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Virginia Wineries Association announces 2016 Governor’s Cup® gold medalists

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virginia wineThe Governor’s Cup Virginia Wine Competition is complete. Thirty-eight Virginia wines have been awarded gold medals in the Virginia Wineries Association’s 2016 Governor’s Cup® competition, which was held over a four week period during the month of January/early February.

Now in its 34th year, the competition was revamped in 2012 to become one of the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the country.

The gold medalists from this year’s Governor’s Cup were selected from 432 entries of both red and white wines, from 95 wineries. Thirty red wines and eight white wines received the coveted gold medals. Three of the gold medals were CQA (Commonwealth Quality Alliance) approved.

Eight wineries received more than one gold medal. Those wineries are:
Bluestone Vineyards (2)
Granite Heights Winery (3)
Keswick Vineyards (2)
Michael Shaps Vineyards (5)
Paradise Springs Winery (3)
Pearmund Cellars (2)
Pollak Vineyards (2)
Sunset Hills Vineyards (2)

Of the gold medal winning wines, the highest scoring red and white wines will then comprise the Governor’s Cup Case to showcase the state’s top wines. Finally, the highest scoring wine of the competition will be awarded the grand prize of the Governor’s Cup itself. The wines that make the Governor’s Cup Case and the actual Governor’s Cup will be announced by Governor Terry McAuliffe at the Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala on February 22. The gala is a private invitation only event.

Both the Governor’s Cup Competition and the resulting Governor’s Cup Case boost the visibility of the state’s highest-scoring wines through various programs and exposure to top industry critics and tastemakers. The esteemed panel of judges had the difficult task of ranking each wine based on a unified scoring system.

Again for this year’s top awards, Virginia is showing a wide variety of wines highlighting the diversity of grapes growing with distinction in Virginia’s climate and soil. Virginia Meritage blends lead with fourteen wines receiving gold medals. Five wines that were 100% Petit Verdot won golds, and 2 Tannats and 2 Tannat blends also received gold medals. For whites, three Virginia Chardonnays and two Virginia Petit Mansengs won gold and highlighted that these grapes continue to show well in this climate. Four Cabernet Francs, one Nebbiolo, one Cabernet Sauvignon, one Merlot, one Vermentino, and two dessert wines were also among the gold medalists.

Any wine made from 100% Virginia fruit is eligible for the Governor’s Cup Competition (ciders and fruit wines have their own category and medals). Entries must include an affidavit with a certification of 100% Virginia fruit and vineyard particulars, including grower names and location, as well as information on alcohol, acidity or basicity (pH), and residual sugar.

The rapid growth of Virginia’s vibrant wine industry has made it one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in the state. Today, there are over 275 wineries in Virginia, and 360 vineyards that cultivate over 3,500 acres of grapes. Advancements in wine quality and reputation have grown along with the industry as a whole. For a complete list of gold medal winners and further information about events, tours and tastings, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office’s website at http://www.virginiawine.org/ or call 804‐344‐8200.

2016 Governor’s Cup Gold Medalists
 

  • Ankida Ridge Vineyards, 2014 Chardonnay
  • Barboursville Vineyards, 2014 Vermentino
  • Barren Ridge Vineyards, 2010 Meritage
  • Bluestone Vineyard, 2014 Chardonnay
  • Bluestone Vineyard, 2013 Blue Ice
  • Breaux Vineyards, 2013 Meritage
  • Cardinal Point Winery, 2014 Clay Hill Cabernet Franc
  • Delaplane Cellars, 2013 Williams Gap
  • Fabbioli Cellars, 2012 Cabernet Franc
  • Gadino Cellars, 2010 Nebbiolo
  • Glen Manor Vineyards, 2013 Meritage
  • Granite Heights Winery, 2010 Evening Serenade
  • Granite Heights Winery, 2010 Lomax Reserve
  • Granite Heights Winery, 2012 Humility
  • Horton Vineyards, 2014 Petit Manseng
  • Keswick Vineyards, 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve
  • Keswick Vineyards, 2013 Signature Series Cabernet Franc
  • Michael Shaps, 2013 Meritage
  • Michael Shaps, 2013 L Scott
  • Michael Shaps 2013 Tannat
  • Michael Shaps, 2014 Petit Manseng
  • Michael Shaps, 2013 Raisin D’Etre White
  • Naked Mountain Winery, 2012 Petit Verdot
  • North Gate Vineyard, 2013 Meritage
  • Notaviva Vineyards, 2012 Excelsis
  • Paradise Springs, Winery, 2012 Tannat
  • Paradise Springs, Winery 2012 PVT
  • Paradise Springs, Winery 2013 Meritage
  • Pearmund Cellars, 2013 Petit Verdot
  • Pearmund Cellars, 2013 Chardonnay
  • Pollak Vineyards, 2012 Meritage
  • Pollak Vineyards, 2012 Merlot
  • Stone Tower Winery, 2013 Hogback Mountain
  • Sunset Hills Vineyard, 2013 Aldie Heights Cuvee
  • Sunset Hills Vineyard, 2010 Petit Verdot
  • The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 2013 Petit Verdot
  • Veritas Winery, 2013 Vintner’s Reserve
  • Vint Hill Craft Winery, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

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