"The Dom Perignon of Virginia Wine" - Jay Youmans, Master of Wine. April 29, 2021

Terroir:

This wine is made from 100% estate grown fruit. Our vines are sheltered in the foothills of Carter’s Mountain in the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Vintage Notes:

After a good start to the growing season, the hot and dry summer led to early flavor development and ripeness, which allowed us to pick one week earlier than expected in August.

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2017 Reserve is our signature sparkling wine which relfects the best techniques and aging methods of the vintage Méthode Champenoise process.  The chardonnay grapes for this wine were harvested from the oldest block on our estate grown vineyard.  This block with its age and north facing slope holds acidity and allow for the grapes to mature more slowly.  Picking these grapes at peak ripeness a gentle pressing recovering only the coeur de cuvee provided the perfect wine for aging.  After aging in 70% stainless steel tanks as well as 30% neutral French oak gives the wine a more soft and structured mouthfeel.  This wine was then aged on tirage for 5 years and this aging time on its lees allowed the true flavors of champenoise process to develop.  At disgorging a low amount of dosage finished this wine in a Brut style which is balanced, rich, and delightful

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