Spring forward for Virginia Wine!!!
Hello Friends,
With spring finally here, many of you will no doubt be eager to get out and put a little spring into your step. Have you considered putting a little spring into your wine glass? Spring brings about budding flowers, green lawns, crisp breezes, clear and sunny days, and most importantly, warmer weather. Many of us will enjoy outdoor picnics, backyard barbecues and let’s not forget about Easter holiday. So which wines pair well with spring you ask? Read on friends, as some of my friends from the Virginia wine industry lend helpful recommendations for pouring a little spring into your glass. In addition to, I have posted some images from last years winery visits that may pique your interest this spring.
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy beautiful views @ Oakencroft
Felicia Rogan, owner of Oakencroft Vineyards in Charlottesville, VA suggests the Oakencroft Countryside White as a nice spring time selection, adding that “it is a lovely picnic wine, pairing well with salads, chicken and outdoor foods as well as cheese soufflé and quiches”. For your grilling and pizza needs, Mrs. Rogan recommends the Countryside Red, a soft, smooth and fruity red wine that would also fill your Easter dinner needs.
John Delmare, proprietor of Rappahannock Cellars, located in Hume, VA recommends their versatile dry Rosé wine and adds “It is terrific with light picnic fare, salads and especially chilled shell fish and also with the bright and fresh foods of Easter”.
Chris Pearmund, owner and winemaker of Pearmund Cellars, located just east of Warrenton, recommends their Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc as perfect spring time wines. Riesling exemplifies spring and is noted for its food pairing compatibility and refreshing crispness. The Pearmund Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is done in a Fume Blanc style with pleasant mineral notes and expressive citrus fruit flavors. Both wines sound like excellent spring time selections.
Taste history and enjoy the enchantment of Winery at LaGrange
Fletcher, of Winery at LaGrange (sister winery of Pearmund Cellars),where history, elegance and wine mingle, recommends the Winery at La Grange Vidal Blanc 2005 and adds ”With it's kiss of sweetness and clean, balanced acidity it has the versatility to compliment not only spicy Asian dishes but good ole barbequed chicken. With its' bright citrus flavors, notes of tangerine and gooseberry, a hint of tarragon and a crisp, clean finish this wine pairs exceptionally well with a warm spring afternoon out on the deck”.
Shannon Rooke, of White Hall Vineyards, located in Charlottesville, VA invites you to try their Pinot Gris 2005, a crisp, dry and refreshing wine that Shannon says “Is refreshing for any outdoor luncheon and pairs really well with any seafood salad or lump crab cakes”. For those with a sweeter palate preference, Shannon recommends the Petit Manseng 2005 and adds “Pair this with grilled chicken or Italian pasta salad for a great meal”.
Wendy Wilson, of First Colony Vineyards, also located in Charlottesville, VA has some spring time favorites. Wendy recommends their Viognier 2005 and explains: “The aromatic fragrance of honeysuckle and fruits will pair well with the spring air. It can be enjoyed with a picnic as our Viognier contains no residual sugar and matches well with a variety of cheeses and snacks”. Dezel does not know about you friends, but that description sounds very tempting!
At Breaux Vineyards, located in Loudoun County, the Chere Marie, a wine made from the Vidal Blanc grape is one of their most popular spring time wines. Jennifer Breaux Blosser describes the wine as “fruity and sweet enough to satisfy those who enjoy a sweet wine, but the finish is crisp and dry, leaving those who prefer dryer wines more than satisfied”. Jennifer goes on to add “It is perfect with summer sausages, cheeses and fruits as well as spicy foods”. One of Jennifer’s personal top spring time picks is the dry Syrah Rosé wine, which she describes as “Dry and slightly sparkling, this wine has lovely nuisances of strawberry and black pepper and pairs nicely with BBQ , salmon or scallops.”
Stunning views & quality blends at Hillborough Vineyards
Looking for an exciting spring time festival? Try Hillsborough Vineyards, located in Purcellville, VA. On April 14th Hillsborough Vineyards will host their annual spring festival. Bora Baki, owner of Hillsborough, has informed Dezel that there will be an assortment of delicious Turkish and Mediterranean foods on hand with baklava as the sweet ending. You will definitely want to try their Ruby wine to pair with the fine cuisine. Do bring your dancing shoes, as there will be a live band for your enjoyment!
Dezel, also has a few more recommendations for you - wish I could list them all, but here are a few:
Kluge Estate
Visit Kluge Estate and sit amongst the tall trees and enjoy gourmet cuisine with a glass of their nicely done dry Rose, Simply Red blend or their recently released Viognier.
Mediterranean Cellars
Visit Mediterranean Cellars and enjoy the gorgeous views – pack a picnic basket and be sure to try the Romance. Yummy!
Waterford Vineyards
Pack a picnic basket and sit by the relaxing pond at Waterford Vineyards, located in Loudoun County – Be sure to say “Hi” to Corky!
Linden Vineyards
One of the top producers in Virginia! Enjoy great wine, local cheeses and other great foods – Not to mention excellent views at Linden Vineyards!
Doukenie Winery
Picnic by the pond at Doukenie and enjoy several wonderful spring time selections – Dezel recommends the Mandolin or the Riesling and finishing up with the tasty Hopes Raspberry Merlot.
Three Fox Vineyards
Sit atop the hill at Three Fox Vineyards and enjoy some of their great wines – I did!
Woodland Vineyards
Are you in or near Richmond friends? Plan a visit to Woodland Vineyards and check out their new tasting room and try their tasty wines; the Vidal Banc and Woodland White sound terrific, amongst other selections.
Also, be sure to pick up the spring issue of the Loudoun Magazine. Vine Spot takes you on a great grape of a day on the Loudoun Wine Trail!
With that friends, be assured that Virginia has a number of tasty wines to celebrate spring season. From dry to sweet, red to white, Virginia does some nice wines reflective of the spring time season. When you visit your local wineries, just ask for the spring time wines!
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Happy Sipping !
