This week I ventured back out to Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyards to try their wines. Until recently, Merrie Mill was serving True Heritage wines because what would have been its first harvest (2020) was lost to frost. Fast forward to 2022 and the winery has introduced four MMF (Merrie Mill Farm) wines – a Rose, Petit Manseng, Viognier, and White Blend.
The Rose has been available since early spring and I’d already tasted it, so I tried the Petit Manseng, Viognier, and White Blend. All three were excellent and I got a bottle of the Petit Manseng to bring home. Here are my thoughts on all of them.
Petit Manseng: Barrel-aged with 0.5% residual sugar, Merrie Mill’s Petit Manseng is what I think of when I think of the Virginia Petit Manseng I love. Pear, coconut, and the slightest floral finish makes this an easy wine to drink and love, even with its higher acidity. I can’t wait to pair this with shrimp, halibut, or even swordfish. Pairing this with Chinese or Vietnamese food will also be fun.
Viognier: Merrie Mill’s Viognier is making me believe in this grape again. One of my favorites, some other 2021 Viogniers throughout Virginia have been disappointing. This one hits every mark. More aromatic than some, this shows off Viognier’s signature florality. Slightly mineral, you get hints of stone fruits, orange, apricot, and peach. All of that and zero sugar. Pair this one with your favorite semi-soft cheese, paella, or chicken dish.
White Blend: This White Blend is 38% Chardonnay, 38%Viognier, and 24% Petit Manseng. There’s no star here, the grapes blend together to make a delicious blend sure to please a variety of palettes. Pair this with heartier fish dishes, autumn salads, or brussel sprouts.