Uncorked: Charlottesville Wineries

“We could in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good.” - Thomas Jefferson

Charlottesville is quite possibly, one of my favorite cities I’ve ever lived in. The city has some of the best food, shops, and of course wineries. During my last year living in Charlottesville, I quickly learned what I could about the wineries and vineyards that the city had. Anytime I had the chance to visit my college city post-undergrad, I’d make it my mission to try and revisit local vineyards or wineries.

Today, I’m sharing two new wineries that I made it my goal to try earlier this year: Barboursville Vineyards and Michael Shaps Wineworks. Also, I am sharing the wines we brought back home, and how you can buy them!

Barboursville Vineyards

Headed to Library 1821

Enjoying wine in Library 1821

What we brought home from Barboursville Vineyards

Sparkling

• Brut & Brut Rosé Cuvée 1814 - Both bottles were fermented with 100% Pinot Noir grapes in Italy. This was collaboration with Tenuta II Bosco and Barboursville Vineyards, and it was an absolute hit.

Reds

• Cabernet Sauvignon - Cab Sauv holds a special place in my heart, and this did not disappoint. This wine has the perfect balance of berry, pepper, and currant notes on the palate. If you like to age your wines this is a amazing bottle to do so.

• Cabernet Franc - You cannot mention Virginia, without saying Cabernet Franc. This is actually one of my favorite grapes, and Barbousville did right by this wine. The notes on this wine exude berries, plum, cherries, and are aged 12 months in French Oak. This wine is so balanced, and each note is a compliment in this bottle.

• Petit Verdot - The notes on this wine resemble licorice and black currant. This wine has bold tannins, rich, and very complex. I absolutely love the dark fruit in this wine and it absolutely well done.

• 2015 Octagon, 18th Edition - This is one of the best wines I have ever had, hands down. I remember trying this at a local wine festival years ago, but was unable to purchase it. Our visit to this winery was solely off of this wine, and I’m so glad we made the trip. This wine gets better with age, and will be perfect to uncork in a few years. It is 50% Merlot, 30% Petit Verdot, and 20% Cabernet Franc, all of my favorite reds in one bottle.

A barrel of Octagon

Indulging in chocolates from Pod & Vine

Michael Shaps Wineworks

The entrance to the winery

Taking in the view of Michael Shaps Wineworks wine collection

What we brought home from Michal Shaps Wineworks

Sparkling

• Crémant de Bourgogene - This bottle of bubbly is crisp and has the perfect balance of acidity. The grapes are grown in France, and this bottle produced in the classic méthode traditionelle process. Also, it is aged in stainless steel for about a year prior to being bottled, which gives it the crisp and clean notes.

• Crémant Rose de Bourgogene - This sparkling has the Pinot Noir grape, and has had minimal contact with the skin, thus giving it a nice color. Also, it has gone under the same bottling and fermentation process as the former wine mentioned as well.

Reds

• Petit Verdot - This wonderfully complex Petit Verdot, is high in acidity, but full in flavor of dark berries and concentrated fruit. There are a lot of tannins that embrace the palette, and has earthy as well as floral notes. Also, the Petit Verdot was barrel aged in 40% new French oak for eighteen months, which gives this wine a lot of body and makes it very well-rounded.

• Cabernet Franc - The grapes for this wine were grown in Charlottesville, mainly on Carter’s Mountain. Also, similar to the former mentioned wine, it was aged in 40% new French oak, for 16 months. The tannins on this wine are softer, and Michael Shaps uses a unique egg white fining process to help soften the finish. The notes on this wine are berries, spice, tobacco, and smoke finish that really takes this bottle to the next level.

• Tannat - This wine merges to worlds, French & American wines. Michael’s story of being one of the first winemakers in Virginia to work with this grape is simply amazing. Similar to the reds mentioned before, this wine was also aged in 40% new French oak for 14 months. The acid, alcohol, and tannin in this wine are high. Also, you can age this wine for up 10 years. This bottle resembles berries, tobacco, and leather on the palate.

Dessert Wine

• 2013 Raisin d’Etre Red - The story behind this wine is unique. The winemaker utilized a drying technique, in which grapes were dried out in the barn using heat to fry them out. The grapes began to resemble raisins during the process. This method also produced high concentrated fruit, which makes an excellent dessert wine in the outcome. This can be aged for 10-15 years, and is the perfect pairing to anything chocolate. I’ve already made an amazing chocolate wine sauce using this bottle for my homemade brownies!

Getting started with the amazing wine tasting Michael Shaps had to offer

The final selection of wine to bring home from Michael Shaps

XO, Analise

Wahoowa

When the University of Virginia Black Alumni Association launched a letter campaign, and reached out to alums earlier this year after the major event that took place in Charlottesville, I immediately took action. Today, I would like to share what I wrote in hopes it may reach more students and motivate them during the current climate we are in.

Dear Undergraduate Student –

The events that occurred in Charlottesville, as well as UVA, do not accurately reflect the city and university that I know and love. As an alumna it has been extremely difficult for me to witness and bear what has occurred on Grounds. My heart is extremely heavy, and my prayers are with you, as you begin your journey at UVA. I want you to know that attending The University of Virginia will be one of the greatest accomplishments of your life, and I know because it is truly one of mine.

The four years that you are about to embark on at The University of Virginia, will be extremely fulfilling, challenging, and amazing. You will form special bonds with your peers, and see the world through a whole new lens. You’ll go to weekend football games at Scott Stadium, weeknight basketball events at John Paul Johns Arena, and find some of the best food on The Corner – including Bodo’s Bagels. Also, you will pull all-nighters at Clemons Library, and on a nice fall day read a book on The Amphitheater steps. Those are just some of my favorite memories at The University of Virginia.

While those memories are forever close to my heart, you will face some challenging moments. I’ll never forget the day my professor told me I was not good enough to major in Computer Science, and the pain I felt in that moment. During that time I was hurt, doubtful, and worried – in fear that I couldn’t measure up. Luckily, I come from an amazing support system, and was reminded of my worth, but most importantly my capability of excelling in Computer Science. I finished my Computer Science degree in 2011, after four challenging but fulfilling years at UVA. My peers and a few professors were supportive during my journey, in which I’m forever grateful.

Remember that you are good enough, and you deserve to be on Grounds at The University of Virginia. While there may be times where you are unsure or concerned, keep pushing and fighting for your rightful place at UVA. Throughout your years at The University stay focused and vigilant, never give up on your dreams. Admissions saw the tremendous talent, credentials, and aspirations that you were to bring to the Academic Village – know that your place at UVA was not an accident, it was intended.

Form relationships and bonds with your classmates – whether it is your new roommate, lab partner, or someone from the Black Student Alliance (BSA). Create a legacy and footprint during your time on Grounds – invest your time wisely, while never compromising your values. Take the time to cultivate and build new relationships, the people at UVA truly make the memories worthwhile.

While there may be individuals who may question your presence on Grounds, be still in knowing that you are worthy and most certainly capable of excelling beyond your wildest dreams. Put your energy into being the best, and taking the time to learn as much as possible. During my four years I constantly challenged myself and got out of my comfort zone. Living in the International Residential College (IRC) for three out of my four years was a prime example of that.

I was able to have suitemates from all over the globe who challenged me mentally and spiritually – it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Take time to explore new opportunities and learn new things. Most of all be kind, and be an example of what it is to be a true UVA student – someone with honor, respect, and an immense thirst for knowledge.

Stay strong fellow Wahoo, and I have no doubt that you will do wonderful things at The University of Virginia. 

Regards,

Analise Gregory