Alcohol: 13%
Grape(s): Vidal Blanc (43%), Petit Manseng (22%), Sémillon (13%), Chardonnay (12%), Viognier (10%)
Localization: Virginia, USA
Tasting Notes: A full-bodied, very dry white that celebrates imperfection and spontaneity. Golden straw in color, the nose opens with ripe pear, honeysuckle and toasted almond, backed by floral lift and a suggestion of beeswax. On the palate Vidal Blanc provides weight and structure while Petit Manseng’s lively acidity and fragrant citrus-pear notes keep the wine fresh. Sémillon adds restraint and elegance, Chardonnay gives broad, creamy mid-palate texture, and Viognier contributes bright aromatics and a fine, gently tannic finish. Subtle oak warmth and a savory, saline thread from sur lie aging round out the profile.
Food pairing: Roast chicken with lemon-thyme, shellfish with beurre blanc, aged chèvre, or mushroom dishes that can match its body and texture.
The Domain: One of Virginia’s premier wineries, Linden Vineyards is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 60 miles west of Washington DC. The entire wine production of 4,000 cases comes exclusively from three distinct vineyard sites. Linden is best known for single vineyard bottlings of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux variety red blends.
The land that was to become Linden Vineyards was a long-abandoned apple orchard. Jim Law and his family purchased the 76 acres in 1983 after several years of looking for vineyard land with high elevations and east facing slopes. After clearing trees, they planted the first eight acres in 1985. The original vines were mostly grafted and propagated in-house from budwood obtained from the few local vineyards in the surrounding area. The first planting consisted of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Vidal, and Seyval. Heirloom apples and blueberries were also planted for a pick-your-own operation that was eventually phased out in the early 2000s. The winery building was finished in time for the harvest of 1987, Linden’s first commercial vintage.
