Virginia’s Petits – Manseng and Verdot
Posted on April 18,2023 By John and Linda Compisi
We have known for years that the State of Virginia produces many beautiful and delicious wines. We know this because we have lived in Virginia a couple different times over the years, in fact, we have lived in the state for over 8 years in total. During those years we also learned that Virginia had a ‘growing’ wine business.
Virginia is well known for producing quality Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Vidal Blanc, and Viognier. However, Petit Manseng and Petit Verdot are increasingly being used to create wines that uniquely showcase Virginia’s terroir. Last week we had the opportunity to taste a bottling of each varietal.
First up was a 2021 Petit Manseng from Jefferson Vineyard which is located in Charlottesville, VA). Charlottesville is a charming city a little over 2 hours southwest of Washington, DC and the home of the University of Virginia. Petit Manseng is a hybrid grape from France and, unlike many white grapes, it is full-bodied, creamy and full of texture. Flavors of stone fruit and citrus come through on the palate. Often used in blending, this single varietal expression was delicious and vibrant with very nice acid, dry and full of fruit upfront. Best served chilled, as it warms in your glass the fruit and textures come through quite nicely with a very long finish. This wine can be paired with fish and seafood with buttery sauces and Asian dishes. Winemaker Chris Ritzcovan told us they only made 70 cases of this wine which retails for $29.95. Ritzcovan suggests that it can lay down for 4-5 years.
The rare Petit Manseng was followed by a 2017 Petit Verdot produced by Veritas Vineyards and Winery, located in Afton, VA (about 30 minutes west of Charlottesville). Petit Verdot is a Bordeaux varietal that is most often used for blending. As a late ripening grape, Petit Verdot (meaning ‘little green’), when ripe, can add tannin, color and flavor to a blend. Petit Verdot can make intensely bold, full-bodied, fruity-yet-floral, red wines that can and do easily stand on their own. Virginia’s climate is consistently warmer longer giving this grape a chance to fully ripen, unlike the environment in Bordeaux. The grape has thick skins which in turn makes the grape resistant to rot which Virginia’s humidity might prompt. This particular Petit Verdot was luxurious with floral notes of sage and lavender on the nose. Flavors of black fruit, plum and blueberry come through on the palates. Winemaker Emily Hodson advised that only 840 cases were made of this delightful, well-balanced wine. Already 6 years old, this wine should age well for another 4-5 years. Retail price ranges from $40 – $45.
Virginia is currently the 10th largest wine producer in the USA although, its position in the top 10 varies with each vintage. The state has 10 AVAs (sub-American Viticultural Areas) and we have visited a few of them including Central Virginia, Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley (do not confuse with the Shenandoah Valley of California in Amador and El Dorado County). If you’re a wine aficionado or a casual imbiber, we’d encourage you to explore the wines of Virginia.