A panel of wine producers, retailers, writers, collectors and other industry professionals sampled and critiqued Virginia wines from across the commonwealth that were submitted for the revived State Fair of Virginia Wine Competition.
The judging was held June 16 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County and included a wine label competition.
“The wines of Virginia continue to move forward in some predictable ways and in new and surprising ones,” said senior judge George Davis of Associated Distributors. “Petit Manseng, a grape used to make dessert-style wines, is now being released in a dry style that really reflects that the growing areas of Virginia are able to produce interesting wines that show the varietal in a new style. Like Viognier, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this is just one wine that will continue to reflect the ability of Virginia wines to express a unique style that will compete with table wines from around the world.
“Tasting the submissions of this and others like Tannat, a red opposite to the white Petit Manseng, shows the potential of Virginia wines yet to be revealed. These are certainly very tasty wines right now, however. The good growing conditions in the past couple of years have helped the wines show the quality that is available from our local vineyards. The wines continue to evolve and match the rapidly moving food scene that is on Virginia dinner tables.”
Wines were judged according to national industry standards. Judges awarded gold and silver medals and label awards. The Best in Show wines will be announced Sept. 26 at the fair’s opening-night benefit gala, Black Tie & Boots. As with the State Fair wine competition, 100 percent of proceeds from Black Tie & Boots will benefit the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program. The event will feature live music and fair-style surprises, live and silent auctions, award-winning Virginia wines, an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
The State Fair scholarship program promotes positive youth development by recognizing and rewarding leadership and scholarship attributes developed through meaningful competition. More than $70,000 in scholarship funds will be offered through competitions during the 2014 fair.
Wine grapes are ranked 20th among Virginia’s agricultural commodities and generated $11 million in cash receipts in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Virginia is ranked fifth nationwide for wine production and is home to more than 250 wineries. According to a 2012 economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs more than 4,700 people and contributes almost $750 million to the state’s economy.
This year’s State Fair of Virginia will open Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 5. Information is available at StateFairVa.org.
The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Gold medal-winning wines
Annefield Vineyards – Viognier 2013
Attimo Winery, LLC – Wonder 2012
Barren Ridge Vineyards – Christof 2011
Barren Ridge Vineyards – Viognier 2012
Bluestone Vineyard – Blue Ice 2012
Flying Fox Vineyard – Trio 2011
Flying Fox Vineyard – Viognier 2012
Ingleside Plantation Vineyards – Petit Manseng 2012
Lake Anna Winery – Seyval Blanc 2013
MountainRose Vineyards – Autumn Gold 2009
Pearmund Cellars – Viognier 2013
Stinson Vineyards – Tannat 2011
The Winery at Bull Run – Delaney 2013
The Winery at Bull Run – Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Wisdom Oak Winery – Cloche 2013
Silver medal-winning wines
Annefield Vineyards – White 2013
Annefield Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Annefield Vineyards – Merlot 2012
Barren Ridge Vineyards – Merlot 2010
Bluestone Vineyard – Merlot 2011
Bluestone Vineyard – Petit Verdot 2011
Casanel Vineyards – Dulce 2013
Casanel Vineyards – Petit Verdot Reserve 2010
Chateau MerrillAnne LLC – Chardonnay 2012
Democracy Vineyards – Parliament 2011
Flying Fox Vineyard – Pinot Gris 2013
Flying Fox Vineyard – White Table Wine 2012
General’s Ridge Vineyard – Generals Nightcap 2012
General’s Ridge Vineyard – Petit Verdot 2012
Gray Ghost Vineyards – Gewurztraminer 2013
James River Cellars – Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
James River Cellars – Lee’s Last Stand 2012
MountainRose Vineyards – Cabernet Franc 2011
Pearmund Cellars – Ameritage Reserve 2010
Pearmund Cellars – Petit Manseng 2013
Reynard Florence Vineyard – Reynard Blanc 2013
Reynard Florence Vineyard – Petit Manseng 2013
Rockbridge Vineyard – Rockbridge Reserve Chardonnay 2012
Stinson Vineyards – Chardonnay 2012
Stinson Vineyards – Petit Manseng 2012
The Winery at Bull Run – Petit Verdot 2012
Individual Label Design
Traditional:
1st: Shennandoah Vineyards, Rebel Red
2nd: Wisdom Oak Winery, Petit Verdot 2011
3rd: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Harmony 2012
Non-traditional
1st: James River Cellars, Reserve Chardonnay 2012
2nd: Blue Bee Cider, Mill Race Bramble 2013
3rd: Ingleside Vineyards, Chesapeake Cabernet Merlot
Overall Winery Presentation:
1st: Blue Bee Cider
2nd: Wisdom Oak Winery
3rd: Democracy Vineyards
Overall Consistency for Label Design:
1st (only): Ramulose Ridge Vineyards
Thinking Beyond a Paper Label:
1st (only): Stinson Vineyards, Petit Manseng 2012
Best Use of a Blue Bottle:
1st: Bluestone Vineyard, Blue Ice 2012
2nd: James River Cellars, Vidal Blanc 2013
3rd: The Winery at Bull Run, Delaney 2013
Overall Dessert Design:
1st: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Christof 2011
2nd: Blue Bee Cider, Harvest Ration 2012
3rd: Bluestone Vineyard, Blue Ice 2012
Best Typography:
1st: Stinson Vineyards, Chardonnay 2012
2nd: James River Cellars, Reserve Chardonnay 2012
3rd: Bold Rock Cidery, Virginia Apple 2014
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