Virginia Wines
While Virginia may not be the center of US wine production, the state is certainly no stranger to the vine. In fact, it was been documented that wine has been produced in Virginia since as early as the 17th century. Currently, Virginia is home to six American Viticultural Areas: AVA North Fork of Roanoke AVA , Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, Rocky Knob AVA, Shenandoah Valley AVA and the Eastern Shore AVA. Chardonnay is the state’s most planted grape variety, creating rich and full-bodied wines, a testament of the state’s hot climate. However, with Virginia’s high humidity during the growing season, mold and mildew can be problematic, thus thicker-skinned varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are often more dependable. To learn more about Virginia’s wine culture and history, be sure and check out our Virginia Wine Guide.
Fox Meadow 2010 Le Renard Rouge Red
- $34
A bitter char tone hits the senses first, followed by intense turmeric, mocha, plum and blackberry aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, this packs chunky tannins and balanced acids, and the lingering finish replays the turmeric and berry notes.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
Rosemont 2010 Merlot
- $18
The smooth-smelling bouquet is an amalgam of dried dill, exotic spice and black fruit notes, with hints of sweet pipe tobacco and potpourri. The wine feels easy and relaxed on entrance, with flavors of blackberry and chocolate that seem to melt into the manicured tannins.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
Tarara 2007 Meritage Red
- $40
This earthy Meritage is a standout of the Virginia wine scene. The nose is suave and subtle, dominated by notes of forest floor, strawberry and espresso. Gripping tannins frame the palate which is packed with fresh black cherry fruit. Finishes dense and black. Give it a few years in the cellar.
— W.E.
(7/1/2010)
Shenandoah VA 1997 Founder's Reserve Chambourcin (Shenandoah Valley)
- $17
Strong American-oak scents of dill rise from the glass. A Virginia version of Silver Oak? Not quite. It lacks a little richness on the palate, and finishes somewhat short. Still, a commendable effort from this relatively unknown hybrid.
— J.C.
(8/1/1999)
Barboursville Vineyards 1998 Pinot Grigio (Monticello)
- $13
Most P.G.s from appellations beginning with V came from Venezia or the Veneto. Here’s one from Virginia. Bright fruit aromas announce this clean and bold contender. Looks spritzy, but it’s just a little tangy on the palate. Medium mouthfeel with fine balance. Bellissimo, y’all.
— W.E.
(8/1/1999)
Shenandoah VA NV Lot 95 Merlot
- $17
Dark fruits, smoke and some green herbs mingle nicely on the nose, but the palate turns lean and mildly tannic. Narrowly constructed, but it’s still a flavorful and recommendable Virginia red.
— J.C.
(8/1/1999)
The Williamsburg Winery 2003 Acte 12 of Sixteen Nineteen Chardonnay
- $16
A solid effort, this wine, named after a law requiring colonists to plant vineyards, boasts aromas of tropical fruit and grilled nuts, toasty, citrusy flavors and a lemon-pineapple finish.
— J.C.
(9/1/2005)
Kluge Estate 2002 Brut Chardonnay (Albemarle County)
- $38
Despite its relative youth, this Virgina-made sparkler is pungently toasty on the nose, then moves into green apple and lime flavors. It does show its dosage a little, but finishes with decent flourishes of smoke, toast and citrus.
— J.C.
(6/1/2005)
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