Pale gold color; peach, key lime, pineapple, tangerine, persimmon, vanilla on the nose and palate.
Dry; medium body; rich, oily, silky in the mouth. No tannins, some acidity. Hints of oak; about half the wine spent three months in barrel. Grapes came from Biltmore vineyard partners in Virginia whose vineyards share many similarities to Biltmore Estate vineyards. 12.5% ABV
While Biltmore is a winery, it mostly shines as a destination. The Vanderbilt mansion—one of the largest, maybe the largest, home in America—is amazing display of Gilded Age excess. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is one of those places that can treat you so many different ways you will have to like at least one of them. There are kid-friendly elements, restaurants, horse tours, spas, shops. Visit the website to find out more.
Vanderbilt’s younger grandson, William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, had the vision to develop vineyards and a winery on the family property in the 1970s. He remains an owner. The vineyards were planted in French and American hybrid grapes. The winery is a converted, renovated dairy. Construction began in 1983 and the winery opened to the public in 1985. The Biltmore is a family business with the fourth and fifth generations of George Vanderbilt involved in day-to-day operations.
Sharon Fenchak is the winemaker today, joining Biltmore in 1999 and becoming head winemaker in 2018. Her winemaking philosophy is to faithfully present true varietal character and to be consistent vintage to vintage. The result is excellent wine priced accordingly. This is the most expensive North Carolina viognier you can buy. Vanderbilt descendant Bill Cecil is the president and CEO of The Biltmore Company.
Biltmore Estate Vanderbilt Reserve Viognier, Virginia 2021 is crisp and refreshing with the pleasing, slightly oily texture characteristic of quality viognier. With global warming, viognier is a rising star in the white wine firmament. Rich and assertive flavors, minimal tannins and reserved acidity, expressive aromatics make a compelling case to try, especially if you enjoy big chardonnay. With it slight fruity sweetness and pleasing mouthfeel, can work as an aperitif or sipped by itself or with light snacks and appetizers. Pair with pork—sweet and sour pork; shellfish, seafood, lean fish; chicken; vegetarian fare. Cheese—creamy style cheeses such as triple cream brie; gorgonzola, gruyère, edam, young gouda, manchego, emmental, jarlsberg. $35-60
