Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard — Kluge SP 2002

It’s been more than a couple of centuries since French Huguenots began making wine in Florida, followed by Thomas Jefferson’s experiments in Virginia at Monticello. Well-established as a wine producing state, Virginia has been particularly successful in producing Chardonnay grapes. Great Champagnes are made of Chardonnay in France, so it’s no surprise that Patricia Kluge picked Albemarle County for her winery project. First wines were released in 2002 and showed great potential. Due to this early success, Kluge is currently expanding the vineyard operation, and more product will come from this Monticello Appellation. This week we popped the cork on this bright and flavorful Blanc de Blancs. Frenchman Charles Gendrot is in charge of winemaking for this méthode champenoise offering. In the glass, the 2002 Brut will greet you with a deep golden color and bright flavors of ripe apples, pear and hazelnut. The wine’s medium body offers satisfying creamy mouthfeel with average bubbles, complemented by a strong backbone and good structure. You can apply this vino to a vast array of foods, from delicate lobster recipes to pasta dishes to Asian-flavored preparations. Only 800 cases were produced, but "there is more on the way," says Kristin Moses, Kluge’s daughter and Director of Public Relations at Kluge Estate.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $38

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Check out our guide to Virginia
For more information, visit www.klugeestateonline.com