Wine Splash!

There is something exciting about an adventurous car ride through Virginia’s back roads and then conquering a challenging drive up the side of a mountain that makes reaching this winery even more worthwhile. Then you sample the wines here and realize they are just as heavenly as the views from the tasting room. That nectar seems to taste so much more sweet! And that is how you do it when visiting Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Amherst, Virginia about 45 minutes southwest of Charlottesville. The little tasting room near the top of this peak is a “rustic chic” but very classy and comfy. There is a deck that overlooks the pristine landscape and that view is absolutely breathtaking and any photos you take from here will be a beautiful postcard for your memory book. But its the wines, yes the wines that will bring you back over and over again! All the wines are great and they lean a bit more to the dry side in style. One of our favorites was the 2013 Chardonnay and it was one to brag about.

Ankida Chardonnay

In the glass, golden yellow in color and day bright along the rim. Intoxicating aroma’s of tropical fruits, ripe pear, lemon, and nutmeg fill the senses. Medium weight across the palate, smooth, with a touch of crisp acidity. Bright flavors of sweet apple, citrus, pineapple, and stone fruit. Imagine a fruit salad playing the violin…..an explosive flavor symphony! On the second sip, more citrus notes came through, light oak, and a nice minerality that lead to a long, refreshing finish. Aged 9 months in neutral French oak barrels adds smoothness and elegance but still very fun and zesty! A nice balance between fruit, mineral, and acidity.

This is a Chardonnay that can go on its own or would pair wonderfully with seafood hors d’oeuvres, baked chicken, Caesar Salad, Chicken Pasta Alfredo, and medium cheeses. This 2013 Chardonnay is fantastic and the 2014 Ankida Ridge Chardonnay has already won the Virginia Governor’s Cup in the 2016 competition! The 2013 is available now and the 2014 will be released this April 23rd at Ankida Ridge’s “Celebrate Budbreak” event. But don’t wait until April 2016 to sample this wine. Double dip and try the 2013 Chardonnay now and attend the Budbreak event to get your 2014 award winning Chardonnay too!  You can’t lose either way because this 2013 Ankida Ridge Chardonnay scores 90 points! Average of $32 a bottle. WineSplashing!!