Vines and Wines: Barboursville wine honored in international competition

Virginia wines compete

Virginia wines scored well at two high-level competitions last month.

Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, San Diego

Barboursville: 2010 Viognier Reserve, best in class; 2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve, best in class; 2009 Octagon, gold medal; 2008 Octagon, silver; 2009 Nebbiolo Reserve, silver; 2009 Petit Verdot Reserve, silver

Jefferson Vineyards: 2010 Cabernet Franc Monticello, gold; 2008 Meritage Monticello, silver; 2010 Petit Verdot Monticello, silver

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Barboursville: 2008 Cabernet Franc, best in class; 2010 Viognier Reserve, 2007 Octagon, both silver

Barrel Oak Winery: 2010 Chardonnay Reserve, double gold; 2010 Chardonnay, 2010 Viognier, both silver; 2009 Cabernet Franc, 2009 Petit Verdot, both bronze

Barren Ridge Vineyards: 2009 Tinkling Spring, silver; 2008 Meritage, bronze

Doukenie Winery: 2009 Cabernet Franc, 2010 Chardonnay, 2009 Merlot, all silver; 2009 Vintners Reserve, bronze

Gray Ghost Vineyards: 2010 Late Harvest Adieu, silver; 2010 Chardonnay Reserve, bronze

Keswick Vineyards: 2010 Merlot, 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve, both silver

Philip Carter Winery: 2010 Cabernet Franc, 2010 Chardonnay, both bronze

Rappahannock Cellars: 2009 Cabernet Franc, silver; 2010 Viognier, bronze

Skepticism remains about Virginia wines. Probably always will.

But recent accomplishments by Barboursville Vineyards and several other wineries suggest the number of cynics will be decreasing … if they give state wines a chance.

Barboursville, recognized locally, nationally and internationally as a major player in the wine industry, has had that reputation validated in two major wine competitions. In the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in early January, Barboursville's 2008 Cabernet Franc Reserve was named the best wine in its category.

A week later, Barboursville's 2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve was voted best cab franc in the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition in San Diego. And not stopping there, its 2010 Viognier Reserve was named best in class in the same competition.

Cabernet franc has long been thought to be the red grape of Virginia. Barboursville's 2008 and 2009 reserves punctuate that thinking.

"We planted a bit here at Barboursville starting in the late '90s and won the Governor's Cup with the '97 vintage," Barboursville winemaker and general manager Luca Paschina said. "And more went in the ground since then because it is consistently producing a good to great wine just about every vintage I have seen since 1990."

The 2008 cab franc is a terrific wine with red-berry flavors, think cherry, and soft tannins and a long finish. Are there differences between the two vintages?

"The difference is evident when tasted together," Paschina said. "Tasted alone, they are both great wines."

Paschina's description of the two: "2008 — refreshing and vivid flavors of black cherry, licorice and a finish of white pepper. 2009 — ripe and intense flavors of black cherry, plum and spice (clove)."

What do these awards from prestigious competitions mean for the state wine industry?

"Once more, a Virginia wine has reached world-class recognition for its own merit, in a blind setting, and it is a great time for all people involved in our industry to be proud, celebrate and yet not be surprised of the achievement," Paschina said.

Barboursville wines are available at many shops and stores in the area at about $18.89 for the '08 and $18.95 to $22.99 for the '09. Barboursville's two cab francs and its award-winning 2007 Octagon and 2010 Viognier Reserve will be poured at the Feb. 24-26 Virginia Wine Expo (www.virginiawineexpo.com).