It’s been three years since my last visit to Virginia Wine Country, so I must return and rediscover new regions I still need to explore. However, since my first visit, I’ve been completely captivated by the rolling hills, the charming wineries, and the delicious wines. But there are a couple of spots that I’ve been eluding me; one of them is Early Mountain Vineyards, located in Madison, Virginia, in the Monticello AVA, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
And you know what? I’m kicking myself for it! especially after learning about their diverse mixture of soils and “a place where magic happens” kind of Quaker Run Vineyard.
I was intrigued when I heard that award-winning winemaker Maya Hood-White claims the soil at Quaker Run Vineyard is unlike anything she’s seen in her decades of Virginia winemaking. “For starters, it is one of Virginia’s most unique vineyard sites.” She walks the vineyard daily and has yet to see any soils like it during her decades-long research in the region. The soil composition can be best described as rocky soils with mixed mineralogy. Its major features are a south/southeast facing slope with consistent airflow and 1,000 ft elevation.
She crafts pure expressions of Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay (yes, all three!). That unique terroir translates into some seriously stunning wines.
Did you know Virginia has 10 distinct wine regions, each with unique characteristics? From the Blue Ridge foothills, a region known by locals as the “Piedmont,” to the Chesapeake Bay shores, there’s something for everyone in Virginia wine country.
Now, I always like to get a second opinion, so I contacted a friend and fellow wine pro: Abe Zarate, a total rockstar in the wine world, sommelier, and Wine Enthusiast Future 40 2024 honoree. He’s a big fan of Quaker Run Vineyard, too, and here’s what he had to say:
“American vineyards don’t carry the same weight as their European counterparts. However, it’s less a matter of quality and more about visibility. I’m fascinated by what Early Mountain Vineyards achieves with Quaker Run Vineyard. This vineyard, under the care of Maya Hood White, manages to express itself beautifully through grapes like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat – grapes I don’t typically associate as thriving in the same area. Quaker Run is a Goldilocks vineyard with just enough of everything it needs to provide three wildly different varieties. I’ve witnessed its steady discovery by wine consumers, and it’s exciting to see their curiosity spark and want to dive in. Enjoying these three wines is one of the most fun ways to experience American terroir.”
Since I haven’t made it to Early Mountain yet (sadly!), I had to experience these wines in the comfort of my home, which had a bonus as I could pair them with food. I have some recommendations for you along with some tasting notes, and let me tell you, these Quakery Run Vineyard Wines impressed me; as Abe Zarate mentioned, it “is not a matter of quality” is a matter of spreading the word out that Virginia and specifically Early Mountain Winery is producing premium wines.
This Chardonnay is all about texture and complexity. Think lemon curd, clover, white stone fruit, and a hint of toasted bread. It spends 11 months in 30% new French oak, undergoing complete malolactic fermentation.
Pairing: I’d love to try this with creamy crab pasta or roasted chicken. Suggested retail price $85.00
This Cab Franc is a savory dream. Forest floor, which means some earth notes along with tobacco and herbs… It’s like walking in the woods in a glass. It’s aged for 16 months in 40% new French oak.
Pairing: Bring on the grilled lamb chops or a mushroom-heavy risotto!
Suggested retail price $85.00
Tannat can be bold, as it produces wines high in alcohol, rich in flavor, and intensely aromatic, allowing them to withstand significant amounts of oak aging.
Tannat is a grape variety that originated in France but has flourished in Chile. Hence, I was eager to try this version from Virginia, which proved elegant and balanced. While it maintains a strong character, it also features beautiful fruit and spice notes. Additionally, this wine is aged 16 months in oak, 30% of that being new French oak. Get yourself a bottle of this Quaker Run Tannat 2021 for $65.00
Pairing: Steak night, anyone? Or a rich duck confit.
Do you want to learn more about Early Mountain and the Monticello AVA? Check out their website here. You can also find more information about Virginia Wine Country and its diverse AVAs at https://www.virginiawine.org.
Early Mountain, I’m coming for you! And Quaker Run, you’re at the top of my list. In the meantime, I’ll dream of those Virginia hills and that amazing hospitality with Quaker Run Vineyard wines in hand.
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