Last night, I participated in the Discover VA Wine – Monticello Wine Trail TasteLive.com event hosted by MyVineSpot. I was beyond excited to participate since Virginia wines are very near and dear to my heart. TheOther46 and I invited our local blogging friend Eugenia Essentials over as well as a few wine newbies, and we shared pours of these delicious wines while nibbling on various cheeses, breads and fruits.
We began with the 2007 Kluge Estate SP Rose Brut. I visited Kluge about a year ago, the winery is beautiful and I enjoyed a variety of sparkling wines and cheeses while there. The color of the Rose Brut is absolutely gorgeous! Fruity and floral on the nose with a balanced taste of berries and rose petals. I loved this wine and will be serving it for Thanksgiving dinner!
Next up was my personal favorite of the night, Keswick Vineyards 2009 Viognier. I was already a fan of this wine based on my previous winery visit, but I was quickly reminded of why I love Virginia wines when I sipped this beauty. Melon and apricot on the nose with an incredible taste of apple, pears and melons. This wine is very well balanced and I loved the acidity. Without a doubt, I would serve this wine to guests or take a bottle as a hostess gift. Tonight, we will savor the remainder paired with a spicy, red curry dish.
The next white in the line-up was also quite tasty, a 2009 Jefferson Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve. Lemons and apples on the nose with a fruit and mineral taste. Very balanced and crisp. This paired nicely with lemon stilton cheese. My only regret is that I never visited this winery while on the Monticello wine trail!
Next up was the Afton Mountain 2009 Gewürztraminer. Another very lovely white wine with a beautiful orange peel aroma. I could see this wine also pairing nicely with spicy dishes (perhaps I will try this paired with red curry also).
Finally, it’s time for some Virginia red wine! Blenheim Vineyards 2009 Seven Oaks Merlot is the first red of the night and it was just as delicious as I remember from visiting Dave Matthew’s winery. I am not typically a Merlot drinker UNLESS the Merlot is from Virginia. This is a very herbaceous wine with good structure. I purchased several bottles of this when I visited and I think it’s time to stock up again.
Last but certainly not least, we tasted the 2008 Mountfair Wooloomooloo. Deep burgundy in the glass with berry and cola aromas. Wooloomooloo (which I love to say) is made up of 60% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. A very well-balanced red wine that would pair perfectly with grilled meat.
All in all, this was an impressive line-up of Virginia wines. In all honesty, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending all six of these wines, but the Keswick Vineyards Viognier receives the blue ribbon from me!