Wine With Wanda

Three Intriguing Wines from Early Mountain, Virginia. Yes, Virginia!

image courtesy of Early Mountain

Believe it or not, every state in the USA makes wine, even Alaska! California accounts for about 85% of American wine production, and while other states can't match their quantities, many are also producing world-class wines, including Virginia. If you've never tasted a wine from Virginia, I encourage you to start with some sensational sips from Early Mountain. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Early Mountain's 300-acre property is planted with 55-acres of vineyards. They craft their wines with diverse grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malvasia Bianca, Sauvignon Blanc, and Tannat.

Recently, I tasted a trio of unique Early Mountain wines that were perfect thirst-quenchers on these hot summer days: the fresh and fizzy 2019 Early Mountain Pét-Nat Blanc ($32) and two chillable reds -- 2019 Early Mountain Soif ($26) and 2019 Young Wine Red ($24).

 

 

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Such a pretty Pét-Nat! Early Mountain Pét-Nat Blanc 2019 ($32) is a feisty blend of 71% Malvasia Bianca, 26% Muscat, and 3% Petit Manseng from VIRGINIA. Yes, Virginia! There’s some very innovative winemaking happening in Virginia and Early Mountain is at the forefront. I must applaud Early Mountain for the very precise description of Pét-Nat on their website. “Pétillant naturel (Pét-Nat), literally meaning “naturally sparkling,” is a term for sparkling wine made by Méthode Ancestrale. The wine begins its fermentation as any other white; but prior to completion, the wine is bottled under crown cap to finish the fermentation in bottle. The small amount of sugar left in the wine is consumed by the yeast, resulting in a dry finished product. The carbon dioxide produced by the yeast then dissolves into the wine, producing fine bubbles. The bubble size is slightly smaller than in Methodé Champenoise sparkling wines. Due to an active fermentation in bottle, it remains slightly cloudy and will settle some with time. With such a non-interventionist style of winemaking, Pét-Nat offers a unique glimpse into the characteristics of the vintage.” I love the yeastiness and soft fizz of this wine, they meld beautifully with its flavors of peach, honeysuckle, tangerine, and a hint of almond. And there’s a hoppy undertone and a fantastically textured mouthfeel from the subtle tannins. A very refreshing and unique sip on another steamy NYC day. Cheers! #wine #vin #vino #instawine #virginiawine #pétnat #petillantnaturel #whitewine #interestingwine #cheers #delicious @earlymountain #winewithwanda #wineathome #vawines

A post shared by Wanda Mann (@winedinewanda) on Aug 1, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT

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🍷How about a glass of ooh la la from Virginia? “Soif” is French for “thirst” and Early Mountain Soif 2019 ($26) is inspired by the ​Vin de Soif ​style popular in Parisian wine bars. A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 32% Cabernet Franc, this juicy red is best served chilled. Dry and very mineral, it has soft tannins, lively acidity, and vibrant flavors of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, and plum with savory hints of white pepper, sage and rosemary. A great summer sip! Would be a great match with BBQ! @earlymountain #wine #vin #vino #instawine #virginiawine #interestingwine #cheers #delicious @earlymountain #winewithwanda #wineathome #cabernetsauvignon #merlot #cabernetfranc #redwine #summerwine #redwine

A post shared by Wanda Mann (@winedinewanda) on Aug 1, 2020 at 3:37pm PDT

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🍷 Wrapping up my at-home weekend tasting of some great summer sips from Early Mountain Vineyards in Virginia with their 2019 Young Wine Red ($24). A blend of Chambourcin (90%) and Vidal Blanc (10%), this juicy low-tannin red sings in the glass with a slight chill. I can’t say that I’ve tasted much Chambourcin. A French-American hybrid grape developed in the Loire Valley, Chambourcin, this expression reminds me a bit of Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Full and juicy, its lush fruity flavors are rounded out with great acidity and a hint of herbs. Early Mountain co-fermented the Chambourcin with the hybrid grape Vidal Blanc, a cross between Ugni blanc and Rayon d’Or, “to bring some depth to the aromatic and flavor profiles, and to further embrace the chillable, drinkable nature of the wine.” The wine was not not fined or filtered. This is a very quaffable wine and a tasty and different summer sip! @earlymountain #wine #vin #vino #instawine #virginiawine #vawines #chambourcin #vidalblanc #redwine #summerwine #winewithwanda #winedinewanda #winelover #wineathome #cheers #delicious

A post shared by Wanda Mann (@winedinewanda) on Aug 2, 2020 at 12:54pm PDT

Let the Rosé Flow: Three Terrific Pink Wines from Virginia, Provence, and Oregon

Can you even imagine summer without rosé? Luckily, we don't have to! Rosé wines are delicious year-round but there's no denying that these flirty pink sips are particularly suited to the sunny and carefree vibe of the summer season. Pretty and refreshing, rosé wines are a fun way to explore new regions and grapes. I plan on taking my taste buds on a delicious rosé journey all summer long and will keep you updated with short reviews of my favorites. Cheers! 

Early Mountain Rosé 2018 ($25) is a juicy and fresh blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Bone dry but bursting with vibrant red berry and citrus flavors and zippy acidity, this elegant rosé has pizzazz. If you’re not familiar with Virginia wines, Early Mountain is a charming introduction.

No rosé tasting is complete without taking your palate on a journey to the place that started the world's pink wine obsession - Provence! Berne "Inspiration" Côtes de Provence Rosé 2018 ($20) is a chic and tasty example of a classic Provençal rosé. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, this dry but fruity wine captivates the taste buds with luscious red berry flavors and lively hints of lavender, basil, and thyme. Take a sip, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in the south of France! 

 

Are you ready for a glass of Oregon ooh la la? Chehalem Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018 ($25) is the perfect summer sip. Renowned for their superb Pinot Noir, Chehalem's rosé is more playful but equally impressive. Delicate but not wimpy, with lovely soft red fruit flavors and juicy acidity, this flirty rosé has style and substance.