Lost Mountain by RdV Vineyards

Cabernet Franc Cabernet Franc is kind of like the chill cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon—lighter, fresher, and not as punchy. It usually has red fruit flavours like raspberry and strawberry, sometimes with a bit of green pepper or dried herbs. It’s got medium acidity and a bit of a leaner body, so it feels less heavy than bigger reds. You’ll find it mostly in blends (think Bordeaux), but it also shines on its own, especially in the Loire Valley in France. Cabernet Franc is easy to like if you want something lively but not overwhelming. Great with food, easy to drink.

Petit Verdot Petit Verdot is a red grape that’s usually a team player, not a solo act. It brings dark fruit flavours—think blackberry and plum—plus a good hit of spice. Expect bold tannins and plenty of colour, so wines made with it are deep and full-bodied. Acidity is moderate to high, which keeps everything tasting fresh rather than flat. Most often, winemakers use Petit Verdot in blends (especially in Bordeaux) to add punch and structure, but you’ll sometimes find solid single-varietal bottles too. Bottom line: if you like big, rich reds with a bit of bite, keep an eye out for Petit Verdot or blends that include it.

Merlot Merlot is an easy-going red grape that makes soft, juicy wines. Think of flavours like black plum, cherry, and a little bit of chocolate. The acidity is moderate—so it isn’t too sharp or tangy—and the body is medium to full, meaning it feels fairly smooth and round in your mouth. Most Merlot wines aren’t too heavy and don’t dry out your mouth much (not very tannic). It’s great with food but also easy to drink on its own. You’ll find Merlot in blends (like Bordeaux) or bottled solo all over the world. If you want a red that’s not too bold and not too light, Merlot sits right in the middle.

RdV Vineyards RDV Vineyards is located in Delaplane, Virginia, within the Middleburg AVA. Established in 2004 by Rutger de Vink, the estate spans over 30 acres of vineyards, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The winery emphasizes precision viticulture and meticulous attention to detail in winemaking. The flagship wine produced is "Rendezvous," a Bordeaux-style red blend, known for its structure and complexity. RDV Vineyards' wines have received critical acclaim for their quality and unique expression of Virginia terroir. The winery focuses on limited production, with a commitment to sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery.

Virginia Virginia isn’t the first place you think of for wine, but it’s catching on fast. The climate is warm and humid, with enough rain to keep growers on their toes. It can be tricky to grow grapes here, so producers have to work smart. You’ll find lots of European grapes like Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Viognier, plus some hybrids that can handle the weather. Wines from Virginia tend to be fresh and fruit-driven, but not too heavy—think easy to drink and food-friendly. All in all, Virginia wine is a bit of a wildcard, with winemakers experimenting and improving every year. It’s not Napa, but that’s part of the appeal.

United States The US is a powerhouse for wine, and it’s not just California (though Napa and Sonoma are major players). Washington and Oregon are also big deals, especially for reds like Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, plus crisp whites like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. There’s plenty of experimentation—expect everything from classic European styles to offbeat blends and natural wines. Quality ranges widely, but there’s good stuff for every budget. Basically, US wine is bold, fruit-forward, and not afraid to break a few rules.

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