Though a blustery day, as fall faded and winter arrived, my visit to Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia was nonetheless memorable. Significantly for an impromptu photoshoot with my friend Tracey Salazar. I was in DC visiting Tracey and her husband, Patrick, and we went for a day-long jaunt out to Barboursville to deliver one of her prints and the three of us could taste some wine and have lunch as well.
We were joined by Luca Paschina, general manager and winemaker, for a spell while sampling wines in the Library 1821 room. He was affable and knowledgeable and had my attention for sure. We talked about his native Piedmont and the spirit of experimentation when it comes to planting grape varieties, especially Italian ones. Below is photographic evidence of my paying-attention* skills.
Now would be a good time to say all these photos are by Tracey. Not only is she a super-talented photographer (duh) but Tracey is also great at coming up with creative ideas and perspectives by using the surrounding environment to add interest and originality. Please check out her website:
Tracey Salazar Photography
Tasting the Wines of Barboursville Vineyards
We started with a crisp Vermentino, a restrained yet floral Viognier, and a rosé (made from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Nebbiolo) with a bit of body.
For the reds, we let Luca pilot the wine-tasting ship. A duo of Cabernet Francs, 2014 and 2009, showed off the fresh side of things as well as providing evidence of how well the wine will develop, respectively. Barboursville’s flagship wine, Octagon, was sampled in both 2012 and 2010 vintage. (I preferred the latter, possibly because it simply had a couple more years in the bottle.) A discussion about the large percentage of Petit Verdot in the 2012 Octagon led to trying a 2010 Petit Verdot.
Lunch brought a rich Fiano, a reserve Chardonnay, a 2009 Nebbiolo, and, finally, a passito-style dessert wine made with partially dried grapes, Paxxito.
Then, a little impromptu photo shoot in the vineyards. Here are some highlights, if I may be so self-absorbed to say so. (This is why you have a blog.)
Hat and Pants: Team Burgundy. (Actually, hat by Close By.)
They see me strollin’.
“Move that branch out of the way.” (Art Direction by TS.)
*”Show interest, pay attention, ask questions.” #mantra
I get out to Monticello AVA about once a year & Barboursville is a true treat. Beautiful place, too. I’d love a meal there.
Didn’t know they did a passito-style.
Good stuff here. Thank you for the post!
Jill,
Thank you for reading and commenting. The tiny restaurant is very charming. )Though after a meal there you might want to look into staying overnight.)
Jameson