RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - You may have heard Virginia has a growing reputation for growing good grapes, but did you know the state's best wineries are all after one thing?
The 2014 Governor's Cup Award was awarded to Williamsburg Winery’s 2010 Adagio at a gala at the John Marshall Hotel Thursday night.
Judges assessed the highest ranking wines from a preliminary round in Washington, D.C. in January after a final round was held earlier this month in Richmond.
The 2010 Adagio, a red wine blend of 42 percent Cabernet Franc, 30 percent Merlot and 28 percent Petit Verdot, had the highest overall score in the competition.
The winemaker's tasting notes call the Adagio a very bold, upfront wine with loads of jammy fruit.
"The blackberries and blueberry notes are accentuated with some elegant mature darker fruit such as figs, dates and prunes. There is a hint of spice (warm cinnamon) with molasses and soy. The earthy notes come across with a touch of nuttiness," the tasting notes read.
In addition to Williamsburg Winery's 2010 Adagio, the other 11 wines in the Governor’s Cup Case are:
- Barboursville Vineyard - 2008 Malvaxia Passito
- Barboursville Vineyard - 2010 Nebbiolo Reserve
- Barboursville Vineyard - 2010 Octagon
- Barren Ridge Vineyard - 2009 Meritage
- Fabbioli Cellars - 2011 Tannat
- Horton Vineyards - 2010 Tannat
- King Family Vineyards - 2011 Meritage
- North Gate Vineyard - 2011 Meritage
- Rockbridge Vineyard - 2008 Meritage, DeChiel Reserve, unfiltered
- Sunset Hills Vineyard - 2010 Mosaic
- Two Twisted Post Winery - 2012 Chardonnay
The celebration was a great way to kick of the Virginia Tourism Corporation's announcement that March is "Love by the glass: Virginia Wine and Dine Month."
It's a celebration showcasing Virginia wines at more than 500 participating restaurants and wine shops across the state.
The winner will have been selected from 410 entries from 96 Virginia wineries.
Even if you're not a wine lover, you have to appreciate the economic impact the wine industry has for the state.
- Virginia wine is the fastest growing segment of the state’s agriculture.
- It pumps in an estimated $85 million in tax revenue to the state's coffers.
- Virginia ranks fifth in the nation in wine production.
- The commonwealth has 250 wineries.
- Wineries provide just over 4,700 jobs.
Some hotels, resorts and inns are creatingtravel packages for people who want to partake in Virginia Wine and Dine Month.
