Heyyy Breaux!

This past weekend was one of my favorite events of the year: the Virginia Wine & Balloon Festival. Blue ridge mountains…20 wine tasting booths…a country band singing C Lo Green…and an 80-foot balloon in the shape of an owl looming in the distance. What could be better?

Answer: finding 1) a new awesome winery, previously undiscovered (by me), and 2) a new fantastic Virginia wine.

Truthfully, most of the wines represented at the festival rose to the level of a low hum. But, transcending its surroundings like foot-tapping melodies of the C Lo country band: Breaux Vineyards (pronounced ‘Bro,’ as in “Don’t tase me, Bro!”). Located in Purcellville, VA, Breaux is a 404-acre family owned estate. They grow over 100 acres of 18 different kinds of grapes and apparently have very enthusiastic wine club members, including an exuberant lady who poured at their festival booth. Despite my initial aversion to the creepy crustacean on Breaux's label, after tasting their 6 wines on display, I was also tempted to join the Breaux fan club.

Breaux’s Equation Red Wine was a head turner—a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. It had a pleasing aroma and a mildly fruity taste (plum, deep red fruits). Sips felt soft on the tongue, but also gave the warming effect of alcohol, and ended with a crisp finish. It made me want BBQ (or maybe that was the wafting scent of the pulled pork sandwich stand nearby).

My favorite wine, however was Breaux’s Jennifer’s Jambalaya (“JJ”) white—a blend of 7 different grapes (Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Muscat Giallo, Muscat Orange and Muscat Canelli). Described as a “Back Porch” wine, the JJ was slightly sweet and had a beautiful floral scent. It tasted slightly sweet (pear, pineapple, honey), but also had a subtle sour patch tang and a pleasant fade-away finish that didn’t feel sugary. I could have drunk a whole bottle (like my cousin Joey did).

In sum, Breaux Vineyards is one to put on the itinerary and its Jennifer’s Jambalaya on the list of ‘must trys.’ Also, if you’re in the DC area keep an eye out for a huge owl balloon and a C Lo country band.