Montifalco Vineyard

July 10, 2022.  Our last stop before turning resolutely towards home was Montifalco Vineyard in Ruckersville near Route 29.  Seating is out-of-doors in the garden of owner, Justin Falco’s home right up on the vines.  In the colder months, they bring out the firepits and space heaters.  There is a very small tasting room inside.  Pets and outside food are welcomed – outside.  Limited cheeses and charcuterie are available.  The Virginia Wine Pass accepted for discounts off purchases. 

This small adults-only operation opened in 2016 and produces around 1,000 cases per year from five acres at this location and another five acres from their estate vineyard in Barboursville with Merlot and Petit Verdot.  Sometimes, Montifalco supplements their fruit with grapes from vineyards in the Lodi area near Abingdon.  Kim and I sat in the “Rainbeaux Lounge” and listened to live folk music as we sipped along.  (Kim wants you to know that the décor choice of cushions was excellent.)  We had a grand time visiting with Stephanie and Izzy on this quiet afternoon.  We also enjoyed meeting Justin.  He is a young second-level certified sommelier with winemaking experience gained in Napa and Sonoma, transplanted to Virginia.  We appreciate that he is trying some new things at Montifalco.  We are sorry that he was called away to deal with Japanese beetles and couldn’t continue the conversation.  Vineyard problems don’t stop on Sundays.

Here are our impressions of the seven wines we tried over the afternoon:

2020 Chardonnay.  Kim rated this Chardonnay a B+ and bought a bottle.  Good color.

2021 Rosé.  This is 50/50 blend of estate grown Rkatsiteli and estate grown Saperavi.  Justin told us that he faced some skepticism that this combination could work for a Rosé.  Let me tell you that it works wonderfully.  The wine is very floral with some light sweetness.  Good alcohol.  This is great chilled for hot weather.  We bought a bottle and since served it with chicken barbecue.  We and our guests found the acid paired it well with the lighter meat and the sweet sauce. 

2021 Montifalco L’Espoir (Hope).  This is a 70/30 blend of Roussanne and Viogner.  Kim rated it a B. 

2021 Montifalco Symphony No. 2.  Strong aroma.  Tasting notes describe this wine as “Summer in a glass.”  My notes indicate that this is a wine from Lodi.

2020 Guardians Saperavi.  Tasting notes indicate that this is a Republic of Georgia wine – 100% Saperavi.  I found it medium-bodied, deep ruby.  Lots of fruit and a fair amount of tannin.  Low –“ish” alcohol.

2018 Montifalco Resilient Red.  This wine is from the disastrous 2018 harvest, but is doing okay.  Higher alcohol, strong legs.  Herbs in the back, some field aromas.  Good finish. 

2019 Piney Mountain Meritage.  This is an 80% Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend with the remainder filled-out with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  I found it medium-bodied, higher alcohol, lots of legs, more fruit – almost an ivy aroma.  Longer finish.  Piney Mountain is a local landmark that you can see from the estate.  The weather station up there serves farmers and vintners in the area.

Location: Montifalco Vineyard

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