DuCard Vineyards is nestled in the shadows of the Shenandoah Mountains and somewhat off of the beaten wine trails. However, we appreciated the tranquility that this space offered after a recent weekend visit on the Monticello Trail that could best best described as harried. Peace prevailed here and gone were the buses of boozy bridal parties, cranky children and barking dogs. To be fair, DuCard is dog friendly; however, none were at the winery during our visit. (DuCard will also accommodate larger groups but for a higher tasting fee.) Quality also prevailed at DuCard Vineyards, and we were appreciative not only of the quiet atmosphere and scenic mountain views but also the expert wine crafting that resulted in a lineup of excellent wines.

So readers are getting the idea that authenticity has something to do with an emphasis on an environment that lends itself to appreciating wine. However, the term also applies to owner Scott Elliff’s commitment to using only estate grown and managed fruit to produce his quality wines. It is no secret that some Virginia wineries import fruit from states other than Virginia, and these are often poured in expansive tasting rooms and sold at expensive prices. We are not judging winery owners who commit this practice; in fact, if a poor harvest in the vineyard means adopting other measures (such as bringing in fruit from California) in order to keep the doors open, then by all means do what is necessary. However, we do believe that this practice should be the exception and not the rule. And we do understand that not all grape varieties can be grown on one estate, so by all means purchase fruit from elsewhere—-as long as it is from a Virginia vineyard. We at Virginia Wine Time want to drink Virginia wine; after all, the local wine shop is loaded with California wines. We therefore applaud Elliff’s decision to use estate-grown and managed fruit exclusively. In fact, Scott Elliff has written articles on this topic and can be read here: The Virginia Wine Experience.

And on to our tasting. The Signature Viognier 2016 took a gold medal at the 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup, and it was also our favorite white wine. Lush floral aromatics and notes of fresh pear and melon suggested a wine destined to be paired alongside shellfish on a warm summer day. It offered a honey-texture mid-palate and enough acidity to accept any challenge offered by dishes topped by a cream sauce. I was a fan the Rose 2017 made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its pink tone and very berry nose announces summer has arrived. Strawberry flavors and a crisp finish makes this one a favorite for outdoor picnics, barbecue, chicken, poultry, salmon—-just about anything!

Of the red wines, another gold medal winner caught our attention, and that was the Petit Verdot 2014. Plum, blackberry and cedar notes gave way to flavors of juicy blackberry, plum and anise. Chewy too!! Feel free to age in the cellar; however, more impatient readers will want to decant before serving with grilled meats. I’m waiting for winter and serving with a hearty stew! Owner Scott Elliff capped off our tasting with a sample of a library wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Limited Edition. The 2012 vintage is considered a more classic Virginia vintage (not too hot, not too wet—-just right for Virginia). We can report that the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon presented the well balanced elements of rich dark fruit, cedar, and velvety tannins that we associate with an elegant wine. In fact, we purchased a bottle to serve with a special dinner on a special occasion.

We finished our visit at DuCard Vineyards with a glass of the Rose and took in the quiet atmosphere and majestic mountain views that surround the vineyards and winery. We also made certain to purchase several bottles of our favorite wines. Be sure to enjoy authentic Virginia wine at DuCard Vineyards, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

We finished our Presidents’ Day Weekend trip to the Monticello area with a visit to DuCard Vineyards. We first visited DuCard when the winery was newly opened in 2010. Owner and winemaker Scott Elliff was on hand to conduct our tasting on a frigid day.

DuCard Vineyards has made quite a splash with its Signature Viognier with its 2010 version earning accolades at a recent blind tasting held in Richmond. One of the judges was wine expert Steve Spurrier; when the judging was done, the 2010 Signature Viognier scored a tie with a heralded 2010 Condrieu from E. Guigal Vineyards in the Rhone Valley of France. Unfortunately, we have not tasted the 2010 Signature Viognier; however, the 2011 Viognier went toe to toe with the 2012 Viognier that was offered for a side-by-side comparison. My nod went to the very aromatic 2011 Viognier with its peach flavors and bright acidity. The still-evolving 2012 Viognier is destined to find fans; right now, it presents a very fruity nose and palate with a distinct banana note.

Of the red wines, my favorite was the 2010 Petit Verdot. This Petit Verdot was the product of a hot, dry growing season and presents a very dense color in the glass. I detected a whiff of violet with dark fruit elements that include black currants, dark plums and blackberry. A firm tannic presence suggests aging potential; however, if leg of lamb or thick, juicy steaks beckon for this Petit Verdot, open early or decant. I made certain to purchase a bottle for a future dinner party; of course, future could mean next week or five years from now! In any case, Norton lovers should enjoy the jammy 2010 Norton from DuCard. Paul, though, preferred the lighter bodied 2010 Cabernet France with its brambleberry aromas and flavors and spicy finish. I enjoyed this one too, and it could pair well with herb-crusted poultry or pork; however, I think that it could be enjoyed just by itself either beside a fireplace on a cold day or on the deck on a warmer spring afternoon.

Speaking of a warm afternoon, the 2012 Rose should be a hit in the spring and summer. I like dry roses, and this one was can be considered off-dry with less than 1%residual sugar. This was produced from Cabernet Franc grapes with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its bright pink color and strawberry nose reminded me that warmer days, fragrant flowers, and lasting sunsets are just around the corner!

Scott Elliff was a very gracious host, and we learned that he remains dedicated to producing limited quantities of quality wine. To celebrate the success of the 2010 Signature Viognier, Elliff will include a copy of the wine-themed movie Bottle Shock with case orders of the 2011 Signature Viognier. Why Bottle Shock? This movie recalled the 1970s judging event that put California wines on the international wine map, and it was Steve Spurrier who hosted it. Spurrier likewise judge the so-called Judgment of Virginia in which Virginia Viognier went up against the best from France. It was the 2010 Signature Viognier from DuCard that showed most brightly!

We made certain to purchase our DuCard favorites and promise to return soon; with spring weather just around the corner, plan a visit to DuCard Vineyards, but mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.