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This weekend I'll be at the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival helping pour for Hiddencroft winery. If you have $25 to spare... I highly suggest you join us for 2 days of tasting from some of Virginia's finest wineries.
Vintage Virginia Homepage
Friday, May 23, 2008
Farm Tours in Loudoun; Loudoun Valley Vineyards
Shame it rained cats and dogs last Sunday when I visited Loudoun Valley Vineyards off of route nine; the view would have been spectacular. Despite the rain though, my mother and I forged through the rain to see lavender farms and exotic cattle (Yes, I had to drag her to the winery as she was far more interested in Scottish Highlanders).
We squeezed some space for ourselves at the bar, and waited, first to be seen by the hostess, and then another 10 minutes to be served. It was a celebration weekend to be sure. The winery charges for tastings; $5 for the standard and $10 for a "cheese and chocolate plate" that was grossly overpriced. In fairness though, my mother and I did the pairing to see just what this winery had to offer.
Recently bought by a husband and wife team, they have just begun their overhaul of the vines. According to the hostess, Bree, the winemaker/wife had brought cases from her last venture to hold the winery over until the vines could be recovered and improved. These wines included: Vinifera White, Cabernet Franc, and Dynasty.
We began with a stainless steel Chardonnay which landed on the palette more like a Gewürz than a Chardonnay. The nose held green apple and slight banana notes while the palette exhibited spice and vanilla. Moving on to the Vintner Select Chardonnay, we discerned honey and banana on the nose and cream, and honey on the palette, finishing with a slight spice. This chardonnay was paired with pecorino. Aged in French oak, this wine underwent malolactic fermentation to yield its smoother flavors. One of Bree's wines, the Vinifera White, exhibited apple and honeysuckle on the nose, and oak and spice on the palette. The Riesling was a nice example of a traditional German Riesling and paired with Brie, the fruit tones resonated well. The Classic White, winner of a gold medal, was probably my favorite of the day simply due to the accessibility of the wine. This wine you can serve to a variety of different palettes and retain a "oh, that's tasty!" from even the most stingy of guests. You won't get anyone's socks knocked off though... Starting off with a highly floral nose exhibiting honeysuckle and rose notes, the wine's palette is full with strong honey notes. Paired with swiss, the sugar abates and the wines fruit notes become more apparent.
Now for the most unique wine, the Zinfandel Blush. Now, I am familiar with the "White Zin" variety of wines but this blush is not what you think. They call it their "Christmas" wine due to the strong clove and juniper berry notes apparent on both the nose and the palette. The spice blends nicely with the berry notes, but is not for the faint of palette. She's a strong one and quite an experience.
The two red wines on the tasting were both provided by Bree. First, the Cabernet Franc, which displayed black currant, tobacco, and chocolate notes, finishing light. Second the Dynasty, which is the winery's version of a Meritage Bordeaux style wine, exhibited blackberry and vanilla with a nice tannic bite.
Overall, the wines were lacking in character (save the blush) and in refinement (save the Classic White), though the grapes are only now beginning to enjoy their new ownership. I think this winery has much growing to do but will continue producing at least a few winners as they develop their venture.
Bottom Line: 2 out of 5 (they need time to recover those vines!)
We squeezed some space for ourselves at the bar, and waited, first to be seen by the hostess, and then another 10 minutes to be served. It was a celebration weekend to be sure. The winery charges for tastings; $5 for the standard and $10 for a "cheese and chocolate plate" that was grossly overpriced. In fairness though, my mother and I did the pairing to see just what this winery had to offer.
Recently bought by a husband and wife team, they have just begun their overhaul of the vines. According to the hostess, Bree, the winemaker/wife had brought cases from her last venture to hold the winery over until the vines could be recovered and improved. These wines included: Vinifera White, Cabernet Franc, and Dynasty.
We began with a stainless steel Chardonnay which landed on the palette more like a Gewürz than a Chardonnay. The nose held green apple and slight banana notes while the palette exhibited spice and vanilla. Moving on to the Vintner Select Chardonnay, we discerned honey and banana on the nose and cream, and honey on the palette, finishing with a slight spice. This chardonnay was paired with pecorino. Aged in French oak, this wine underwent malolactic fermentation to yield its smoother flavors. One of Bree's wines, the Vinifera White, exhibited apple and honeysuckle on the nose, and oak and spice on the palette. The Riesling was a nice example of a traditional German Riesling and paired with Brie, the fruit tones resonated well. The Classic White, winner of a gold medal, was probably my favorite of the day simply due to the accessibility of the wine. This wine you can serve to a variety of different palettes and retain a "oh, that's tasty!" from even the most stingy of guests. You won't get anyone's socks knocked off though... Starting off with a highly floral nose exhibiting honeysuckle and rose notes, the wine's palette is full with strong honey notes. Paired with swiss, the sugar abates and the wines fruit notes become more apparent.
Now for the most unique wine, the Zinfandel Blush. Now, I am familiar with the "White Zin" variety of wines but this blush is not what you think. They call it their "Christmas" wine due to the strong clove and juniper berry notes apparent on both the nose and the palette. The spice blends nicely with the berry notes, but is not for the faint of palette. She's a strong one and quite an experience.
The two red wines on the tasting were both provided by Bree. First, the Cabernet Franc, which displayed black currant, tobacco, and chocolate notes, finishing light. Second the Dynasty, which is the winery's version of a Meritage Bordeaux style wine, exhibited blackberry and vanilla with a nice tannic bite.
Overall, the wines were lacking in character (save the blush) and in refinement (save the Classic White), though the grapes are only now beginning to enjoy their new ownership. I think this winery has much growing to do but will continue producing at least a few winners as they develop their venture.
Bottom Line: 2 out of 5 (they need time to recover those vines!)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Thirsty Owl Vidal Blanc
The most difficult part of pairing wines, is not to pair them with food; but to pair them with the appropriate taster and environment; food comes last. For example, you do not pair the balls forward cab with a petite elderly woman at a black tie gala who has previously downed a serving of foie gras.Sunday night I had a good friend over to educate me on the sensation called "blond Bond." I had not seen the most recent Bond installment, and apparently I was missing out. Jennifer presented me with the following problem: She has a delicate palette, loves sweet wines, and was in the process of consuming a vat of popcorn smothered in salt. This on top of a Bond movie? I felt I should be breaking out the lambic.
So as we sat down to watch our shoot'em up spectacle, I paired Thirsty Owl's Vidal Blanc with Jennifer. Why? Well let me count the ways: first, a vidal blanc is unassuming. It's flavors are full, but not overpowering, allowing it to hold its own against the salty popcorn as well as maintaining the sweetness Jennifer enjoys. And second, it's casual enough for a movie, and easy to drink.
The Thirsty Owl Wine Company of the Finger Lakes created a delicious example of this grape for $14. On the nose, the characteristic pineapple is accompanied by apricot, honey, and grass scents. The palette exhibits honey to begin, followed by strong peach, citrus, and green apple notes. The finished is wet, with moderate grapefruit. The wine imparts a nice acidity; making this wine not too sweet, not too acidic. Overall, a very enjoyable wine.
Oh, and Bond was very enjoyable too. Probably because of those blue eyes, but what do I know?
The Thirsty Owl Wine Company's Vidal Blanc: 3 out of 5
Monday, May 5, 2008
Hiddencroft Vineyards Grand Opening
I love grand openings. It's the only time where you're guaranteed to meet the owner, and consequently pelt them with questions about which oaks they use.
Hiddencroft is a family owned vineyard tucked behind the Lovettsville Volunteer Squad. They're true home turf for me, so I expect to visit here often to see how they grow over the years. From Leesburg, they're a thirty minute drive, with only a short spell on gravel (if you're concerned about keeping your car clean). They produce most of their grapes, and the vines grow alongside blooming cherry trees; we happened to pick the most perfect day for a tasting with the high around 70 and the sun shining bright. You can sit on the patio and enjoy their wine slowly, overlooking the Loudoun hills- not a shabby spot.
We began with a the hybrid Traminette grape. A combination of Gewürztraminer and Seval, this wine retains the spicy character of a traditional Gewürz, while incorporating the more wet and fruity flavors of the Seval grape. Hiddencroft's wine exhibited a nose full of roses and citrus, with a hint of green apple. On the palette, the spice of the Gewürz came loud and clear, with lemon and lime notes to finish. Overall a nice summer wine; easily paired with Thai or heavy pastas.
We followed with an early release Chambourcin, aged in oak for 12 months. This wine had a blackberry nose spiked with spice. The palette was very smooth and chocolaty, with hints of tobacco and earth. Pair with creamy pastas; the acidity will balance well.
The Cabernet Franc was a blend of two vintages, '05 and '07. Exhibiting the pepper indicative of this grape, this wine had a nice fruity contrast with blackberry notes. The nose was strong with raspberry and blackberry notes.
Finally, we delighted in a Sweet Cherry Wine comprised of 100% Montmorency cherry. Frankly, it tasted like cherry, very tasty cherry. I had rushing memories of picking cherries with my cousins for grandmother's cherry pie. Sip this for desert, or pour it over cheesecake; the possibilities are endless.
Bottom Line: Quite accomplished for a young winery. For $14, a bottle of Sweet Cherry will do you very well. (Buy it!) 2 out of 5
Contact:
Hiddencroft is a family owned vineyard tucked behind the Lovettsville Volunteer Squad. They're true home turf for me, so I expect to visit here often to see how they grow over the years. From Leesburg, they're a thirty minute drive, with only a short spell on gravel (if you're concerned about keeping your car clean). They produce most of their grapes, and the vines grow alongside blooming cherry trees; we happened to pick the most perfect day for a tasting with the high around 70 and the sun shining bright. You can sit on the patio and enjoy their wine slowly, overlooking the Loudoun hills- not a shabby spot.
We began with a the hybrid Traminette grape. A combination of Gewürztraminer and Seval, this wine retains the spicy character of a traditional Gewürz, while incorporating the more wet and fruity flavors of the Seval grape. Hiddencroft's wine exhibited a nose full of roses and citrus, with a hint of green apple. On the palette, the spice of the Gewürz came loud and clear, with lemon and lime notes to finish. Overall a nice summer wine; easily paired with Thai or heavy pastas.
We followed with an early release Chambourcin, aged in oak for 12 months. This wine had a blackberry nose spiked with spice. The palette was very smooth and chocolaty, with hints of tobacco and earth. Pair with creamy pastas; the acidity will balance well.
The Cabernet Franc was a blend of two vintages, '05 and '07. Exhibiting the pepper indicative of this grape, this wine had a nice fruity contrast with blackberry notes. The nose was strong with raspberry and blackberry notes.
Finally, we delighted in a Sweet Cherry Wine comprised of 100% Montmorency cherry. Frankly, it tasted like cherry, very tasty cherry. I had rushing memories of picking cherries with my cousins for grandmother's cherry pie. Sip this for desert, or pour it over cheesecake; the possibilities are endless.
Bottom Line: Quite accomplished for a young winery. For $14, a bottle of Sweet Cherry will do you very well. (Buy it!) 2 out of 5
Contact:
Friday, May 2, 2008
You are what you drink?
An interesting article over at globeandmail: you are what you drink. Allegedly, the wine you consume can tell others exactly what sort of character, you really are. My first reaction; I knew it! Though wine people throw the curve a bit, you can tell someone's political leaning, personality, and sometimes their exercise habits by the wine they enjoy the most.
For example, "Julia" (I'm not going to use real names here; they'll know who they are) loves White Merlot. What does this say about her? She's liberal (the conservatives like the hard stuff), unencumbered by appearances, universally jovial, and doesn't exercise often. Definitely a White Merlot drinker.
"Celine" is a sparkling wine drinker. Preferably Asti. Let us see inside her heart: Still not an exerciser, extremely influenced by others decisions, hard to please but easy to settle, and most clearly conservative. I've yet to find a liberal who claims sparkling wine as their favorite drink.
"Elane" enjoys cabs. We're talking the ball-busters of the California coast. She's conservative, fiesty, and likes her steak raw and wriggling. She's influenced by her peers to some extent, but when she gets going, there's no stopping her. She's also one of those gym nuts who's gym clothes cost as much as their eveningwear.
"Ben" drinks syrah. Ben goes to yoga. Enough said.
I could continue with far too many of my friends (though half of them are winos and by default are hard to corner). I concur, you are what you drink!
For example, "Julia" (I'm not going to use real names here; they'll know who they are) loves White Merlot. What does this say about her? She's liberal (the conservatives like the hard stuff), unencumbered by appearances, universally jovial, and doesn't exercise often. Definitely a White Merlot drinker.
"Celine" is a sparkling wine drinker. Preferably Asti. Let us see inside her heart: Still not an exerciser, extremely influenced by others decisions, hard to please but easy to settle, and most clearly conservative. I've yet to find a liberal who claims sparkling wine as their favorite drink.
"Elane" enjoys cabs. We're talking the ball-busters of the California coast. She's conservative, fiesty, and likes her steak raw and wriggling. She's influenced by her peers to some extent, but when she gets going, there's no stopping her. She's also one of those gym nuts who's gym clothes cost as much as their eveningwear.
"Ben" drinks syrah. Ben goes to yoga. Enough said.
I could continue with far too many of my friends (though half of them are winos and by default are hard to corner). I concur, you are what you drink!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Embracing the Femininity
It's not often that I am truly "girly." As a chemist, they teach you early on to compete with men, and thus the feminine side is often left ignored. Last night, we set out to be purely and unabashedly feminine, cocktails and all. My middle-school mate, and fellow blogger, Liz and I traveled into DC to enjoy an anniversary party for the upscale boutique Terra. Sadly, wine was not present, but my friend mojito was, and we spent the evening chatting with the ladies of Terra and their guests.
Let me explain the mojito: crisp, refreshing, and far to easy to drink. I'm especially fond of nibbling the saturated mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. Hardly ladylike, but delicious. A traveling bartender from Latin Concepts did the honors. I do admit that mojitos, as goes for all cocktails, usually contain far too much sugar for my taste: thus the vino issue. But these tasty treats had plenty of mint to contrast the sweet, and frankly tasted fantastic. Dangerously delicious, as my dear friend Liz found out. She'll probably discuss it in depth on her own so I'll spare her my assessment.
We perused the store to find lovely dresses, many of which I'll drool over for months to come (I'm a closet fashion addict). Like this one by Black Halo; one of many beautiful tailored pieces at the store. I'm actually considering that Black Halo may be my next designer addiction. I adore the clean lines and simple elegance that their clothes exhibit. In contrast to my couture obsessions, these dresses are surprisingly wearable. A cobalt wonder worn by one of the stores "models" also caught my eye, but I cannot find the dress to show you.
In addition to drinks and gelato (from Dolci Gelati), the store invited a traveling makeup artist peddling Laura Mercier and Nars. I don't usually wear much in the way of makeup, so in the spirit of mojito, I implored her to do "whatever you please!" I walked out with the most sensuous smoky eye in DC. This morning as I compose this piece, I still retain the eyeliner, unable to remove it.
Nonetheless, despite the unfortunate lack of wine (and the resulting digressive post), Terra embraced Liz and I, and perhaps earned themselves some young clients. If nothing, I am happy to encourage all females to explore this lovely boutique as the selection is classy, elegant, and the staff are nothing short of lovely!
photo credits: Neiman Marcus, Life of Luxury
In addition to drinks and gelato (from Dolci Gelati), the store invited a traveling makeup artist peddling Laura Mercier and Nars. I don't usually wear much in the way of makeup, so in the spirit of mojito, I implored her to do "whatever you please!" I walked out with the most sensuous smoky eye in DC. This morning as I compose this piece, I still retain the eyeliner, unable to remove it.
Nonetheless, despite the unfortunate lack of wine (and the resulting digressive post), Terra embraced Liz and I, and perhaps earned themselves some young clients. If nothing, I am happy to encourage all females to explore this lovely boutique as the selection is classy, elegant, and the staff are nothing short of lovely!
photo credits: Neiman Marcus, Life of Luxury
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