Wine of the Week: Barboursville Vineyards Brut

By: | Times-Dispatch
Published: December 30, 2009

Wine: Barboursville Vineyards Brut
Winery: Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville (www.barboursvillewine.com)
Composition: Nonvintage, 90 percent Pinot Noir, 10 percent Chardonnay; 12.5 percent alcohol
Description: Many people do not think "bubbles" when they think of Virginia wine. The Barboursville Brut is a fun, refreshing Virginia sparkling wine made from estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Made in the Prosecco fashion, the Northern Italian influence is apparent. It is intriguing with vibrant fruit flavors leading to ripe pear, lingering on the finish. The moderate acidity integrates well with fine bubbles and soft structure. -- Tiffany Vadella, Bella Vino at Stony Point
Cost: $17.59-$20.99
Where to buy: Bella Vino at Stony Point, Corks & Kegs, Elwood Thompson's, Once Upon a Vine (North and South), Krogers Gaskins Road; Eastridge Road; Mechanicsville (others can special order)
Fast fact: Barboursville Brut is the house sparkling wine at The Inn at Little Washington. Primary and secondary fermentation is done in stainless steel and is followed by eight months of aging on the lees in stainless steel.
Pairing note: The winery says Brut pairs well with hors d'oeuvres, steamed mussels with lemon and parsley, grilled scallops wrapped in bacon.
Other sparkling suggestions:

Voirin-Jumel Champagne Grand Cru ($39.99) -- Drinks like an $80 bottle. I'd put it up there with any of the well-known Champagnes, at half the price. It's from Cramant, one of only 17 villages labeled Grand Cru in the Champagne region of France. Very biscuity, yeasty aroma. The taste: nice citrus notes, lemon zest. For champagne, it's full-bodied. -- March Helms, Corks & Kegs

J Cuvée 20 Brut NV ($20.99) -- The nonvintage J Cuvée 20 Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes are followed by a mix of fuji apple, grapefruit and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish. -- Bob Kocher, Once Upon a Vine (McArthur Avenue)

2008 Montesel Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene ($19.99) -- This is a beautiful wine that overwhelms the palate with a velvety softness and a lively effervescence. It is straw-colored with a fruity scent of peach, apple, pear and a hint of citrus fruits which tend toward a floral fragrance; rich and fresh sensation. -- Mike Hale, The Wine Market

Mumm Napa Cuvee ($19.99) -- Peachy color, peachy nose, peachy palate. The bubbles are in check. Drinks very nice. My personal favorite. March Helms, Corks & Kegs