Now that my blog is officially up and running, I can finally post about last month's 2008 Virginia Wine Showcase at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. I was joined by my old college roommate, Lorraine, and my boyfriend, Mike (who didn't drink since he was just getting over the flu and could neither taste nor smell anything).
It was disappointing to not see as many wineries represented here as last August's outdoor event in Leesburg. And one big thing I learned about wine is that I hate the Concord grape. I tried several different Concord wines and bleh.
Anyway, here are my Top 4 Virginia Wines at the Showcase:
1. Rappahannock Cellars Chardonnay Chappell Charlemagne 2005 - The name's a mouthful, but so is the taste. A chardonnay should be clean, slightly oaky, and buttery. Rappahannock delivers. ($20)
2. Ingleside Sangiovese 2005 - I'll be honest. I'm usually disappointed with most Virginia reds. But Sangioveses are bountiful, and Ingleside's latest is no exception. Spicy with a bold finish that would go great with Italian food. ($20)
3. Bluemont Vidal Blanc 2006 - One of Virginia's newest wineries (just opened last September) that I predict will be one of the state's best. Wish I could've tried their viognier, but when I approached the tasting table they were sold out. ($16)
4. Chateau Morrisette Viognier 2005 - They described it as "smooth with hints of apricot, melon, and peach." I just thought it was tasty. Won the Governor's Cup Silver Medal and the Gold Medal State Fair in 2007. ($20)
Notice this is a Top 4 list and not a Top 5. I just couldn't find another good wine under $20. I hate being a traitor to my neighbor state, but Virginia still has a long way to go in the world of wines. But it's great to follow its road to future world-class wine stardom. And wine festivals are always, always fun.
