BARBOURSVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – A wine typically associated with Northern Italy has earned a prestigious accolade in Virginia, claiming the Governor’s Cup Award.
Barboursville Vineyards, initially met with skepticism about growing Vermentino—an Italian grape—has proven its success in Central Virginia’s climate. While some doubted the viability of the traditionally Italian variety in the region, winemaker Luca Paschina, who learned his craft from his Italian family, recognized the striking similarities between his hometown of Torino, Italy, and the Barboursville environment. His decision paid off when the 2023 Vermentino took home the gold in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition.
“It has consistently been a top-scoring wine,” said Annette Boyd, a representative of the Virginia Wine Board. “Vermentino is an Italian grape variety, and it just brings me pleasure that they’re bringing it to Virginia and making it with a Virginia spin.”
Boyd also highlighted another remarkable trend from this year’s winners: the increasing presence of white wines among the highest scorers. “Virginia makes some beautiful white wines,” she said. “It really showed this year.”
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