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.