Wine has been made in Virginia for over 200 years, dating all the way back to the time of one of our nation's greatest wine lovers - Thomas Jefferson -- who planted some of the state's first European vines.
Unfortunately, this attempt by Jefferson was unsuccessful and while wine was made in the intervening years, it's only been recently that the state's wine industry has undergone a revolution with a huge improvement in the quality of the wines being made. As a result there are now over 200 wineries in the state.
With vineyard land expensive to buy and develop these wineries tend to be quite small, in fact the total output of all Virginia wineries combined is not even to the level of one large winery in California. These small economies of scale make it hard to keep prices low but Reverse Wine Snobs shouldn't write off Virginia -- there's excellent wine being made here right around $20. Today we have two selections for you, one under $20 and one slightly above, both from Stinson Vineyards, a small family owned winery.
Monticello Rosé
First up is the 2012 Stinson Vineyards Monticello Roséwhich is 100% Mourvèdre from Monticello, Virginia. It has an SRP of $17 and is available at that price. 220 cases produced, sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"The 2012 Rosé is a crisp and refreshing Southern France style rosé. Fresh and fruity with a hint of smoke on the finish, it is the perfect summer alternative to sauvignon blanc. Pairs well year round with seafood, poultry and light Mediterranean fare.
Stinson Vineyards is a family run boutique vineyard located at the scenic foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Our garage winery combines modern architecture and equipment with traditional winemaking techniques.
13% Alcohol"
The 2012 Stinson Vineyards Monticello Rosé begins with classic rosé aromas of strawberry and sea salt along with a bit of an earthy and smoky note. The winery stated they were aiming for Southern France style of rosé and they hit the mark. Tasting reveals a crisp and lively wine loaded with fresh fruit -- mainly watermelon, strawberry and cranberry. It ends with a little white pepper and spicy minerality on the long finish where a bit of that smokiness from the nose returns. Very nice!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.0
Recommended Buy
Cabernet Franc
Next up is the 2012 Stinson Vineyards Cabernet Franc, which is comprised of 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10%Petit Verdot primarily from Benevino Vineyards, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. It has an SRP of $23 and is available at that price (Saturday Splurge). 100 cases produced, sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"The 2012 Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied with soft tannins and complex flavors of black cherry, peppercorn, and tobacco. Whole berry fermented and aged in French oak. Pairs perfectly with steak and stews.
Stinson Vineyards is a family run boutique vineyard located at the scenic foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Our garage winery combines modern architecture and equipment with traditional winemaking techniques.
12.8% Alcohol"
The 2012 Stinson Vineyards Cabernet Franc begins with aromas of plum, blackberry, a touch of cranberry, a little spice and a hint of green pepper. Tasting this medium-bodied wine reveals lots of savory dark fruit and lots of spice. A touch of the green pepper note from the nose also carries over. Soft but firm tannins lead into the dry, medium-long finish. At its best after a good decant, this is quite a tasty wine!
Only available direct through the winery.
