We recently visited Ingleside Vineyards to sample their latest offerings with an eye on wines more appropriate for summer menus.  These would include picnics, barbeques, deck parties, luaus—you get the idea.  Anyway, our visit was also an opportunity to visit with Bill Swain, winemaker at Ingleside Vineyards.  We did an interview with Bill a while ago, and we were looking forward to chatting with Bill about the newest and upcoming releases at Ingleside.

Actually, our visit began with a tour of the Ingleside facility by our gracious hostess, Amy Otis.  Amy is the public relations coordinator for Ingleside, and she guided us through a tour of the tasting rooms and barrel room.  Along the way, we did run into Bill Swain and his wife and assistant winemaker, Maria.  Amy and Bill allowed us sneak barrel samples of the upcoming Petit Verdot from the 2007 vintage—knock-out was my reaction!  Keep an eye out for the release of the Reserve which should satisfy any big-red wine lover.

However, our quest was for summer sippers, and Amy coordinated a tasting of Ingleside’s wines for us including some Black Label wines!  Several offerings fit the bill for special summer wines.  The peachy 2007 Pinot Grigio was fruity yet dry and should complement salads and seafood.  Another versatile pour and my gold star winner was the Rosato di Sangiovese.  The heady bright berry nose and vibrant strawberry and cranberry flavors should make this one a perfect partner for almost any meal that would range from a picnic at a Wolf Trap concert to a dinner party that featured grilled meats flavored with an herb marinade.  This stainless-steel fermented rose is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes.

Now summer wines usually mean sweeter wines, and I always have my friend a guest blogger Michael Tyler in mind when sampling wines with a bit of residual sugar.  The Blue Crab Blanc with its citrus flavors would certainly have a place on Michael’s wine rack.  Yet another seafood friendly wine, I pictured Michael on his deck while enjoying a glass of the Blue Crab Blanc with a crab cake dinner.  Paul tended to favor the Blue Crab Red, a blend of various red varietals that include chambourcin, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, and petit verdot.  At 1.5% residual sugar, it is a bit sweeter and should be chilled.

Of course, some folks might want a drier red wine with their barbeque or romantic sunset on the balcony.  The lighter-bodied Chesapeake Cabernet Merlot should certainly serve the purpose with its cherry/spicy flavors.  The fruity 2005 Merlot should also be considered for any grilled meat affair but can also be appreciated on its own.  Merlot fan Paul placed a star next to this one, and he jotted down “very cherry” on his tasting sheet.  Nice, soft tannins make the 2005 Merlot food and sipping friendly.

Now it’s not too early to think about fall and winter menus when wine tasting, and the 2005 Syrah could easily rest on the wine rack while waiting for a feast of herb-crusted beef tenderloin; likewise, the 2002 Virginia Gold seems destined for a hearty prime rib dinner on a chilly night.

As we swirled and sipped, Bill informed us that Ingleside is currently producing about 15,000 cases of wine.  A rare production of Pinot Noir is in the pipeline, and he was very excited about upcoming releases of the 2007 vintages especially the reds.

On another note, summer vacationers looking for things to do in Virginia may want to check out Virginia Cruises.  These cruises feature tours of Tangier island, the Rappahannock River, and Fredericksburg.  The Rappahanock River tour includes a stop at Ingleside Vineyards for a tour, tasting, and lunch in a specially appointed tasting room.

With our tasting and tour completed and several bottles of wine purchased, we bid adieus to Amy and Bill.  Of course, we will be back to Ingleside Vineyards, and do place a visit to Ingleside Vineyards on your list of wineries to visit in Virginia.  Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.