Bridging the Gap Modules
A: A French word, rhymes with Syrah, mean “soil” or “earth. In the Vineyard world it means the environment or habitat in which a Grape is grown…the climate, the soil or the slope
Q: What is terroir?
A: This grape is originally from the Bordeaux region of France. When crossed with Cab Franc the result is Cabernet Sauvignon. The varietal is widely recognized around the world, it has a crisp acidity and a chemical called pyrazine that is more predominant in cooler climates of the world.
Q: What is Sauvignon Blanc?
A: In French it means “The Little Blackbird”, it’s the 2nd most popular red grape in America after Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a Bordeaux Variety and the progeny of Cabernet Franc. More of a fruit forward varietal, softer mouth feel and less tannins than some of the other Bordeaux varieties. Black Cherry and cocoa are recognizable notes for this red varietal.
Q: What is Merlot?
A: The name of the couple that started Great Country Farms in 1993
Q: Who are Mark and Kate Zurschmeide?
A: The types of barrels we use at Bluemont Vineyard (from what countries)
Q: What are French, American & Hungarian
A: The Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Bluemont Vineyard
Q: Who is Scott Spelbring?
A: This was once referred to as the signature grape of Virginia, named by the Virginia Wine Board. Not indigenous however, it’s originally from the North Rhone region of France. On our properties, it grows from the foot of our mountain all the way up to 1300 ft. It’s typically a more rounded wine, like chardonnay
Q: What is Viognier?
A: A Bordeaux variety that means “Little Green One”. It is highly desired as a blending varietal because of its color, tannins and floral aromas of violet. This bold wine is commonly added in less than 10% of most wine blends but in Virginia it is trending more and more as a sole varietal. It has typical flavor profiles of sage, violet, minerality, plum and herbal flavors. We are growing this variety on the Brewery side of the mountain. Pairs well with lamb stew, lamb chops, beef mole and Manchego.
Q: What is Petit Verdot?
A: A favorite saying by “Paw Paw’s” mother is now the title of this educational nonprofit program at Great Country Farms. Its goal is to educate and teach the values of farming for members of our community and hopefully in the process, they'll get their hands dirty!
Q: What is “Peck of Dirt”
A: Considered the gold standard for oak barrels
Q: What are French Barrels
A: When grape harvest typically begins at BMV
Q: What is mid to late August?
A: This is a French/American hybrid grape, developed in the 1930’s in France. It does well in cooler climates and is often used for late harvest sweet wine or to make ice wines. It’s a hardy variety with high sugars.
Q: What is Vidal Blanc?
A: The cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc results in this variety
Q: What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
A: It's the origin for the name Henway
Q: the name of this business is inspired by one of many jokes told by Paw Paw..."What's a hen weigh?" "Oh about 2 or 3 pounds!"
A: Alternative to oak, more durable and can be used over and over. Leaves a cleaner taste and imparts no tannins
Q: What are stainless steel tanks?
A: A culinary term that we often use to describe "flavors" of oak barrels and what notes they might impart in our wines
Q: What is a spice rack?
A: This varietal is originally from the Northern Coastal region of Spain and its neighboring country Portugal. The name means “white grape”. It's a smaller grape with thick skins and a higher acidity. Some of the typical flavors in its profile might include lemon zest, almond, apple and minerality such as river stone. It pairs wonderfully with ceviche, fish tacos and Mediterranean Dishes.
Q: What is Albarino? Fun Fact: Some of the oldest living vines in the world are Albarino vines and some are up to 300 years old!
A: Originally from Madiran France. Uruguay has claimed this as it's national grape and has descendants of some of the original vines. Recognized for its rich red color, higher tannins and acidity. Depending on where it's grown, typical flavor profiles may include blackberry or raspberry. We have planted this variety on the brewery side of the mountain.
Q: What is Tannat?
A: Our elevation and the name of our tasting room, officially measured from the boulder outside. Mark and Kate Zurschmeide and Bob and Loree Rupy used this number as our tasting room logo.
Q: What is 951?
A: In oak barrels, this process contributes to the concentration of the wine
Q: What is evaporation?
A: The larger sized barrels in the winery
Q: What are Puncheons?
Fact: they can hold up to 500 liters of wine, almost twice as much as our standard sized barrel that hold 225 liters of wine
A: Named after a small village in France, this is one of the world’s most popular grapes. It also one of the most widely used grapes in Champagne and other sparkling wines. If you see Blanc de Blanc on the label, it would be this varietal. If oaked, this varietal may show flavor profiles of vanilla, butter and depending on terroir, flavors ranging from tropical fruits to apple and citrus. Unoaked versions of this varietal may have zippy notes ranging from apple and citrus to peach and pineapple.
Q: What is Chardonnay? Fun Fact: In France, if the label says “Chablis” it must be a Chardonnay, Chablis is rarely oaked.
A: The native Virginian grape named after a physician from Richmond Virginia. It is grown in the block off the tasting room parking lot and The Stable block. It's also Missouri's state grape with distinct notes, jammy and a bold red color. New vines can be propagated from cuttings of the vines.
Q: What is Norton?
A: The name of the youngest grandchild in the Zurschmeide Family
Q: Who is Miller
A: This type of Oak has a faster influence on finished flavors of the wine.
Q: What is American Oak