Kluge Estate - A Premium Virginia Winery !

Talking about vineyards on the East Coast is becoming less and less of an eyebrow lifter as more and more quality wines come from that region in the US. Off course the main spotlight is and remains on California for a long time to come. That I find myself talking about a premium winery estate in the State of Virginia is still surprising to me. Established in 1999, the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard has aspired and quickly become one of the East Coast's most prestigious wineries. Patricia Kluge, the founder, owner and chairwoman of Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard, planted her first vine in 1999 at her estate, Albemarle House. Her dream was to create a world-class winery in Charlottesville, Virginia and also to develop a genuine wine region. Today, Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard has become one of the largest wine making facilities in Virginia. The Monticello Appellation, particularly Patricia’s corner of Albemarle County, is also making a name for itself on the global wine map. The Kluge Estate benefits from excellent natural conditions as a result of reliable seasons and the geographical lay of the land. The quality of the soil, position of the vines and their exposure to the sun produce a high quality crop. Harvesting is done by hand.Adjacent to the vineyards is a beautiful farm shop, offering Kluge Estate's fine wines and delectable foods. Offerings include some of Virginia's finest agricultural produce and products. Their Executive Chef highlights the seasons of Virginia with delectable American cuisine using locally grown produce. For sweets, executive pastry chef Serge Torres is on hand to create exquisite desserts, baked goods, chocolates, confections, preserves, and chutneys, homemade with fruits from the Albemarle House orchards. The Kluge Estate is certainly a place to visit and hang out for a while. Meeting all the interesting people that Patricia has assembled around her to build this beautiful venue. And after all lets not forget that this Estate produces great and interesting quality wines.

The Kluge Estate 2002 New World Red is a Bordeaux-style blend made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is smooth, round and soft, with notes characterized by toasted oak, currant and black cherry. The finish delivers a flourish of mocha and coffee.

The Albemarle Viognier 2005 is made Condrieu style and is 100% Viognier, aged for 8 months in French oak barrels. The result is a beautiful sphere of complex aromas and flavors: floral and mature exotic fruits on the nose and palate; a balance of ripe and dried apricots, notes of guava, lychee, and spicy flower perfumes blend with light smokiness, vanilla, and fresh tobacco from the French oak.