May 2021.  The Northern Neck

In early May 2021, Kim and I took a long drive down into the Northern Neck-Washington’s Birthplace AVA.  Founded in 1987 on a petition from Ingleside Vineyards, the AVA is subtropical with so-called neckland and river soils.  Sandy clay and other well-drained soil types are found on the ridge which extends generally through the center of King George County and eastward through Westmoreland County (where Ingleside is). Other agricultural soils are found along the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers that define the Northern Neck peninsula.  These river flats have excellent air drainage and a moderating climate influenced by the large surrounding rivers.  52 Fed Reg 13079 (1987).  Sandy loam is fertile but generally does not produce top quality wines.  It is noted that wine from sandy soils can be on the whole softer and less acidic and less tannic.  See, Soil Types That Matter For Grape Growing, https://sommelierschoiceawards.com/en/blog/insights-1/soil-types-that-matter-for-grape-growing-164.htm#:~:text=%20Wine%20is%20an%20expression%20of%20where%20it,longer%20period%20of%20time.%20In%20extreme...%20More%20

On this our first wine visit to the Northern Neck, we visited Ingleside Vineyards of Oak Grove.  This was the original Northern Neck winery, proprietor is Doug Flemer and the Flemer fanily.  Ingleside features a wide tree shaded courtyard partially enclosed by facilities that can handle a wedding reception or large private party.  There are also guest houses affording overnight stays. 

The wines at Ingleside are quite varied which is somewhat remarkable considering most of the fruit is grown at the vineyard according to our hostess – from Sangiovese and Bordeaux blends formulated for Left and Right bank sensitivities, to Albariño and Bourbon-Barrel Chardonnay  Actually, Ingleside has four vineyards in the Northern Neck ranging from river soils such as at the Roxbury Vineyard leading to so-called “approachable wines” to a higher elevation vineyard at Walnut Hill (producing more complex wines).  The Right Bank red was indeed softer and less tannic that a true Bordeaux from the Right Bank.  Kim did not favor the Bourbon-barrel Chardonnay and found the Coastal White to be a fine inexpensive wine.

Coming from Northern Virginia on a Sunday, be prepared for the nearly inevitable slog up Interstate 95 coming home.  We are planning a longer overnight trip to the Northern Neck so that we can get down to Lancaster County and Kilmarnock and Irvington.

Location: 12306 Richmond Rd, Warsaw, VA 22572, USA

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