pond and savored our wine and nibbles, Felicia drove down the driveway. Following her was her beloved pet goose that happily honked as Felicia then made her way to a storage room where she keeps its food. We chatted with Felicia and found out that the goose had just lost its mate; even more significant was the fact that this goose was now the last of 12 geese that she and her late husband had raised on the property for over a twenty year period. We were saddened by the loss, but we were glad to see the remaining goose enjoy its feeding time with Felicia.

Felicia feeding the goose.
Once we finished our wine and snacks, we stopped in the tasting room to purchase a few bottles for our collections. Felicia encouraged us to inquire about the “Five Case Club”, and this we did upon our return to the tasting room. A purchase of five cases of wine in 2007 will earn a sixth case at 50% off. These cases can be mixed and matched, and they don’t need to be purchased all at one time. Be sure to ask for a Five Case Club card, and each time a case is purchased, the card will be punched; before long, that sixth case will sitting on the wine rack and at an incredible savings.

We enjoy our visits to Oakencroft and a chance to talk with Felicia is always a bonus. We have plans to return to the Charlottesville area in the future and a stop at Oakencroft will be on the agenda. If you visit Oakencroft be sure to mention that them you read about their wines on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

With each new year comes new opportunities to visit some of our favorite wineries. We both had a long weekend due to Martin Luther King Day, and we decided to visit some of our favorite wineries in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is home to some of the best wineries in Virginia, and we have many favorites; however, we had time to visit only a few of them. At the top of our list was Barboursville.

Barboursville is always on our list when we visit Charlottesville, and this trip was no different. We did remember to bring our Barboursville wine glasses with us; therefore, the nominal tasting fee was waived. We eagerly made our way to the tasting counter and began with the white wines. Though nothing new had been released since our last visit, we were able to confirm that the Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Grigio, and the Reserve Chardonnay were standouts. To our dismay, the Riesling was sold out. Do sample the 2005 Rose which is an excellent dry wine; don’t let that pinkish color fool you! This Rose will pair with almost anything.

We then moved on to the red wines, and the Cabernet Franc and the Octagon VII topped our list of favorites. In particular, the Octagon VII presented a full-bodied red wine with intense dark fruit characters; Warren also detected dry fruit, leather, and mocha. The Octagon VII is definitely age worthy, and Warren determined to buy a bottle to store on the wine rack at home.

Of course, a sampling of dessert wines rounded out our tasting. We particularly enjoyed the Phileo with its peach/apricot flavors and honeyed texture. The Phileo would also make an excellent appertif.

After our tasting, we decidedto share a glass of the Octagon VII. It was a very warm day, and we were able to finish our glass outdoors to enjoy the spring-like day. We always look forward to a visit to Barboursville, and each time we return to Charlottesville, a stop at Barboursville is a must. If you visit Barboursville, be sure to mention that you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog. And don’t forget your tasting glasses!

What better way to start 2007 than a visit to Gray Ghost Winery, our first in 2007. Warren brought along some papers to grade (yes, he’s a teacher), and he decided to make use of a comfy chair in the Gray Ghost’s elegant, spacious loft to get the job done. Of course, wine tasting was on the agenda, too.

We packed a lunch and headed to Gray Ghost to sample the new wines and get some work done. Warren brought his briefcase; Paul, his laptop. Lunch demanded a red wine, and we readily opted for a bottle of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec, and it presents a deep garnet color with aromas of cherry, plum and subtle hints of spice. Dark cherry flavors prevail here with smoky/earthy undertones and satiny tannins. We could think of no better accompaniment with our roast beef sandwiches, hard cheeses, and chocolates!

After enjoying our Cabernet Sauvignon with our lunch, we opted to taste the new Victorian Red and the Victorian White. The Victorian white, a stainless steel fermented Chardonnay, is a light, crisp wine that would feel very comfortable with salads and other light fare; it would also be a perfect appertif . Also sample the Victorian Red. This blush-style wine has a drier finish; Paul enjoyed the cranberry flavors of the Victorian Red and decided to purchase a bottle to bring home. Baked ham would be a yummy choice to serve with this one!

So when did we ever get to work? Well, after our tastings and lunch, we settled down to our tasks at hand. Wine came along with us, and Warren savored a glass of the reserve Chardonnay while Paul pondered classic literature over a glass of the Cabernet Franc. Before long, Warren was able to grade several essays, but we were reluctant to leave the restive atmosphere of the loft; alas, it was time to leave.

Here’s Warren grading papers in the loft area at Gray Ghost.

All good things come to an end and so we had to end our first visit of 2007 to Gray Ghost. We’ll be returning to Gray Ghost for their Cabernet and Chocolates event in early February.

The new year is off to a great start. From now on we’ll be recording our winery adventures for your reading pleasure. And if you happen to drop by Gray Ghost be sure to mention that you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

Virginia Wine Time took a holiday hiatus; in particular, Warren visited family in New Orleans for Christmas. While he was there, Warren paid a visit to Pontchartrain Vineyards located in Bush, Louisiana. What connection to Virginia wines, you ask? Well, Pontchartrain Vineyards produces wine from the Cynthiana Norton varietal, and John Seago, owner and winemaker there, revealed that he had sampled the Norton produced at Chrysalis Vineyards and was most pleased. This led to an extended conversation about Norton and its potential; in the process, Warren tasted some excellent wines!

John Seago, like Jennifer McCloud at Chrysalis, had devoted himself to producing wines from varietals native to his particular region and microclimate. For him, those varietals would be the Blanc du Bois, and the Cynthiana Norton. The former produces dry (the Le Trolley) to off-dry (Roux St. Louis) white wines that could accompany cream sauces, seafood, and etouffee; however, the latter produces the Rouge Militaire. The Rouge Militaire is made in the pinot noir style, and the grape juice character usually associated with Norton are much more subtle; in fact, dark red fruit like plum and cherry prevail here. Warren was given a sneak preview of the yet to be released 2002 Rouge Militaire, and he immediately envisioned cassoulet with duck confit for dinner with the 2002 Rouge Militaire. A medium-bodied wine, it finished smoother than most Nortons with a hint of smokiness that bordered on seductive!

Warren and John also conversed about the self-distribution laws that are the bane of small wineries in Louisiana as well as Virginia. We hope that state governments revisit these laws in the new year.

After the tasting, Warren opted for the Roux St. Louis to enjoy with lunch; his Mom and Dad were there as well, and they all feasted on muffaletta-style sandwiches, mild cheeses, and fruit. Warren’s Mom took a photo for the blog, and Warren made sure to strike an appropriate pose!

At the end of lunch, additional bottles of wine were purchased to bring back home. Readers who visit New Orleans must plan to visit Pontchartrain Vineyards; if you do, let John know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.