Wine... the Drink of Spring
By L.A. Eaton

Ah, the sites, smells and tastes of summer. The beautiful, luscious, green, Virginia trees. The foggy, steamy afterglow of a light shower. The aroma of cut grass, fresh rain, and steaks sizzling on the grill. And the slightly sweet, crisp, vivacious tang of a white wine.

As wine lovers revel in the spring weather and welcome the summer, they also choose to drink more white wines like the dry Rieslings, the Sauvignon Blancs, the Viogniers and, of course, the Chardonnays.

“People enjoy white wines,” said Kristin Heydt, Tasting Room Manager for Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run. “They want wine that is light and fruity and floral.”

Heydt enjoys talking with visitors and introducing them to wines like the new Riesling that the winery has. “It’s fabulous,” said the wine connoisseur, who describes it as having a key lime taste and floral nose. “It will be perfect when it gets a little warmer and it will be an off dry.”

A personal favorite of Heydt’s is the dryer variety of Viogniers that Pearmund Cellars offers. For those who like a sweeter white wine, they have those as well.

Like fine wine, the education of wine can’t be rushed and there are many resources including the wine tastings at the many Virginia vineyards. “Tastings are fun and educational,” said Chris Pearmund, Winemaker and Managing Partner of Pearmund Cellars. At this winery, private tastings are available and may include up to 10 different sorts of wine, although most groups stick with a smaller number.

“The more wines you have, the more organized you have to be,” said Pearmond . When planning a gathering yourself there are many factors to consider. It really depends on how many people you’re inviting, and if the setting is social or professional. It’s wise to over-budget when considering your wine selection, said Pearmond. Unopened bottles can always be enjoyed at another time or returned to the winery.

Wine is an acquired taste which may take years to refine. “We’re really about education,” said Heydt. “It really can be explored over a breadth of a lifetime. It’s fascinating.”