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 II
The second edition of Cornus Virginicus was crafted by Melanie Natoli, winemaker at Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg. As part of this year’s initiative, a donation will be made to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.
Purchase
Cana Vineyards: Visit the tasting room or have the wine shipped to your door
Virginia ABC: Select the ABC location of your choice for pickup
About the wine
This year’s 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.
Tasting notes: Darker fruit flavors of blueberry, black cherry, and blackberry are supported by notes of cola, tarragon, and gentle spice. Aging 17 months in French oak provides a full mouthfeel with plush tannins and a lengthy finish.
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.
The 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.
