It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to experience Virginia wines, which I first got to try at the Wine Bloggers Conference in 2011 (#wbc11). I was recently asked to join the 30th episode of Virginia Wine Chat #VaWineChat, which was facilitated by one of my favorite bloggers, Frank Morgan. This episode featured Early Mountain Vineyard’s new Winemaker Ben Jordan and Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, Jonathan Hollerith, for a discussion about Early Mountain, which is located in Charlottesville, VA, and has a storied history.
The winery sent three wines – a Pinot Gris, a rosé and a red blend. We started with the 2014 Early Mountain rosé, which made my stock in rosés immediately rise. It was delicious – full of mouthwatering fruits like apple, pear and strawberry. It was dry and evolved in the glass over the night. I loved it.
Virginia Wine Chat
The 2014 Early Mountain Pinot Gris was also delicious. It had great notes of pear, crisp golden apple, spice and a great minerality that made it go down way too easy.
The 2013 Early Mountain Foothills was a solid red blend. I think if I had paired other food besides sushi with it, it would have showed a little better. It had deep berry flavors, herbs and was earthy.
These wines all had Old World style with a New World charm. If you have an opportunity to try Virginia wines – especially those from Charlottesville, VA, I’d definitely seek them out.
