Early Mountain Vineyards, Young Wine White - 2022

Here’s a wonderful opportunity to try a delicious under-the-radar grape varietal, Vidal, from the great state of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley AVA. Vidal is a white hybrid grape variety produced from Ugni Blanc (the grape that makes Cognac!) and hybrid grape Rayon d'Or. It is a very winter-hardy variety that manages to produce high sugar levels in cold climates with moderate to high acidity, which protects grapes during fermentation and the wine during aging. The excellent folks at Early Mountain Vineyards put these characteristics to good use, producing a wine that has incredible texture and volume while retaining acidic structure. The aromatics are stony and savory and preview the umami character found on the palate, with stone fruits peeking through on the finish. Pair with curry crab cakes and arugula with spicy raspberry soy dressing.