Rob Roy

Please don't tell everyone. Nero d'Avola is way underpriced and I'd like it to stay that way!!!!!

You can visit my web site and get trip reports etc on Virginia vineyards: www.AboutVirginiaWine.com If you have the time, I would drive down Route 29 to Charlottesville, then take I 68 to Richmond. On your return, come up I-95. Spend a day in the Charlottesville area visiting wineries. There are far too many for one day, but pick a cluster and enjoy. When you are coming back from Richmond, stop at James River and Hartwood which are not very far off of I-95. As you live in DC, I would suggest future day trips. Most of the Northern Virginia Wineries are in clusters, and you can visit three or four quite easily. A Tip of the Wine Glass, Rob Roy

Red

I've tried several vintages from Horton, Valhalla, Cooper, Chrysalis, and Rappahannock. All these wineries are from Virginia where the grape was discovered. I've also tried one from West Virginia. Norton is very dark. One winery, Chrysalis, made a Norton Rosé, but it turned out darker than most reds. The nose is floral with lilacs predominating. There is a unique taste that I have yet to find in anything but a Norton. It is a full bodied wine, which needs to age. Right now, I'm working on my 1998 Horton Nortons, and they are still young.

Norton is a unique American grape. The best discription and history can be found at Norton Information Norton ages very well, and I have found it an excellent match with roast beef. It is my standard Christmas Dinner wine.

So, any comments on Norton, the true American Grape? Now that I have some aged Norton's in the cellar, I am even more impressed. Regards, Rob Roy

Another choice would be a Cabernet Franc Rob Roy