Barboursville Vineyards is Virginia’s first wine estate to be dedicated to growing European, vitis vinifera wine varietals in Virginia. Planted in 1976, the vineyard was founded and continues to be owned by Gianni Zonin from Gambellara, Italy, who is a 7th-generation winegrower whose family’s enterprise, Casa Vinicola Zonin, has been in viticulture since 1821. Barboursville is Zonin’s sole winemaking endeavor outside of Italy. The property is the core of an extensive 18th Century Virginia plantation, now consisting of some 900 acres, of which 162 are in vine. Winemaker-General Manager Luca Paschina, holder of a degree in oenology from Instituto Umberto in Alba and now in his 21st year at Barboursville, oversees day-to-day vineyard operations with viticulturist Fernando Franco, who has been at Barboursville for 13 years.

Absence of oak aging combines with extravagant lees contact and exclusion of oxygen in stainless steel to protect and concentrate welcoming aromatics and luscious flavors, fine for cellaring. Juicy and bright pear, passion fruit, and hints of citrus on a gently herbal frame.

Varietal: Viognier

Region: Virginia