New Winery on the Block: Chester Gap
New Winery on the Block: Chester Gap
In regard to the Virginia wine industry, Bernd Jung's Chester Gap Winery is the newest kid on the block. We recently met with Bernd and his wife at their lovely hillside facility in Rappahanock County. Bernd shared his visions for Chester Gap's future in the ever-growing Vriginia wine industry; the process, we were treated to sneak previews of their wines that will soon be released to the public.
Bavarian-born Bernd Jung and his wife may be the newest winemakers in Virginia, but Bernd actually began his career in the wine industry while living in southern Florida. It was in the tropical climate of Florida that Bernd maintained a vineyard and acquired the knowledge necessary to grow quality grapes in a difficult environment. However, Bernd has concluded that Virginia's climate is actually more of a challenge than Florida's The weather in Virginia can be more unpredictable and difficult; therefore, crop-threatening diseases tend to be a constant danger. With these factors in mind, Bernd carefully selected his property in Chester Gap. The vineyard sits atop a higher elevation that is windier and warmer. The aeration helps to ward off pests that can damage a vineyard, and the warmer temperatures allow for a longer growing season. Bernd has also carefully selected the varietals that are suitable for his particular micro-climate, and he has now planted seven acres of vines that include viognier, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and petit manseng.
Bernd treated us to samples of his wines; some of these were already in bottle, but others were still in the barrel. We first tasted his 2004 Viognier that spent five months in oak barrels. This Viognier had lovely fruit characters that included pear and hints of peach. We also noted a floral character. It was very enjoyable! We then sampled the 2004 Merlot that was blended with a small portion of Cabernet Franc. This one had lots of cherry flavors with some raspberry that signaled the cabernet franc's presence. Here again was another winner, and we both concluded that Chester Gap had already joined the ranks of quality wineries in Virginia. Barrel samples of the upcoming Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng confirmed our conclusion!
We certainly encourage our readers to stay tuned to the latest developments at Chester Gap. Chester Gap is now open for tastings during weekend hours; so, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular view with a bottle of their wonderful wine.
In regard to the Virginia wine industry, Bernd Jung's Chester Gap Winery is the newest kid on the block. We recently met with Bernd and his wife at their lovely hillside facility in Rappahanock County. Bernd shared his visions for Chester Gap's future in the ever-growing Vriginia wine industry; the process, we were treated to sneak previews of their wines that will soon be released to the public.
Bavarian-born Bernd Jung and his wife may be the newest winemakers in Virginia, but Bernd actually began his career in the wine industry while living in southern Florida. It was in the tropical climate of Florida that Bernd maintained a vineyard and acquired the knowledge necessary to grow quality grapes in a difficult environment. However, Bernd has concluded that Virginia's climate is actually more of a challenge than Florida's The weather in Virginia can be more unpredictable and difficult; therefore, crop-threatening diseases tend to be a constant danger. With these factors in mind, Bernd carefully selected his property in Chester Gap. The vineyard sits atop a higher elevation that is windier and warmer. The aeration helps to ward off pests that can damage a vineyard, and the warmer temperatures allow for a longer growing season. Bernd has also carefully selected the varietals that are suitable for his particular micro-climate, and he has now planted seven acres of vines that include viognier, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and petit manseng.
Bernd treated us to samples of his wines; some of these were already in bottle, but others were still in the barrel. We first tasted his 2004 Viognier that spent five months in oak barrels. This Viognier had lovely fruit characters that included pear and hints of peach. We also noted a floral character. It was very enjoyable! We then sampled the 2004 Merlot that was blended with a small portion of Cabernet Franc. This one had lots of cherry flavors with some raspberry that signaled the cabernet franc's presence. Here again was another winner, and we both concluded that Chester Gap had already joined the ranks of quality wineries in Virginia. Barrel samples of the upcoming Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng confirmed our conclusion!
We certainly encourage our readers to stay tuned to the latest developments at Chester Gap. Chester Gap is now open for tastings during weekend hours; so, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular view with a bottle of their wonderful wine.