“I have lived temperately…I double the doctor’s recommendation of a glass and a half of wine each day and even treble it with a friend.” Thomas Jefferson
Well, then. How appropriate that someone who follows Mr. Jefferson’s advice (and that would be me as you probably guessed) should meet a friend who I haven’t seen in (ahem..) years at a stunningly beautiful winery, Keswick Vineyards, originally the historic Edgewood Estate, in Charlottesville, Virginia! Rolling hills, white fences, farms with names harkening back to the the 18th century led us to Keswick which was a perfect place to share our penchant for good wine, catch up on each others’ lives, and remember why we were friends in the first place!
But let’s talk about the wine! Keswick Vineyards is family owned and operated by Cindy and Al Schornberg, originally from Michigan, who desired to find the perfect area for engaging in viticulture which would produce high quality wines. Their winemaking philosophy takes a minimalist approach. Most of their wines are fermented with natural or native yeast and since the 2006 harvest the red wines are unfined and unfiltered. From my wine tasting experience last week, it seems that the family is succeeding in a pretty big way and recognizing the viticultural potential of Virginia, my home state.
Having made an appointment to visit, Stephen Barnard, Keswick’s winemaker, was available to give us tastes of just released and not yet released vintages as well as to explain the winemaking process. Originally from South Africa, his experience was broad and knowledge was deep – we loved learning about these wines unique to the area. And what wines currently released did we taste?
**2011 Verdejo – A Verdejo in Virginia? Yep…Keswick is the only winery in Virginia that is growing Verdejo grapes which were initially planted as blending grapes until it was realized that these bad boys could stand alone! In fact, Stephen chose to serve this wine at his wedding…to the owner’s daughter (smart man on all counts)! This particular vintage is blended with 16% Viognier for more structure, yeast from South Africa was used for fermentation, and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. I loved its crispness and acidity as well as its fruity aromas and flavors. The 2011 Verdejo was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Price is $21.95.
**2011 Les Vents d’Anges Viognier – I loved this wine and purchased two bottles~ Aged in stainless steel and french oak, it was less fruity than expected, but surprises are fine with me!! Aromas and tastes of pear and apple along with slight floral notes were delicious! I’m planning on some goat cheese appetizers with this Viognier which won a Bronze Medal at the 2012 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition. Cost is $19.95.
**2011 Rose – Ahhh, a lovely Rose~ But this was made with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Norton, and Malbec grapes. Very dry, I felt that it was similar to the Rose you may find in Provence with aromas and tastes of red berries and high acidity. Cost was $17.95 and this wine, too, won an award, Bronze, at the 2012 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
**2011 Consensus – Wine club members actually have a part of the process with this wine! Questions are asked and choices are given with regards to the grapes involved and actual winemaking techniques…a “consensus” is decided upon and the wine is made. Voila! This wine is predominantly Merlot with Syrah, Touriga, and Norton grapes. I liked the taste – there was plenty of fruit on the nose and palate and the finish was a bit oaky. I’m sure the wine club members who have their picture on the label have bought cases!! Do you think Mr. Jefferson would have liked the consensus idea? Cost is $22.95.
**2009 Les Vent d’Anges Rives Red – Consisting of 100% Syrah grapes, this wine was delicious and took us all back to France for a bit. Aged in French oak for fifteen months, the dark red color, black pepper aromas, juicy mouthfeel, and satisfying finish of smoke, blackberries, and plums would be wonderful with some grilled meats. Wow! Cost is $18.95.
We also had the fantastic opportunity to taste wines which were not yet released. Thanks, Stephen!!
**2011 Monticello Viognier – Bottled on June 25 and matured in neutral French oak, this wine will be released in two or three months.
2011 Trevillian – A combination of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Norton, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes lends to another unique and delicious wine. Similar to the wet, humid climate of Bordeaux, Virginia is having good results with these grapes and blends. The Trevillian will be released in two or three months.
Stephen was a bit amazed that Carolyn and I hadn’t seen each other in ** years and I hope he was honored that we chose Keswick as our meeting place prior to continuing our chat over lunch at Keswick Hall. Would Thomas Jefferson be honored, too? I think so…because we followed the same doctor’s orders has he!
Carolyn, Stephen, and me at Keswick Vineyards – Thanks, Stephen!!
Cheers to healthy doses of wine and friendship ~ Cindy
Carolyn
Cindy