In this wine 'The Founder' we have used all five of the Bordeaux wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is used for power, structure and aging potential. Merlot is used for rich fruit flavors and as a smoothing agent. Cabernet Franc is used for smoothing texture and adding earthiness. Malbec is used for dark rich color. Petit Verdot is used for structure and body.
Growing Conditions
The 2020 growing season in Virginia offered a unique combination of warmth and moderate precipitation, creating optimal conditions for the development of our grape varieties. A mild spring provided a healthy fruit set, while the warm, dry summer and cooler autumn nights allowed for even ripening and excellent flavor development. The result was a harvest of grapes with exceptional concentration, balance, and depth of flavor.
Harvest
The 2020 harvest for our Veramar Vineyard The Founder Red Wine was marked by favorable growing conditions and meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard. The grape varieties were hand-harvested in late September and early October, ensuring optimal ripeness and the preservation of each grape's distinctive varietal character. Once in the winery, the grapes were carefully sorted, destemmed, and fermented to create this bold and refined red blend.
Experience the depth and complexity of our Veramar Vineyard 2020 The Founder Red Wine, and discover the remarkable character that makes this wine a fitting tribute to the winemaking heritage of Virginia. Savor the harmonious balance of fruit, structure, and oak, and immerse yourself in a wine that celebrates the unique qualities and pioneering spirit of our region's vineyards and winemakers.
Winemaking
The Founder Red Wine is crafted from a careful selection of grape varieties, chosen for their ability to contribute distinct characteristics to the final blend. Each variety was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. This approach enhances the wine's complexity and imparts a subtle oak influence, resulting in a refined and well-integrated red blend.
Aging
The Veramar Vineyard 2020 The Founder Red Wine has excellent aging potential, thanks to its firm tannins, concentrated flavors, and well-integrated oak. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth for its vibrant fruit and bold character, but it will also reward those who cellar it for 7-10 years or more. As the wine ages, it will develop additional complexity and smoothness, with the fruit flavors evolving and tertiary notes of tobacco, leather, and truffle emerging.
Nose
The nose is expressive and complex, with layered aromas of ripe dark fruit, such as blackberry, black currant, and plum, alongside subtle notes of leather, tobacco, and baking spices.
Palate
On the palate, this red blend is full-bodied and well-structured, with a firm tannin backbone that supports the wine's generous fruit flavors. Notes of black cherry, blackberry, and plum are accompanied by hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and tobacco, culminating in a long, satisfying finish.
Appearance
The 2020 The Founder Red Wine displays a deep ruby color with hints of violet, reflecting the wine's rich and concentrated nature.
Food Pairing
This versatile red blend pairs beautifully with a variety of hearty, flavorful dishes, particularly those featuring red meats, such as beef, lamb, or venison. Its rich and complex flavors also complement dishes with robust sauces or bold spices, such as short ribs, osso buco, or grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze.