Barboursville Vineyards

About

Barboursville Vineyards is Virginia’s first wine estate to be dedicated to growing European, vitis vinifera wine varietals in Virginia. Planted in 1976, the vineyard was founded and continues to be owned by Gianni Zonin from Gambellara, Italy, who is a 7th-generation winegrower whose family’s enterprise, Casa Vinicola Zonin, has been in viticulture since 1821. Barboursville is Zonin’s sole winemaking endeavor outside of Italy. The property is the core of an extensive 18th Century Virginia plantation, now consisting of some 900 acres, of which 162 are in vine.

Pinot Grigio

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
Harvested promptly when ripe to conserve its structuring acidity, we consider our Pinot Grigio to be our most food friendly white wine. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its tropical notes and salinity. Romantic and youthful - a true expression of Italian winemaking style. Pear, pineapple, dry.
Scores
TBA

Vermentino

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
Native to maritime regions of Liguria, Corsica, and Sardinia, Vermentino has adapted wonderfully to our warm VA climate. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, under continuous lees contact for about 7 months. Vermentino loves practically any preparation of shellfish and fish. Citrusy, minerality, finesse.
Scores
2019 Virginia Governor’s Cup Governor’s Case Winner

2019 James Suckling 92

Viognier

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
We were the first in VA to abandon both malolactic fermentation and the use of oak while making Viognier. We wanted to protect its floral opulence and luscious flavors while allowing its natural acidity to shine through. Passion fruit, citrus, herbal.
Scores
TBA

Nebbiolo

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
Nebbiolo has become one of our premier varietals since its first vintage in 1998. This multifaceted and layered hidden gem in our portfolio is meant for long aging. Try it. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for about 1 year in mostly used French barrique. Violets, dark berries, forest.
Scores
2018 James Suckling 94

Cabernet Franc

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
VA is famed for producing elegant and age worthy Cabernet Franc. Ours is no exception. We have the perfect sedimentary rock of volcanic origin with greenstone that is rich in iron and magnesium. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for about 1 year on older French barrique. Ripe berry, plum, minerality.
Scores
2019 James Suckling 92

Octagon

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
Octagon is our highest expression of our European derivation and inspiration. This wine has garnered us the most accolades, locally and internationally. It is a wine of unquestioned distinction and longevity. Always a blend, and the best of what Mother Nature gives us that harvest. Baked berries, old-world style, moderate oak.
Scores
2017 James Suckling 94

2016 Wine Advocate 90

2016 James Suckling 95

Paxxito

Virginia

Harvest & Vintage Notes
Moscato Ottonel and Vidal are harvested young to capture the fruit's acidity. Once harvested, the grapes are taken through the traditional Passito method - air dried and naturally raisinized on racks open to outdoor ventilation. This lengthy process concentrates flavors and sugars. A long natural fermentation takes place in older barriques where the wine will age for almost another two years. But can be enjoyed for the next 20 or so. Apricot, honey, almond.
Scores
2015 Wine Advocate 93