Veritas Vineyards Monticello Merlot 2019

Alcohol: 13.7%

Grape(s): Merlot

Localization: Afton, Virginia, USA

Tasting Notes: Great sugar and acid balance. Ripe fruit, soft tannins, and beautiful structure. 

Notes: Stainless Steel Tank Fermentation. 80% French oak, 20% American (20% New oak, and 80% neutral oak).

The Domain: Andrew and Patricia met and fell in love in Nottingham, England while Andrew was a young Neurologist and Patricia was a nurse. Their careers brought them to the east coast of the U.S. in the early 1970s, where they stayed until settling in Florida in the 1990s. After successfully raising their three children and at the height of their careers they decided to take a leap of faith and pursue their passion, wine. In 1999 they bought Saddleback Farm, which at the time was a simple horse and cattle farm. Patricia saw the potential in the land and planted several acres of grapes with a wish and prayer. 

By 2001, they had their first vintage ready for production. That year, Andrew tried his hand at winemaking with great success and their love for the Virginia wine industry blossomed. Since then, Patricia and Andrew have worked tirelessly to expand on their vision, bringing Veritas into the world of events and the fine hospitality at the Farmhouse. The business is truly a family affair, as Andrew and Patricia have been joined by all three of their children in the running and development of the business.

With over 50 acres in the Monticello wine region, and producing a complex portfolio of wines ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines, Veritas wine quality starts in the vineyard, and the terroir of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Emily Hodson, daughter of Andrew and Patricia, has been the winemaker at Veritas for over 15 harvests and continues to author the beginning chapters of a young and vibrant wine region. Her philosophy is simple - she strives to give each varietal natural, balanced expression by focusing on attention to detail and cultural practices. Her old-world principles of viticulture and vinification are met with her innovative take on winemaking using state-of-the-art technology and principles to capture the true essence and character of each varietal.