Owned by the Zonin family, the largest private wine company in Italy. The family came to Virginia for the bicentennial in 1976 partly because of an interest in the architecture of Thomas Jefferson who was influenced by Andrea Palladio a 16th century architect from Vicenza, home of the Zonins. During a visit to Monticello, it was recommended that they visit the ruins of the home of James Barbour, an early governor of Virginia. The home was designed by Jefferson and although it burnt down mid nineteenth century the ruins were still very much in evidence. The Zonin family fell in love with the 700 acre farm that was home to the ruins. They decided to purchase the property and plant it to vine hoping to be more successful than Thomas Jefferson. They were among the first vinifera planters in Virginia and planted all the major vinifera to see what would stick.
Barboursville Vineyards, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area known as the Piedmont, turned out to have the perfect terroir for Piemontese varietals of Nebbiolo and Barbera and Rhone varietals of Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are not bad either!
| BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS |
VIRGINIA |
|
Brut NV |
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir blend; Vibrant fruit flavors leading to ripe pear; moderate acidity with fine bubbles and a soft structure, lingering finish |
|
Pinot Grigio ‘09 |
Extremely flavorful, with apple, pear, and a touch of pineapple. Dry and well-balanced, with a glowing and intriguingly gentle finish. |
| Sauvignon '08 |
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Viognier Reserve ‘09 |
Steel aged; delicate floral notes with soft fruit and a long finish. |
|
Virginia Vintage Rose ‘09 |
52% Barbera, 26% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc; Gorgeous! |
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Barbera Reserve ‘06 |
Elegantly earthy, with raspberry and vivid cherry notes. Very typical of the terroir and of the variety. |
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Cabernet Franc Reserve ‘07 |
My first love at Barboursville; rich fruit, well balanced, complex, wonderful food wine |
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Cabernet Sauvignon ‘07 |
Dark berry, cassis, pepper, coffee, prune, mint and vanilla – long finish, a Cabernet Sauvignon with no rough edges |
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Nebbiolo ‘05 |
Barbaresco style; Elegant and complex, deep aromas of violets, earth, dark berry and tobacco .One of the best outside of Italy |
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Octagon ‘05 8th Edition |
Top of the line. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot; only made in the best years. Dark, rich garnet color with an intense aroma of plum, cassis, coffee and berries |
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Malvaxia Passito ‘05 |
Moscato Otonel & Vidal Blanc; everything you want in a dessert wine: fruit, uncloying sweetness, acidity that delivers a clean finish; |