Finding Hidden Gems

Written by Christine Marsiglio MW
Pictured: Module 7 of Wine Folly’s Wine 201 Course – Discover Hidden Value in lesser known regions

Finding Value in Hidden Places

Knowledge is power. Understanding undervalued regions and grapes to find great wines at great prices is one of the secret tools that wine professionals don’t often dish about.

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Wine Quiz

Question: How many American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) does the state of Virginia have?

  1. Seven
  2. Twelve
  3. Eight
  4. Virginia doesn’t make wine

Scroll down to find out!

Pictured: Page 186 of the Master Guide

Finding Value in Exotic Varieties – Viognier

With just 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of Viognier planted worldwide, this wonderfully aromatic grape makes wines that are full-bodied and textured. Originating in France, it has quickly developed a reputation as one of Virginia’s signature grapes.

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Pictured: The Hunt for Good Value Video

The hunt for great value wines

Madeline heads to Trader Joe’s to put her knowledge of lesser-known grapes and regions to the test to find some tantalizingly good wines at great prices.

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Pictured: Map of Virginia from Wine Folly Wine Regions

Virginia – A Hidden Gem

You’ve stumbled upon the United States’ best kept wine secret. Halfway between Western Europe and California, Virginia is a mix of old world and new world traditions. It’s where Southern Grit meets Old World grace.

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Wine Quiz Answer

Answer – #3: The state of Virginia has eight distinct AVAs, spanning from Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia is one of the United States’ best kept wine secrets to those who don’t already know it.

Written byChristine Marsiglio MW

Christine Marsiglio is Head Wine Educator and Resident Master of Wine for Folly Enterprises and Wine Folly. Christine is a certified Wine & Spirits Education Trust wine educator, a winner of the Bollinger Medal, and holds an MSc in Oenology and Viticulture from École Supérieure d'Agriculture d'Angers, France.