How does Virginia Wine compare to brands from other regions?!
How does Virginia Wine compare to brands from other regions?
I'm actually doing research for a class project on Virginia Wines. I just need to know if wines from VA actually have anything special to offer people who usually drink wines from more well known areas, like California or Italy. Is there something done in Virginia that makes it different from other wines made elsewhere? Is there a brand from VA that could stand up against wines from more popular areas? Or are VA wines in a class of their own? Any feedback would be helpful
:-). Also, if anyone has free time to fill out a survey please let me know.
Answers:
Winemaking in Virginia gained prominence when T. Jefferson brought vinifera vines back from France, today there are more than 90 wineries in the state. Look for Horton, Stone Mountain, Barboursville, Linden brands for starters - most are growing classic vinifera like Merlot, Cab, Chardonnay but I really think Viognier is a rising star for the region. Hard to find Virginia wines in liquor stores but there are plenty of web sites to browse.
I live in California and drink wines regularly.
I've visited the wine country here, in Washington, Oregon and in Italy.
Sorry, I've never seen or heard of wine in Virginia let alone what they do better. What varietals to you make?
Sounds like the wine industry in VA is like a kitten:
No place to go but UP!
.
The climatic conditions in VA (and MD and the Carolinas, too) makes growing most vinifera grapes somewhat difficult; the resulting wines aften have off-flavors. Hybrids like vidal blanc do much better.