A Virginia winery is officially on the map. A signature red blend from Barboursville Vineyards has earned a place among the Top 50 U.S. Wines of the Year. Decanter, one of the United Kingdom’s most respected wine publications, chose Barboursville’s Octagon 2017 for its annual list. The publication reviewed more than 3,500 American wines for the ranking.
“I tasted Octagon for the first time during this tasting in June. It stunned me and the U.S. editor both almost immediately,” says Sedale McCall, an official Decanter taster from Alexandria.
A Virginia Wine First
One of only two wines named to the Top 50 list from outside the Pacific coast, Octagon 2017 is the first Virginia wine ever to appear in the rankings.
“Our selection process really isn’t just about picking the wines with the highest scores, but rather selecting a group of wines that reflect the regions and vintages they come from,” says Clive Pursehouse, U.S. editor for Decanter. “I thought [Octagon 2017] was a perfect choice to represent Virginia and the East Coast. It shows balance, refinement, and shows what’s possible in the region.
The achievement adds to the state’s growing wine reputation. And, in particular it bolsters the strength of the Monticello American Viticultural Area (MAVA).
“We can produce world-class wine in this area,” says Barboursville Vineyards winemaker and general manager Luca Paschina. “It’s a good moment for Virginia to be able to produce these types of wines.”
Octagon is Barboursville Vineyards’ most acclaimed wine, produced only in standout years. The 2017 vintage is a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Paschina says he was encouraged when he heard the news that the 2017 Octagon was being featured on the list.
“Honestly, my first reaction was ‘Finally’,” says Paschina. “It was fulfilling. This was one of the goals that we hadn’t reached yet from this great magazine.”
Decanter’s Top 50 list is designed to showcase the diversity and excellence of American winemaking, with most selections traditionally coming from California, Oregon, and Washington. Decanter’s editors tasted something special in Barbourville’s Octagon 2017.
“You could sense the wine’s maturity, the developing notes emerging alongside the fruit and spice notes,” says McCall. “The oak was so well integrated. … I think the wine has at least 10 more years in it, but I think it will be a top contender throughout these years.”
Much to Celebrate
The recognition arrives just as Barboursville Vineyards prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, offering a fitting tribute to decades of dedication.
“That, to me, is the beauty of Barboursville. It’s our historic origin and landscapes and our focus on food and wine,” says Paschina. “It’s really a place where wine is at the center.”
Barboursville Vineyards, 17655 Winery Rd., Barboursville
Feature image courtesy Barboursville Vineyards
