The Virginia wine industry gathered this evening at the annual Governor’s Cup Gala in Richmond to crown the winner of the 2024 Governor’s Cup, to recognize the other top 11 scoring wines that make up the Governor’s Case and celebrate all gold medal wines, ciders and meads.

When the scores were tallied, the King Family Vineyards 2019 Meritage was the highest scoring wine (see previous post for more details about the 2024 Governor’s Cup).

This is the fourth Virginia Governor’s Cup awarded to King Family Vineyards since the competition began in 1982 and the third  for Matthieu Finot since taking over winemaking in 2007.

With his third Governor’s Cup in 14 years plus a Monticello Cup and numerous other accolades, Finot is no doubt one of Virginia’s most renowned winemakers.

And, this win establishes the King Family Vineyards Meritage as one of the state’s renowned wines.

Finot’s three Governor’s Cup wins (2010, 2018, 2024) have been with the Meritage, a Merlot-dominant red Bordeaux-style blend.

No other wine has won more Governor’s Cups.

Is the King Family Vineyards Meritage Virginia’s ‘iconic wine’?

Maybe.

What is an iconic wine? 

 Merriam-Webster defines iconic as:

‘Widely recognized and well-established; widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence.’

In my opinion, an iconic wine is one that is representative of region, terroir, winemaker style and grape(s) coupled with time and consistent recognition.

Does Virginia even have an iconic wine?   

Barboursville Octagon? RdV Lost Mountain?  Linden Hardscrabble Chardonnay and Red?  Glen Manor Hodder Hill?  Perhaps there are others…

It’s an interesting thought exercise to consider.

A question that will no doubt elicit emotions and many opinions.  

What say you?

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