Barrels & Bees Flight

Sparkling Riesling- Blanc de Blanc

This wine recently won a gold medal in the 2024 Virginia Govornor’s Cup!

This sparkling white wine was made using the Charmat Method.

100% Riesling estate grown at Cave Ridge Vineyard, Mount Jackson, VA. The grapes were picked on September 19, 2022. All grapes were harvested by machine, and yielded 13.1 Tons of grapes.

Harvest Information: Ph: 3.15 Acid: 9.5 gm/L Sugar: 17.3 Brix

Aromas and appearance: Color is clear and bright with a hint of citrus, otherwise distinct aromas are subdued. Small bubbles are indicative of the natural fermentation process.

Flavors: Pronounced green apple flavors finish with a zesty dryness with the 1 gram per liter of residual sugar present in the wine.

Pairings: This sparkling wine does not need food, but fresh fruits such as apples and strawberries provide an enjoyable combination. Shellfish: Any shellfish, but oysters are an amazing pairing. Asian dishes such as sushi will work well with this wine.

2024 Blanc de Cabernet Franc

White wines produced from red varieties like Cabernet Franc are not often produced. The process of whole cluster pressing to prevent any red pigments in the juice can be tricky. The process of pressing the grapes must be stopped at just the right time to limit the extraction of color from the skins.

Characteristics

The flavors are unique as there are phenolics from the Cabernet grape that provide body and roundness. Although there is a small amount of residual sugar, it is not noticeable as its only purpose is to diminish any astringency that is present from the phenolics of this grape.

Winemaking

Very natural fermentation process allowing the yeast to consume the sugars, leaving about 1% residual sugar.

Yeast: Wild indigenous, no commercial yeast used.

Tons Harvested: 3 Tons

Cases Produced: 165

Pairings

Roasted Vegetables, Quiche, Salads Herb-Crusted Chicken & White Fish, Cheeses- Goat Cheese

2023 Chambourcin

Chambourcin is aged in Hungarian and French oak.  This wine pairs well with red meat and heavier pastas with red sauces.

2023 Pinot Noir

Rated 91 Points by James Suckling!

Tasting Notes From James Suckling:

Translucent in appearance, with aromas of wild strawberries and a touch of rose petals before a palate of purity and verve. It pulses with cherries and more strawberries, as well as a quiet bass note of savory earth. Terrific balance and detail.