crystal palate’s wine country

Episode 10: Stephen Barnard, Keswick Vineyards

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Stephen Barnard, Keswick VineyardsMy guest this week is Stephen Barnard, winemaker at Keswick Vineyards.  A native of South Africa, Stephen developed a love for the fruit of the vine while working as a tour guide at the oldest winery in South Africa. Stephen dropped by the WCHV studios to talk about the 2016 vintage, the winemaking philosophy at Keswick, his award-winning wine portfolio and the quality revolution of the Virginia wine industry. We are also sipping and discussing his yet-to-be released 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  As Stephen says, “a conversation without wine is just gossip!” In addition to this stunning example of Cabernet Sauvignon, Keswick was awarded top billing in this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup for Barnard’s 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve.

You can catch a brand new show every Saturday morning on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV. Enjoy the show. Cheers!

Episode 9: Claude Thibaut, Thibaut-Jannison

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Claude ThibautChampagne Master Claude Thibaut of Thibaut-Jannison dropped by the WCHV studios to talk about sparkling wine production in Virginia. Born and raised in the vineyards of Champagne, Claude shares his winemaking journey from France to California to Virginia. Often referred to as the king of sparkling wine in the Commonwealth, Claude discusses what it’s like to produce bubbly in Virginia. We also breakdown the complicated sweetness scale of sparkling wine, discuss non-vintage sparkling and perfect pairings with the Thibaut-Jannison Blanc de Chardonnay. Plus, Claude shares his first wine experience with us! Enjoy the show!

Episode 8: Diane Flynt, Foggy Ridge Cider

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Diane Flynt at Foggy Ridge CiderIt’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy our educational journey through Virginia’s beautiful wine & cider country. That’s right, we are adding cider to our tour today with a stop in Dugspur Virginia with Diane Flynt, owner of Foggy Ridge Cider. Dugpsur is nestled in the Blue Ridge Plateau – roughly a three hour drive southwest of Charlottesville. It’s in this orchard oasis that you will find Diane Flynt making world-class ciders more in the tradition of fine wine. She is a recipient of two James Beard nominations and was recently named as a revolutionary in the Virginia drinks business by Wine Enthusiast.

In addition to producing exceptional cider, Diane is also a member of the Virginia Wine Board. On the program, we are discussing the history and evolution of the cider industry. Plus, Diane reveals her secrets to making cider in the fine wine tradition. She will also share some of her favorite savory dishes that pair best with her cider offerings.

Visit Foggy Ridge

Foggy Ridge Cider’s tasting room is located at 1328 Pine View Road, Dugspur, VA and is open on the weekends from April-December. Why not make a weekend out of it? Foggy Ridge has a lovely cottage on property that’s available to rent through VRBO.com.

 

Episode 7: Matthieu Finot, King Family Vineyards

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Matthieu Finot, King Family VineyardsOn today’s show, we are talking terroir, orange wine and perfect pairings with international winemaker Matthieu Finot from King Family Vineyards in the heart of Virginia’s wine country.

Born in France, Finot has worked in some of the most esteemed wine regions including the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Provence. He also worked in Italy and South Africa before heading to Virginia. What was supposed to be a short stint in the Commonwealth has turned into more than a decade of winemaking in the Monticello AVA. Find out why a challenging vintage made him stay. Finot also dishes on a daily routine that he believes is the secret to a happy family. Plus, we’re sipping on some Viognier. Find out his secret ingredient that adds mouthwatering acidity to this wine. Enjoy the show!

 

Episode 5: Wine 101

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Crystal PalateHave you ever wondered when the first wine was produced? On this episode, I get back to the basics by discussing the history and origins of the fruit of the vine. Plus, I have some great wine 101 tips on how to properly store your wine and how to achieve the ideal serving temperature that will guarantee a much better drinking experience for you and your guests.

You will also discover some great pairing ideas on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country.

 

Episode 4: Erin Scala, DWS, Fleurie Restaurant

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Erin Scala, DWSErin Scala, wine director for Fleurie Restaurant and Petit Pois Bistro joins me in studio this week to discuss a very special accolade from Wine Spectator magazine. Her award-winning wine list is not only arranged by region, but Erin also highlights the types of soil on the menu. So cool! Plus, we’re talking about some of Erin’s must try old-world and Virginia wine pairings with some of Chef Brian’s incredible culinary delights.  Check out Erin’s wine musings on her blog and be sure to visit her at Fleurie or Petit Pois!

Photo Courtesy: Eze Amos

 

Episode 1: Christine Vrooman, Ankida Ridge Vineyards

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Welcome to Crystal Palate’s Wine Country! My guest this week is Christine Vrooman, owner of Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Amherst, VA.  Ankida is known as “The Little Burgundy” of Virginia. The name Ankida is an ancient sumerian term that means where heaven and earth join. One trip to this majestic property you quickly understand why they chose that name. On the program, Christine discuss their great success with burgundian varietals (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir) on a very small parcel of land in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and how their wine is getting international attention with a special invite to a critically acclaimed conference in Oregon. I am also taking part in the 2016 vintage experience at Ankida Ridge and will be producing a mini-documentary on the experience that will be released later this year. Stay tuned!