In Charlottesville, Virginia – Discovering Trump Winery

It was the year 1776, a man with his dream would change the history of human rights for years to come and nothing would be the same again.

New horizons would come up beyond the hills of Monticello Virginia, bringing a shining beacon of hope for humanity.

At that time, there were no electronic devices, social media or TVs, but a piece of paper and the flow of ink would turn a man’s vision into reality.

Today’s values, such as biodiversity and sustainability or those strictly linked to human nature such as inclusivity or charity, probably have their roots in the past much more than we may think.

The Declaration of Independence, conceived and written by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, has given us a legacy of liberty that still lives on today’s values.

If you visit the Thomas Jefferson estate, a world heritage site that comprises a museum, plantation, research institute and presidential library, you’ll see how he took care of nature by setting up a botanic garden close to his mountaintop home, with a source of food, an experimental laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world.

There is no doubt that Virginia is a land where nature vigorously thrives and speaking of wine, the Charlottesville area is often referred to as the birthplace of American wine, certainly home for unparalleled wines that have not only undeniable quality but also a glorious legacy.

Right here, following from Jefferson’s vision that Charlottesville could be a region teeming with grapevines, is the Trump Winery, the largest winery on the East Coast, situated on nearly 1,300 acres with stunning panoramas of Blue Ridge Mountain views, 227 acres of vines and relaxing lakes. A unique place that boasts the beauty and goodness which intimately belongs to this marvellous area with such a long history.

In addition, in the high spirit of this land, Trump Winery is also fervently committed to aiding people in need, especially the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by managing special events in order to raise money to support the families of St. Jude.

My dear fizz lovers, it is now my pleasure to introduce you to Blanc de Blanc Brut from Trump Winery, made in Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) and winner of the Gastronomic trophy at the Glass of Bubly Awards 2023.

Blanc de Blanc Brut Trump Winery 100% Chardonnay

This Brut is made using the Champenoise Method from 100% estate grown Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are picked at night by hand and gently pressed to ensure that the wine retains all of its best qualities.

It ages 48 months in the bottle before disgorgement.

This wine offers an intense gold colour, enlightened by a fine mousse.

It exudes notes of citrus fruit, pear and stone fruit.

It embraces the mouth with refined minerality offering flavours of brioche and bread yeast. Its long finish is marked by fine acidity and good intensity.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Virginia and Monticello yet, but as I always say in my articles, wine has an incredible ability to evoke sensations through its colours, aromas and flavours, so that you can experience the atmosphere of where wines come from, and somehow feel to be part of that land in a totally evocative way.

If I close my eyes, while tasting this magnificent Brut from Trump Winery, and let my imagination lead the way, along with the typical joyful bubbly sound I can hear the notes of a renowned country song saying ”Country roads, take me home to the place I belong, West Virginia, mountain mama take me home, country roads…”

A special thanks to Eric, Jonathan, Kerry and Carolyn for having allowed me to experience the beauty and the goodness of Charlottesville Virginia through your wine, despite being 4392,473 miles away.

With happiness,

Stefania Ruffo

@stefania.wine