Nothing impresses me more than the esprit de entrepreneur, and Donald Trump is the example of what can happen when business talent meets an adventurous risk-taker. Of all the places Trump could have bought a winery, he chose Virginia; and as most Virginian winemakers know, it is difficult cultivating grapes and turning them into fine wine.
When Patricia Kluge filed for bankruptcy after giving it good run at her winery, which she began after receiving a generous divorce settlement from billionaire, John Kluge, Trump scooped it up and put Mrs. Kluge in charge. However, in 2012, Trump decided to part ways with Kluge, and put his son, Eric, in charge.
What does this mean for Trump Winery’s quality? Has it improved under the new regime? I think it’s too early to tell, since it takes time for a winery to transition, especially if the boss has chosen to go in a different direction. I do know that Kluge’s Blanc de Blanc was always a Virginia favorite when it came to sparkling wine, and out of the few wineries in Virginia that produce bubbly in the Champagne Method, Kluge’s was among the best.
Recently, I was at Bottle Stop, a wine bar in historic Occoquan, Virginia, which originally used to sell only Virginia wine, but has since expanded their sales to wines from around the world. When I first entered, I was immediately drawn to the 2008 Trump Rose Brut ($27), which I did not know they produced. I guess I’ve been out of touch for awhile.
For lovers of Prosecco, Cava, and inexpensive bubbly from California, $27 may seem high; but I thought it was quite low considering that most wine in Virginia is usually in the $25 range, and normally higher than that for sparkling wine. For the price, I found the quality to be excellent, and would stand it up to similarly priced Champagnes, and definitely better than any California or Spanish roses.
After tasting the brut rose, composed of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, I found it to be quite satisfying, full of strawberries and cream, with nice, dried raspberries on the finish. I like the dryness that a brut rose brings, because I don’t like my bubbly too sweet, and Trump’s hit the spot, absolutely fulfilling the role as Easter Sunday’s aperitif.
Indeed, Trump’s 2008 Rose Brut is an example of what money and technology can bring to Virginia, but I think of it as investing in a some-what risky venture, that is so far yielding good results. I look forward to tasting the other wines Trump has to offer, and am happy that The Donald chose our commonwealth as home to one of his successful businesses, which all may enjoy.
D.C. Metro's Wonderful World of Wine 