Cornus Virginicus is a limited-release wine that celebrates Virginia agriculture. The project is a collaboration between the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, and a rotating Virginia winemaker. Each edition of the project celebrates Virginia's flourishing agriculture— especially its farmers, growers and winemakers. Each year a donation is made to support an agriculture charitable organization chosen by the First Lady.
Cornus Virginicus Edition III
The third edition of Cornus Virginicus was crafted by Mountain & Vine Vineyards and Winery. As part of this year’s initiative, a donation will be made to the State Fair of Virginia Applied Youth Scholarship Program.
Cornus Virginicus is Latin for “Flowering tree of Virginia” and pays tribute to the Commonwealth’s official state flower and tree— the Dogwood— and the First Lady of Virginia’s seal. Depicted on the front label, the Dogwood tree is symbolic of tradition, strength and beauty found throughout Virginia.
Purchasing
Purchase through Mountain & Vine: Visit the tasting room or have the wine shipped directly to you through Mountain & Vine.
Purchase through Virginia ABC: Select the ABC location of your choice for pickup.
About the wine
The Edition III blend was selected by a tasting panel including the First Lady of Virginia and features 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot.
This wine is made from grapes grown exclusively on the 17-acre Mountain and Vine vineyard site at elevations ranging from 950 – 1100 feet.
Tasting Note:
Aged for 10 months in mostly seasoned barrels, the wine is dark ruby. With a fairly robust nose, with both red and black berried fruit, complemented by spicy notes of white pepper, sage and some savory tones. The oak is beautifully integrated with hints of vanilla, clove and mocha undertones.
On the palate it is a dry full bodied wine that balances drippy fruit flavors with elegant and soft tannins, all framed with a lively acidity that underlines the importance of Merlot in the blend. A wine that opens up to reveal additional complexities of spices and herbs, while retaining the elegance and freshness of mountainside grown fruit. The bottling can cellared for 5-10 years but is immediately drinkable with decanting.
Cornus Virginicus Edition II
The second edition of Cornus Virginicus was crafted by Melanie Natoli, winemaker at Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg. As part of the initiative, a donation will be made to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.
Purchase through Virginia ABC
About the wine
The Edition II blend was selected by a tasting panel including the First Lady of Virginia and is 67% Petit Verdot and 33% Merlot. The blend brings together fruit from Cana’s estate vineyard in Loudoun County and Silver Creek Orchards in Nelson County; a harmonious representation of northern and central Virginia.
A total of 144 cases of wine were produced. Melanie Natoli was selected as the winemaker for this edition after winning the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup for Cana Vineyard and Winery of Middleburg’s 2019 Unité Reserve.
The sold-out first edition was produced in collaboration between Barboursville Vineyards and the First Lady of Virginia and supported Future Farmers of America and Virginia 4-H.
