Local Wines

Last evening was our second VTB gathering. It was great to see everyone- there were several new faces as well as a number of ladies from our first meeting. Our hostess was Jenn, and her theme was 'local wines.'

Everyone did a fantastic job finding bottles from all over the area. Sadly, there was no DC representation(ha!), but we did taste several single varietals as well as blends from all over the region.

Here's what we tried:

Rosemary brought a 2006 Rockbridge Chardonnay from the Shenandaoh Valley in VA.


Angela brought a 2006 Kluge Estate Albemarle Viognier from Albemarle County, VA.


Martha Jane brought a 2007 Horton Vineyards Viognier from Orange County, VA.


Michelle brought a 2007 Black Ankle Vineyards Viognier from North Central Piedmont in MD.


Maggie brought a 2007 Veramar Vineyard Cabernet Franc from the Shenandaoh Valley in VA.


Rosie brought a 2004 Kluge Estate Albemarle Simply Red from Albemarle County, VA. This is a blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 31% Merlot.


Rebecca brought a 2004 White Hall Vineyards Petit Verdot from Central Region in Monticello, VA.


Ali brought a 2006 Chester Gap Cellars Merlot from Rappahannock County, VA.


Becca brought a 2006 La Grange Snort from the Northern Region of Va. This fortified red wine is comprised of 38% Touriga Nacional, 50% Tannat and 12% Tinta Cao


Celine brought a 2006 Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Comus from Montgomery County, MD. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.


Devin brought a Non Vintage Veritas Red Star from Central, VA) This is a blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Chambourcin.


I apologize for leaving before the end of the night but I had to start my trek back to the suburbs. So I did not have an opportunity to taste:

Allison brought a 2005 Lake Anna Winery Cabernet Franc from Northern Region of VA.


The evening ended with Rachel's 2004 Lake Anna ice wine. Could someone tell me if it was their Essensual? If so, it is made from 100% Vidal Blanc grapes.

As always, I've tried to keep track of what everyone brought- if I misspelled you name or if I've mixed up who brought what- or (gasp!) left yours out, just shoot me a quick e-mail and I will correct it tonight.

Also, here is a list of all the vineyards represented at yesterday's tasting:
Black Ankle Vineyards
Chester Gap Cellars
Horton Vineyards
Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard
The Winery at La Grange
Lake Anna Winery
Rockbridge Vineyard
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Veramar Vineyard
Veritas Vineyard & Winery
White Hall Vineyards

It was a fantastic night- one that made me really want to go out and visit some of these local vineyards. Perhaps a road trip some time this summer? Hmmmm?

Our next meeting will be hosted by... me! Since it will be well into summertime by then- I've settled on a refreshing theme, sparking wines. We are departing from our usual 3rd Monday of the month because of calendar conflicts, I hope this works out better for some of you. It will be on June 18th at 5903 Barbados Place, Unit 203 in Rockville (or if you want to be like my fancy neighbors, we can call it North Bethesda). So grab your bottle of Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, Asti Spumanti, or any other type of bubbly and see you all soon!