Excited, Ecstatic, Enthusiastic (okay, that all the “e” adjectives I know) about Effingham Manor Winery! A vineyard that is less than 15 minutes from my house, “H-YES!” Plus, it is another Chris Pearmund production, which means delicious-promising wines.

Effingham Manor Winery is a 250 year old house located on a 42 square mile estate. The Manor dates back to 1767 and was built by William Alexander, the great grandson of John Alexander. In case you didn’t know, Alexandria, Virginia was named after John Alexander. The property has English gardens, old slave quarters, a colonial blacksmith shop, smokehouse, the oldest swimming pool in Virginia and a koi pond. To add to the historic scenic grounds, a winery, barrel room and event barn was built for our enjoyment.

(Okay, I just had a thought, which I haven’t had in years, maybe I should apply for a tasting room clerk position. The last time I worked in a tasting room was in 2015. Hmm… something to think about. The history of the property has captured my interest. Plus, it is close to home. Again, something to think about.)

 

Effingham Manor Winery is not open to the public, yet. But, I had the pleasure of tasting some of their wines at a Pearmund Cellars event.

2015 Chardonnay – aged 8 months in oak. Toasty aromas with a smooth creamy finish. NICE, CHECK MARK!

2015 Rose – a blend of Chambourcin and Riesling. Cherry aromas with strawberries and orange flavors. Too sweet for my palate. I predict this will be a big winner among the wine novices.

2015 Traminette – a hybrid of Gewürztraminer posses floral aromas and BIG citrus flavors with a slight minerality on the finish; residual sugar is only half percent. GOOD, CHECK MARK!

2015 Merlot – Typical black-fruit flavors; a young wine with potential.

2014 Tannat – blackberries aromas, BOLD black-fruit flavors with soft tannins. VERY NICE! Per the website, only the 2015 Tannat is available.

Effingham Manor Winery also offers the following wines:

• 2015 Viognier
• 2015 Norton
• 2014 Meritage (a blend of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot)
• 2014 Kings Ransom (a Bordeaux blend and their signature wine)
• 2015 Tannat
• Sparkling Wine (100% Pinot Noir)

 

It is a given that there will be a part two to this review; hopefully before the posting of this blog, which is schedule for August 16, 2017. 

The winery may not be open to the public, but you too can get a sneak of the wines at local events. Follow Effingham Manor Winery on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EffinghamManorWinery/  

For more information visit effinghammanor.com.

Salute!