In our tireless quest for the best in Virginia wine, this week we ventured to the Downtown Mall to take a first look at the area's newest wine bar: VaVino. We also sampled Jefferson Vineyards' 2004 Chardonnay Reserve. But before we get into that, we want to begin with a few tips/explanations of wine terminology for those who still may be new to "the wine game." So stop ogling your hot TA for a moment and pay attention; chances are you will have a much better shot with your newfound wine "skillz" anyway.
Lesson one: The Nose. When wine aficionados refer to the "nose" of a wine, they simply are talking about its scent. A good nose can reveal the flavors and complexities of a wine even before the first taste. The less common (but more elitist) term bouquet is also acceptable and wonderfully classy.
To further add to your comfort in the tasting room, you should be familiar with the expression "the finish." Finish essentially refers to the aftertaste -- the final flavors that stick with you after the first sip. Finish is important because, honestly, who wants to drink something that tastes "so good when it hits your lips" and then leaves you with nothing but bitterness and regret on the way down?
If you feel you're ready to test your knowledge, we've got just the place: VaVino, the new wine bar on the Downtown Mall. Located in Charlottesville's unofficial heart of sophistication, VaVino opened at the beginning of August under the direction of renowned Virginia winemaker Michael Shaps, his wife Christie Shaps and David and Ellen King of King Family Vineyards. According to manager Anna Mauldin, the owners hope to bring attention to Virginia wine in an atmosphere that allows the average mall-goer a chance to enjoy some of the state's best while learning what makes wine from our region unique.
VaVino boasts an extensive collection of wines available for retail sale as well as for tasting, not to mention a reserve room filled with older premium vintages impossible to find anywhere else but straight from a vineyard's private stash. Blind taste-offs held monthly pit Virginia wines against others from around the world and have made many a fan of French or Italian wine rethink their Euro-centric ways. VaVino also hopes to bring in label owners periodically to guest bartend for special events, making it an elegant alternative to a traditional vineyard tour.
Bottom line, VaVino has us very excited. Visit during the week for a quiet, intellectual atmosphere, or stop by on a weekend night to experience a younger, faster-paced crowd.
Finally, here's what we're drinking this week: Jefferson Vineyard's Chardonnay Reserve. Currently in its 2004 vintage, it brags a classic Virginia nose of fresh apples along with a buttered toast flavor characteristic of a good oak-aged chardonnay. This wine compliments and balances a flavorful seafood dish like paella or marinated salmon.
You can find this wine at a fine local grocer for around $22 (or, at VaVino for a slightly inflated price). This may be a little expensive for a college budget, but is cheaper than the Harry Winston alternative you were considering to win over that TA and solidify an A+ participation grade.
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