Va Wine

Episode 13: Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Chris Pearmund, owner of Pearmund Cellars, joins me on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. Chris has been a fixture in the Virginia wine scene for nearly three decades.PearmundPetitVerdot

Pearmund is located in Broad Run, Virginia, about an hour drive southwest of Washington D.C.,  It is home to Meriwether Vineyard, the oldest operational vineyard in Virginia. In addition to Pearmund Cellars, Chris has opened more than a dozen wineries throughout the Commonwealth. He has served on many wine boards over the years and is one of the staunchest advocates for the Virginia wine industry. Chris is a self-acclaimed wine geek and wine educator. He has amassed a pretty impressive selection of wine books on practically every topic you can think of. You can visit the wine library on your next visit to Pearmund Cellars.  Pearmund Cellars has received many accolades over the years including Best Winery in Virginia and Best Tasting Room in Virginia.

On the show, Chris shares his journey in the wine industry, his passion for Virginia and his latest business venture, Effingham Manor Winery. Enjoy the show! Each Saturday, you can stream a new show live on WCHV at 8:30.

Visit Pearmund Cellars:

6190 Georgetown Rd.
Broad Run, VA 20137
540.347.3475

Tasting Room Hours:

The Pearmund Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10am-6pm. Pearmund offers the following five wine tasting experiences for you and your guests.

  1. Classic
  2. It’s a Party
  3. Progressive Wine Tour
  4. Barrel Tasting
  5. The Full Monty

Episode 12: Jon & Mills Wehner, Chatham Vineyards

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Oysters Half ShellJon and Mills Wehner of Chatham Vineyards join me on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country on WCHV to talk about the unique wine growing region of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

The Eastern Shore is probably best known for its vibrant fishing and crabbing communities. While the briny, delectable and various oyster offerings and sweet Chesapeake crab get the lion’s share of attention, there is something quite unique about the terroir here that is garnering interest across Virginia and beyond.

Jon, a second-generation Virginia wine grower, talks about the evolution of Virginia wine since the late 70’s. Jon also discusses his minimalistic winemaking philosophy and talks about his success with planting not only Chatham’s award-winning Chardonnay, but bordelais varietals on the sandy, loam soils surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Jon’s wife Mills also joins us on the program to tell us about Virginia’s Wine and Brine month that celebrates one of the most classic wine and food pairings in the world, plus she gets personal and shares what its like to raise their three children on the farm.  You can catch a new episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country every Saturday at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  Enjoy the show! You can also watch my mini-documentary on Chatham Vineyards below.

Visit Chatham Vineyards:

232 Chatham Road
Machipongo, VA 23405
757.678.5588

Tasting Room Hours

Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm Apr – Dec.
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jan – Mar.
Closed for major holidays.

 

Episode 11: Rachel Stinson Vrooman, Stinson Vineyards

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Rachel Stinson Vrooman with Stinson Vineyards is in Crystal Palate’s Wine Country this week. Stinson Vineyards located in Crozet, Virginia, is a family-owned operation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Father-daughter duo Scott Stinson and Rachel Stinson Vrooman take their wine-making inspiration from the “garagiste” style wineries in France.

On the show, Rachel talks about making wine with her husband Nate Vrooman of Ankida Ridge Vineyards and her father Scott, wine philosophy and working with some interesting grape varietals that you haven’t seen very much of in Virginia including Tannat and Mourvedre. Rachel is using Mourvedre to make a delicious, fruit-forward, dry, crisp and mineral-driven rosé that is garnering rave reviews from many critics.  Tune in to hear more from Rachel. You can catch a brand new show every Saturday morning on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV. Enjoy the show. Cheers!

Visit Stinson Vineyards:

Stinson Vineyards

4744 Sugar Hollow Road
Crozet, Virginia 22932
434.823.7300
info@stinsonvineyards.com

Tasting Room hours are Thursday through Sunday and Holiday Mondays 11am to 5pm.

 

Episode 10: Stephen Barnard, Keswick Vineyards

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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 3: Luca Paschina, Barboursville Vineyards

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

 

On today’s show, I will introduce you Luca Paschina, the winemaker and general manager at Barboursville Vineyards. Luca has been at the forefront of the modern Virginia wine scene. He is a pioneer, a visionary and a true leader in helping establish Virginia as a premiere wine destination. He also been named by the James Beard Foundation as one of the top 25 most significant wine professionals in North America. On the show, we discuss the evolution of Virginia wines, an exciting new varietal to the Barboursville portfolio and some of Luca’s perfect pairings!

Photo Courtesy: Barboursville Vineyards 

Episode 2: Emily Pelton, Veritas Vineyards & Winery

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Veritas VineyardsWhat started out as a passionate experiment in 1999 has evolved into countless accolades and a thriving business for the Hodson family. Simply put, Veritas is producing world-class wines in the heart of Virginia’s Wine Country.

This week, I am talking with award-winning winemaker Emily Pelton. She is also the daughter of Veritas owners Andrew and Patricia Hodson.  We are discussing the Veritas portfolio, some of Emily’s latest projects and an exciting research grant. Plus we’re doing a speed round in our perfect pairings segment with some of Emily’s favorite food & wine pairings. Enjoy the show!

Photo Courtesy: Veritas Vineyard & Winery 

VISIT VERITAS

151 Veritas Lane
Afton, Virginia
540-456-8000

Tasting Room Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30
Saturday-Sunday 11:00-5:00
We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Tasting fees are $10 per person

Episode 1: Christine Vrooman, Ankida Ridge Vineyards

by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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!

 

10 Must-Try Virginia Rosés

by

By now, many of you know that I absolutely adore a great rosé. Hands down, it’s my go-to summer wine. I always have a chilled bottle ready to go in my refrigerator. Why? It’s incredibly versatile. Contrary to popular belief, many rosés are actually dry and make a great companion for many foods including salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, grilled meats and fried chicken. You get the picture. Think about all of the impromptu potluck parties you get invited to this time of year. A rosé would be the perfect companion to just about every summertime side dish you can think of. Rosés are the very definition of summer! They are easy-going, fun, light, fruit-forward with refreshing acidity that make it perfect for a summer sipper that works with many types of cuisine. They are also very affordable, many roses at your local wine shop range in the $15-$20 price point.

Rosés range from bone dry to sweet, so there is something for everyone’s palate. Some of my favorite dry rosés come from Provence, France, but I am absolutely loving some of the local options we have right here in Virginia.

Here’s my top 10 list of must-try Virginia rosés this summer (in alphabetical order).

  1. Barboursville Vintage Rosé – An elegant dry rosé made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Barbera and Nebbiolo with aromas of summer ripe stone fruit. Pair with a charcuterie board. SRP: $14.95
  2. Breaux Rosé – A blend of three grapes are used in this dry rose. Tantalizing aromas of red berries, cherry and citrus zest dance in your glass. Pair with baked brie and fresh berries. SRP: $18
  3. Chatham Vineyards Rosé – An off-dry wine made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot has notes of juicy red berries and white peach and a kiss of residual sugar for those of you that like a hint of sweetness in your rosé. Pair with succulent sweet crab cakes from the Chesapeake Bay. SRP: $18
  4. Chrysalis Vineyards Sarah’s Patio Red – The semi-sweet rosé made from the Norton grape (America’s forgotten grape), boasts juicy aromas of ripe berry and tart cherry. It’s perfection paired with a strawberry, rhubarb pie. SRP: $17
  5. CrossKeys Vineyards Fiore Rosé – The off-dry 2015 vintage is made from Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc. The lusciously sweet berry and vibrant graperfruit notes are perfection with a fennel, feta and citrus salad. SRP: $19.50
  6. Early Mountain Vineyards Rosé – This dry fruit-forward Merlot based rosé boasts aromas of strawberry, melon, peach and a hint of sweet anise. It’s perfection with goat cheese rolled in Herbs de Provence. SRP: $24
  7. King Family Vineyards Croset Rosé – A dry Merlot based rosé with citrus notes of ruby red grapefruit, cherry, watermelon and lime.Refreshing on its own or enjoy with watermelon and feta salad. SRP: $19.95
  8. Stinson Vineyards Rosé – A complex and graceful dry rosé made in the southern France tradition using the Mourvedre grape. Juicy summer ripe watermelon and strawberries are followed by a hint of herbaceousness and smoke. Pair with smoked salmon. SRP: $20.99
  9. Trump Vineyards Sparkling Rosé – Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, all of our palates can agree on a delicious sparkling rosé when we taste it! This is such a delightful, crisp and refreshing sparkling wine made from 100% estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is the perfect brunch wine, think lemon-ricotta pancakes with fresh berries or a delicious frittata. SRP: $32
  10. Veritas Vineyards Rosé – A juicy, fruit-forward, dry rosé made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. Pack a bottle of this for your next picnic to serve with a great cheese & charcuterie board. SRP: $18

For more sips, tips and perfect pairings, join my exclusive membership to my online learning community for only$7.95/month.

Cheers,
Crystal

Chatham Vineyards

by

A second generation winemaker is turning historic land into world class wine along Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore. Sommelier Crystal Cameron, owner of Crystal Palate introduces you to the Wehner family and invites you to take a detour off Highway 13 and experience this hidden gem for yourself.  Watch video below and read Crystal’s recent article on Chatham Vineyards on hrscene.com.


Video Courtesy: Norvell Rose

 

2008 Horton Port

by

Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville, Virginia has an impressive portfolio of varietals. While they specialize in Rhone varietals like Viognier, the Horton Vintage Port really got my attention. The 2008 Vintage Port is a wonderful dessert wine. Horton was the first winery in Virginia to make a Port after prohibition – beginning with the 1995 vintage. It’s also a great value at $20 for a standard 750ml bottle.

Tasting Notes:

The color is vibrant ruby with a slight garnet rim. This is a bold, rich, full bodied, sweet dessert wine with aromas of cassis, cherry and plum. The palate echoes the aromas and adds a nice touch of raisin, fig, toffee, burnt caramel and sweet spice.

Perfect Pairings: 

The Horton Port is wonderful on its own or paired with a dessert like pecan pie. I also love this wine with a savory option like a cheese plate featuring stilton and figs.

Serve this wine at 60 degrees to achieve an optimal drinking experience.

 

Jefferson Vineyards Viognier

by

a href=”http://foryourloveofwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JeffersonBottles.jpg”>The American Wine Revolution began in the heart of Virginia wine country.  Thomas Jefferson had a vision of producing world class wines in the new colony that would rival its old world counterparts. Jefferson’s love of the European Vinifera began a 3o year old pursuit that didn’t end very well in his lifetime.

Fast forward two hundred years and Virginia is now being recognized as a top 10 wine destination in the world. Jefferson would be proud!

We continue our celebration of Virginia wine month with a stop in Charlottesville for a sip of Jefferson’s Viognier.  Viognier is an aromatic white grape that’s  indigenous to the Rhone Valley of France and it’s now become Virginia’s signature grape!

Depending on the vintage, the winemaker at Jefferson Vineyards typically blends in small amount of other varietals to create the perfect balance. Other varietals often include Riesling, Traminette, Petit Manseng and Pinot Gris. Keep in mind there will always be a minimum of 75% Viognier in the blend to adhere to American wine laws.

Tasting Notes

This is an exotic wine with aromas of sweet jasmine, honeysuckle, nectarine, candied lemon, tangerine zest and tropical fruit. The palate echoes the aromatic profile and finishes with hints of cardamom, ginger and white pepper. This medium bodied wine has a round mouthfeel, good balance and a soft lingering finish. It’s a real crowd pleaser!

Perfect Pairings

Try switching up your traditional Thanksgiving wine and feature a Viognier for your feast.  It’s also delicious with grilled swordfish and tropical salsa, fried oysters, roast duck with orange sauce and triple cream brie cheese with quince paste or fig spread.

 

 

 

Valerie Hill Bellaria

by

Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery is named after the historic home Valerie Hill in Stephens City, Virginia, about an hour outside of Washington DC. The Federal style brick manor house was built in 1807 and remains the centerpiece of the property.

Valerie Hill is producing an exceptional dessert wine called Bellaria. Bellaria is an aromatic white dessert wine made from the Vidal Blanc grape which is a French-American hybrid.

The wine comes in the half format bottles and retails for under $20. Bellaria is the perfect ending to any meal.

Tasting Notes: 

Succulent aromas of candied lemon, juicy peaches, tropical notes of pineapple and mango and a hint of honey jump from the glass.  This is a sweet wine with balanced acidity.

Perfect Pairings:

While this wine is perfect with fruit tarts, lemon meringue pie, peach cobbler and pineapple upside down cake, it’s also fantastic with an after dinner cheese plate of Stilton or Maytag Blue Cheese, quince paste, honey and candied walnuts.