2021 Governor’s Case Awards

For the second straight year, a dessert wine using the appassimento method has won the Governor’s Cup. Last year it was the 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito from 868 Vineyards. This year, it was the 2015 Paxxito from Barboursville. “Passito,” which means sweet in Italian, denotes wines made from dried grapes. This process concentrates the sugars. Barboursville is not the only vineyard to use the appasimento method to get into the Governor’s Case this year. Early Mountain’s R.A.H. also uses it.

We normally think of France as the inspiration for Virginia wines, but in 2021 we can safely add Italy. In addition to the two wines using the appassimento method, there’s a Vermentino and a Nebbiolo.

2021 GOVERNOR’S CASE

Barboursville Vineyards
2019 Vermentino Reserve

Barboursville Vineyards
2015 Paxxito (Governor’s Cup winner)

Barboursville Vineyards
2016 Octagon

Bluestone Vineyard
2019 Petit Manseng

Breaux Vineyards
2016 Nebbiolo

Breaux Vineyards
2016 Meritage

Carriage House Wineworks
2019 Petit Verdot

King Family Vineyards
2017 Mountain Plains

Michael Shaps Wineworks
2015 Meritage

R.A.H Wine Co. (Early Mountain)
2017 Series 1

Trump Winery
2014 Brut Reserve

Veritas Winery
2017 Petit Verdot