WINE STYLE BRINGS TOGETHER OLD ENGLAND AND THE NEW WORLD: QUEEN ELIZABETH AND THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA MAKE A TOAST TO THE FIRST ENGLISH COLONIALISTS TO ARRIVE IN AMERICA IN 1607

The commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first English colonialists in Virginia had an Italian influence…
The participation of Queen Elizabeth II was give a truly noble touch to the celebrations organized by the Governor of the U.S. state of Virginia, Tim Kaine, and which include a toast with the wines from one of the oldest estates in the U.S., Barboursville Vineyards. These vineyards were originally created by founding father and president, Thomas Jefferson, but are today owned by the Italian Zonin family.

The “Union jack” (symbol of one of the oldest aristocracies in the world) flew once again alongside the stars and stripes (a symbol of modernity) for the gala event held on May 3rd, during which Her Majesty the Queen and Governor Tim Kaine, the “heir” of James Barbour (another governor of Virginia and the first owner of the Palladian style villa designed by Jefferson), joined in a solemn toast with the Barboursville wines in hand. Thus, history and tradition were again the protagonists at the Virginia event, where, together with the last descendant of the Windsors, all of the ex governors of the state that pioneered American independence were also present.

The dinner prepared by Patrick O’Connell, the celebrated chef at the “Inn at Little Washington” restaurant, was accompanied by two “Made in the USA” wines produced by Italian winemaker Gianni Zonin: “Octagon” and “Malvaxia”. The first wine is a Bordolese blend (primarily Merlot with an addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot), and gold medal winner at the prestigious “Critic’s Challenge” international wine competition. The second, instead, is a passito and fruit of an entirely Italian and ancient winemaking method that requires grapes to be dried for four months.
Barboursville is one of the myths of the American dream, a privileged destination for those who come in search of their roots, as well as an oasis of absolute rural refinement in the heart of Virginia. The estate’s restaurant, “Il Palladino”, has been recognized as one of the best and highest level in the U.S.

Since 1976, Barboursville Vineyards (visited by over 60,000 eno-tourists each year) has been owned by the Zonin family. “The choice of our wines” – explained Gianni Zonin – “makes us very happy and confirms our conviction to make Barboursville a place for excellence in the wine world. Italian style proves itself winning once again”. The dream of the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, has become a reality thanks to the Zonin family and their production of quality goods and model of hospitality, as well as becoming a prototype for Italian style.