At Virginia Wine Time we are always looking for new wineries to experience. On our recent trip to Charlottesville we decided to visit a winery that we had not been to before. On this trip the new winery was Green Springs Winery at Gioiosa Vineyards in Louise, Virginia.

Green Springs has been open for two years and is owned by Lew and Amy Gioiosa. After driving up the wooded and scenic driveway, a rustic cabin type tasting room awaited us. Pat, our tasting associate, gave us a brief history of the winery and the Gioiosa’s passion for winemaking and then guided us through the tasting of ten wines. Green Springs now offers two Chardonnays, two Roses, a Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Norton.

These wines were produced from younger vines and as we progressed through the tasting, we both concluded that Green Springs Winery has great potential. For those who appreciate a full-bodied Chardonnay, the 2005 Chardonnay Reserve is the answer with its buttery mouth feel and pineapple flavors; it has a longer finish with toast at the end. Paul preferred the 2004 Chardonnay and its apple/pear notes that seemed perfect to enjoy on the porch on a warm spring day. Paul’s favorites, though, were the 2004 Cabernet Franc and the 2005 Norton. As we enjoyed a glass on the porch, Paul noted a fruit forwardness rich with red berry/raspberry aromas and flavors. Warren noted a hint of smokiness on the nose. Since we mentioned warm weather, grilling season is around the corner, and a bottle of the Green Springs Cabernet Franc would be an excellent choice with grilled meats. For those who prefer a fuller-bodied wine with their grilled fare, Paul also put a star next to the 2005 Norton. It is a bit bolder and its acidity would perfectly match barbeque sauces. For those who shy away from red wines during the summer, the 2005 Dry Rose might be the answer.

We bid our farewells to Pat and thanked him for an informative tasting experience. We will also return to Green Springs, and we know that our readers will visit as well—be sure to tell Pat that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

A recent trip to Mediterranean Cellars provided us with new experiences. Since our last visit, the tasting menu expanded to include thirteen offerings, and Jo, our tasting associate, eagerly encouraged us to sample the entire slate. With glasses in hand, we did indeed tackle the tasting menu in its entirety; in the process, we discovered some remarkable pours!

Mediterranean Cellars now offers six whites in the tasting room, and the most interesting was the 2005 Rechina. (Keep in mind that Mediterranean Cellars is owned and operated by the Papadopoulas family, and Retsina is the renowned varietal associated with Greece.)To the nose, the Rechina brings Pine-Sol to mind; however, this is normal. As Jo explained to us, the Greeks fermented the Retsina and transported it in barrels coated with pitch; hence, the wine exhibited aromas and flavors reminiscent of pine. However, with food, this wine is quite enjoyable, and grilled seafood must be the first choice. However, if Greek cuisine is not your thing, please try the Chardonnay as either a sipper or a partner with white meats and/or cheeses.

As our readers know, Virginia Wine Time awards Gold Stars to stand outs, and at Mediterranean Cellars, these were awarded to at least two reds. These included the 2004 Merlot and the 2004 Chambourcin Special Reserve. Warren is not a fan of Chambourcin; yet, this one was intriguing. More full bodied, the Mediterranean treatment lacked the grapey-sweet characteristics that recall grape jelly. Think steak or lamb with this one; its long, peppery finish will remain long after the meal is done! Paul favored the 2004 Merlot with its cherry/plum qualities. Quite the sipper, this red wine should be quite popular with grilled steak; Warren thought of the classic comfort food, meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

Now we must admit that we went to Mediterranean Cellars with summer concerts on our minds. We’re Wolftrap fans and reserve our lawn tickets as soon as possible; we like lawn tickets because we like to bring our own food and wine. Now is the time to stock up on what we call the Wolftrap Wines! So what did we find at Mediterranean Cellars to fit the bill? The 2004 Romance—light bodied with lots of fruit, is destined to please on balmy summer nights. We guessed that Chambourcin is the varietal used to produce Romance, but Jo was mum on the secret varietal; however, she did hint that a classic French varietal was used. For those still not sold on red wines as summer sippers, try the 2004 Matina’s Rose. Crisp and clean, this Rose is quite versatile and would be accepted at the summer picnic, the Wolftrap concert, or the Thanksgiving table. Bright red fruit prevail here, but it is rather dry.

The gold star winners found their spaces on the wine rack, and we thanked Jo for her expert commentaries as we bid our farewells. We do intend to return, but we know our readers will want to visit Mediterranean Cellars sooner rather than later. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Marterella Winery is a new winery and vineyard in Warrenton, Virginia. We just happened to see the sign for the winery on a recent trip to Warrenton and decided we needed to find out what it was all about. They have been open since October 2006.

After driving up the very scenic driveway the views of the vineyards, we entered a beautiful and cozy tasting room with a rustic patio complete with an outdoor wood burning oven. We thought this would make a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine on a chilly afternoon. In the tasting room is a full kitchen with a spacious yet homey tasting bar. Of course, we were interested in the wines and made our way to the bar.

Guss, our tasting associate, guided us through each of their seven wines. We began with the whites. We tasted the 2005 Vidal Blanc and the 2005 Chardonnay. The well-integrated Chardonnay was the standout with it’s apple/pear flavors and crisp finish. Next up was Rosalie’s Rose. This rose is made from the Merlot grape; in fact, Guss explained that for presentation purposes, the Merlot grapes used to produce this Rose are given very minimal contact with the skins to provide the pinkish color. However, Rosalie’s Rose is quite refreshing with strawberry aromas and flavors. With summer approaching, this Rose is destined to be a winner.

Already impressed with the Marterella whites, we next sampled the reds. We tasted the 2004 Merlot, the 2004 Cabernet Franc, and the 2003 Meritage, and we both concurred that the 2004 Cabernet Franc was the winner. Garnet colored with bright berry and spicy bouquet, the Cabernet Franc can be declared a medium-bodied, table-friendly wine. It’s no secret that Virginia produces some of the best Cabernet Franc, and Marterella’s offering is no exception.

The two dessert wines rounded out our tasting. Sweet Nothings is a chambourcin based wine that has 3% residual sugar, and Grace, a vidal blanc based wine with 8% residual sugar. Both would pair well with a cheese course, and Sweet Nothings might be an appropriate substitute for port.

Guss informed us that there would be a Barrel Select Chardonnay released in July. The Barrel Select Chardonnay will be done in the California style, and those who enjoy heavier-bodied Chardonnays should be on the lookout for this one as it will be a limited production.

After our tasting we each decided to enjoy a glass. Paul selected the 2004 Cabernet Franc and Warren decided on the 2005 Chardonnay. Paul found the Cabernet Franc to be a classic franc with firm tannins and red fruit flavors. It was perfectly dry and had a consistent garnet color. Paul had visions of Thanksgiving dinner in mind while tasting this Cabernet Franc. Warren enjoyed the Chardonnay and found it to be the perfect sipper with white cheddar cheese, almonds, and apple slices.

Upon finishing our glasses of wine, we each purchased a bottle before leaving. Marterella offers well-crafted wines, and we see a bright future for Marterella. Be sure to check out Marterella Winery, and tell them that Virginia Wine Time sent you.