Wine & Country visited The Farmhouse at Veritas for a lovely Mother’s Day breakfast! As we admired the beautiful Chardonnay vineyard just outside the porch window, we were served Veritas’ beautiful Scintilla sparkling wine made from the grapes from that very same vineyard block we were admiring. Made in the methode champenoise, Scintilla is made using the same method as in France to produce the world famous sparkling wines of Champagne. The French use Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to make this lovely cuvee base wine, whereas winemakers Emily Pelton and Elliott Watkins use Chardonnay and either Merlot or Cabernet Franc.
As Pelton, the Virginia Wine Person of the Year according to the Virginia Wineries Association, notes, “Scintilla is pale lemon in color with a persistent mousse. The wine is kept on the lees for two years before disgorging. Chardonnay usually dominates the blend, giving the nose a citrus character; and because of the long time on the lees, the wine has a brioche note with hints of almonds. Characteristically, the wine is made in a Brut style (less than 12g/L). Fresh bubbles of Meyer lemon fill the palate with a delicate mousse that fades into a lasting finish.”
As we enjoyed our fresh orange juice and sparkling wine, we were offered delicious fresh croissants and fruit to start.
Our breakfast was prepared in the open family-style kitchen of The Farmhouse using beautiful fresh ingredients. We had one savory and one sweet option. The sweet dish was wonderful buttermilk pancakes with vanilla bean whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The savory dish was a frittata made of local sausage, egg and asparagus with radish top pesto, and topped beautifully with fresh pea shoots.
Afterwards, we explored the lovely kitchen garden just outside our window where the Chefs at The Farmhouse tend to and harvest some of the ingredients we enjoyed.
The Farmhouse at Veritas is a six room bed and breakfast on the Veritas Vineyards and Winery property in Afton. The Farmhouse, built in July of 1839, was a private family home for the Hodsons until being transformed into an elegant B&B in 2012. From tea cups to the trellis’, the lovely decor and charm of The Farmhouse exudes the English flare of the Hodson family. The family built Veritas Vineyard and Winery from the roots up in the spirit of their own British heritage, and this is no better showcased than through the beautiful Farmhouse. See Book 4 of Wine & Country Life to learn more about Veritas Vineyards & Winery and the Hodson family.
Charlottesville offers a plethora of stunning locations for the perfect Mother’s Day celebration. On Sunday, May 14th, Veritas Vineyard & Winery is hosting a Mother’s Day Winemaker’s Brunch at Saddleback Hall at 12:30pm. Click here to see more Mother’s Day events that will be taking place around Charlottesville next weekend! ~
