Just over a month ago, on December 11, 2011, six of my friends and I decided to visit Attimo Winery in Christiansburg, VA. Finals were rearing to an end, and we thought it would be a great study break to take our last Saturday at school together. My friend Tara had gone during their grand opening earlier in the semester and recommended we go back, due to the unique experience she had and cheap price.
Directions on my iPhone we used to get to Attimo
After getting lost once or twice on a windy little road, we arrived at the vineyard. I have never been to a vineyard before, but it was not what I imagined it would look like. I pictured a huge farmyard like mansion, rugged and sort of like my grandma's house. It must be because the place is brand new, but it was a small extremely modern looking home, William-Sonoma-esque and more store-like inside (but definitely cozy with a fireplace).
We had our own personal wine guide, Rick, who educated us on the history of his winery and the stories behind each of the wines they produce on their property. "Attimo" means "in the moment" and their motto is "let our moments be your moments." I could really tell that our wine guide strove to make our experience at his winery very personal. He was very personable and outgoing.
After getting to know the owner, we began the wine tasting. We had the individual option to sample seven wines beginning with white to rose to red and then three different dessert wines. I chose to sample just the regular wines (I'm not really a fan of sweet wine).
Whites
Masquerade: This creamy Chardonnay is the same base wine as our Yesterday's Song, but masked with significantly more oak. Smooth & buttery, but still fruity.
2010 vintage: $18
2011 vintage: release date 7/1/12
By far my favorite white. I love Chardonnay and this variety was great. Very oaky. I ended up purchasing a bottle for my parents.
Sonnet 98: Vidal Blanc: This Vidal, with its soft undertones and vibrant floral bouquet brings to mind crisp spring mornings and the first spring flowers bursting forth to find the sun.
2010 vintage: $16
2011 vintage: release date 5/1/12
Definitely could taste the floral undertones. Not my favorite.
I Do: Traminette/Petite Manseng Blend: I Do is a semi-sweet white wine with tropical fruit flavors on the nose, citrus notes on the palette, and a crisp, clean finish. This blend combines the best qualities of each grape to create something new.
2010 vintage: $16
2011 vintage: not available
I thought this one was too sweet. A lot of the girls in my group liked it, but not my thing.
Rose
Firefly Dance: Cabernet Franc Rose: This Cabernet Franc completed our harvest this season, hanging on the vines until late into the fall. The fruity and smoky flavors swirl together, dancing on your palette. Best served cold.
2010 vintage: $14
2011 vintage: not available
Our guide told us this wine was great for tailgating with. I could definitely see where he was coming from; this wine tasted like smoky charcoal on the grill. It would be great with a hot dog. Also it was orangey/red (GO HOKIES!).
Reds
A.D. 325: Chambourcin: This Chambourcin brings together a rich, brilliantly colored wine with vibrat aromatics and slightly-sweet flavor. Chambourcin is best served with chocolate, as the flavors intermingle exceptionally well.
2010 vintage: $16
2011 vintage: release date 7/1/12
Least favorite red, but still great.
Deep Silence: Cabernet Franc: This smooth Cabernet Franc is calming with traditional flavors of pepper, blackberry, and currant. It can be paired with Mediteranean dishes and goes well with ham, pork, and veal.
2010 vintage: $18
2011 vintage: release date 7/1/12
Our guide told us this was great everyday wine - that he in fact drinks daily. I can see why, very light and delicious.
Vertex: Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold and unassuming Cabernet Sauvignon with rich tannins and intense plum flavors, reaches a peak of spiciness. It can be paired with bold meats and rich pasta meals.
2010 vintage: $20
2011 vintage: release date 10/1/12
Their most popular best seller - they sell more of this wine than every other wine combined. Not sure if I enjoyed it so much because he told us that fact before I tried it, (placebo effect) or if it was actually my favorite red that I tried.
Cheers
After sampling the seven wines, and some others all ten, we got a glass of our favorite. I chose the Vertex, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
We arrived at the perfect time. The sun was just setting by the time we were finished drinking our wine. We all went outside to play in the vineyard and take pictures with the sunset.
Sunset in the Vineyard
Attimo Winery's mission statement is "to make really great wine, and to educate people who love wine. We hope that the winery we create provides for a relaxing atmosphere and gives people an opportunity to learn about and appreciate wine. We strive to provide an inviting and comforting place to get away from everyday life." After my visit there, I can say that they did just that. My friends and I had a great relaxing time, and I look forward to visiting more wineries this semester.
