| |
By JACK BERNINGER
TIMES-DISPATCH COLUMNIST
LEXINGTON, N.C. Whether it's the roar of a NASCAR engine or the relative silence of a vineyard, Richard Childress finds both as stimulating as drinking a glass of Childress Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.
"I love both," he said.
Childress owns three Nextel Cup teams. He also owns Childress Vineyards and its many award-winning wines.
When the Nextel Cup Series pulls into Richmond International Raceway this weekend, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer will be trying to get Richard Childress Racing cars to victory lane. If one does win, bottles of Childress Victory Cuvée will be used in a sparkling celebration.
In Kroger and Food Lion grocery stores, bottles carrying the Childress name are available at reasonable prices.
Childress has come a long way on the wine trail since his days as a driver in the 1970s, when he would visit California wineries.
"I began to develop a palate for fine wines," he said. "Soon, I started collecting wine and thought that one day I might want to own a winery.
"I seriously looked at land out west and also in the Finger Lakes region of New York. But when the Yadkin Valley [viticulture area] was formed in North Carolina, including land that I already owned, and grape growing and winemaking began its resurgence here in the state, I felt like the time was right to start a winery here."
That was in 2002, when the first vines were planted. In 2004, the winery opened and 15,000 cases were produced. Last year, 20,000 cases were made. The projection for 2007 is 30,000 cases of popular varietals and blends.
Childress wine production takes place in a 35,000-squarefoot Italian Renaissance-style winery, which has a tasting room that rivals many of California's finest. It's about 5 miles from his RCR shop.
Childress doesn't hesitate to talk about his favorite part of the wine business.
"I enjoy just about every aspect of it, from walking in the vineyards and watching the vines grow, to working with the winemaker in preparation for the final blends, to determining labels and marketing and sales campaigns," he said. "What I truly like is to be able to share this beautiful place and our wines with the people who come to visit. I also enjoy when I meet race fans around the country and they talk to me about our wines."
His involvement isn't superficial.
"Richard is a good guy to work for in that he participates," said veteran winemaker Mark Friszolowski. "He's involved on a day-to-day basis.
"He'll come down here in the evenings, and we'll sit down in the lab and taste blends, talk about grapes and things like that.
"That's really important to Richard, but it's also important to me in that I get to make blends and make wine, and I get to share it with somebody through the life of the wine."
The Childress wines vary from Classics -- those sold at Food Lion and Kroger -- to Signature wines, available only at the winery.
"We make wine for introductory drinkers, many of whom are race fans, but we also make wine for connoisseurs," Childress said. "Our goal is to achieve high standards of quality with every one, no matter what price point."
Childress has his favorites from among the nearly 50 wines produced.
"I really enjoy our Reserve and Signature wines," he said. "I favor the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay with its buttery aromas and oaky flavors for sipping as an aperitif, but our new 2004 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, which is rich and full-bodied, is my favorite with a grilled steak."
And what of Childress' future?
"Racing is where I am more at the present time," Childress said. "But eventually, I hope to have more time to spend at the winery with race fans that come to visit."
NASCAR's loss, wine's gain.
"Vines & Wines" appears alternate weeks in the Food section. Contact Jack Berninger at jberninger@timesdispatch.com.
Five to try
Below are five wines from Childress Vineyards that are available at most Richmond-area Kroger grocery stores and selected Food Lions. Prices may vary. The Classic wines carry a checkered-flag motif on the label.
2005 Chardonnay ($13.09-$14.99): Lemon aromas with fruity mix of citrus, apple and pineapple; finishes light and dry. Goes well with grilled fish or cream-sauced dishes. Excellent deck wine.
Pinnacle ($13.09-$14.99): A classic Bordeaux-style red wine blended from Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinnacle can stand alone or ac company beef dishes.
Classic White ($8.39-$10.99): This off-dry blend has floral and tropical fruit aromas with citrus flavors. Refreshing. Serve as an aperitif or with lighter fare.
Classic Red ($8.39-$10.99): A smooth red blend with cherry flavors and a clean finish. Aged briefly in oak to retain the aromas of the grape. Pairs well with roasted meats and light sauces.
Classic Blush ($8.39-$10.99): Also off-dry, this blend has heavy tropical fruit aromas with strawberry and apple flavors. Serve chilled as an aperitif or as a refreshing warm-weather drink.
|
