In 2006, Whitebarrel Winery began as a modest, countryside vineyard situated on a 17-acre parcel of the historic Childress region. The then-Eclipse Winery cultivated the land with a clay and shale soil similar to that of the distinguished wine regions of northern Spain and central Italy. Today, the “Virginia Green” farm winery has expanded its grape growing empire into Floyd county and serves award-winning wines at restaurants throughout the Commonwealth and metropolitan D.C. area.
The Christiansburg vineyard grows a wide selection of red and white grapes including Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chambourcin, Baco noir, Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Seyval blanc and Grenache blanc. Whitebarrel also produces Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes at leased vineyards throughout the state.
Whitebarrel Winery has expanded their wine menu to include a secret selection of five distinct Tangos. Their tango releases combine two well-received vinos to create an entirely new wine experience.
The first tango created by Whitebarrel’s expert winemakers mixes the winery’s famed, full dry Chambourcin with its new sweet Cherry wine. The vibrant flavors of the Cherry wine magnify the cherry undertones evident in the old world Chambourcin and create a beautifully balanced, semi-sweet red wine blend.
Next on the secret tango menu is fruit-forward Chardonnay-Peach wine. When combined, the dry and crisp mouthfeel of Whitebarrel’s signature Chardonnay becomes mellowed out and sweetened by the subtle fruit notes present in the Peach wine. Overall, the fruity release offers a soft bouquet of honey, vanilla, green apple and peach, perfect for both white and red drinkers alike.
The Chardonnay attempts one more tango with Whitebarrel’s rare Bin #101. The sweet apple wine boasts hints of bourbon and full, aromatic flavors that blend perfectly with the dry Chardonnay. The concoction of dry and sweet results in a buttery mix that showcases the unique flavors of each wine.
A white and red blend is up next and features Whitebarrel’s sweet Bin #704. The fragrant white is merged with a semi-sweet mellow red to create a final blend that showcases velvety texture, subtle sweetness and a semi-dry finish.
Last on the list is fruity Blackcurrant wine that takes its final bow when mixed with an earthy Cabernet Sauvignon. The tango concludes with a stunning fruitfulness and jam flavor that embodies a full red wine experience.
All tangos are offered exclusively at Whitebarrel Winery, as well as their superior Fig Wine, a decadent, deep-flavored wine that won gold at the 2018 Governor’s Cup Gala. You can also purchase the wine through Whitebarrel’s online store.
Whitebarrel Winery is located at 4025 Childress Rd., Christiansburg and is open seven days a week during select hours.
Author: Grace Silipigni
