The NoVA wine industry is growing at a staggering rate, making the decision of what to pour more difficult than ever. Here are the local blends we recommend for fall:
2013 Estate Hogback Mountain, Stone Tower Winery: A blend of estate-grown cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot, this wine, with notes of blackberry and fresh bell pepper, was selected for the 2016 Governor’s Cup Case from among more than 430 entries.
2015 Albariño Verde, Chrysalis Vineyards: Among the first releases for new winemaker Mark Patterson, this wine is a slightly bubbly, crisp drinking white with a banana nose.
2014 Claret, Linden Vineyards: Medium bodied with restrained tannins, the majority of this red comes from Jim Law’s estate Hardscrabble Vineyard. Aged a year in French oak, the blend is led by cabernet sauvignon and merlot.
Ladies Man Cider, Fabbioli Cellars: Raspberry merlot is added just before carbonation of this Jonagold and Rome apple-based cider. It packs a sweet punch.
2013 Aldie Heights Cuvee, 50 West Vineyards: One of the first bottlings made for Sunset Hills’ sister winery, buy a bottle of this aromatic red to drink now and a few more to cellar.
Read more about the growing Northern Virginia wine industry and its sense of community and collaboration.
