Peach Wines: Georgia Vs. Virginia
Last weekend I was in Savannah Georgia for a wedding (which was absolutely gorgeous). I hadn’t been to Savannah since my senior year in college when we drove down from Harrisonburg VA to Panama City Beach for spring break, and stopped there for a break from the massive road trip. During our short time in Savannah, we stopped at this quirky little store called “Matter of Factors” and purchased some really cool peach wines! Of course 6 years ago I was a college kid with zero knowledge of wine, but the wine was so good even a 22 year old could tell it was high quality. It became a dear association with our time in Savannah for me and one of my best friends, so peach wine holds a special spot in my palate.
My favorite Virginia peach wine is Rapidan River Peach from Prince Michel. It has a great balance of peach flavor without being overly sweet and “syrupy” like some peach wines out there. Over the course of 6 years, my palate has moved away from very sweet wines which makes enjoying muscadine and fruit wines a little more difficult, so I was equal parts excited and nervous about Georgia Peach wine. I didn’t want to ruin the happy memories and association I have, but now that I know a little more about wine, I was also extremely curious to see what I would think. I’m happy to report that I LOVED the two wines I tasted (and purchased) at Matter of Factors! Phew!
The first was the Chateau Elan Summer Wine. This is their best seller wine and there’s a reason why! It reminds me a lot of Rapidan Peach, where it’s not as sweet as you think, but you do get that distinct muscadine grape flavor. It is highly recommended to drink this chilled. I absolutely loved this, and was so glad my happy memories can continue!
The second one was a very unique take on peach wine called “Matter of Factors Peachshine.” This 18% alcohol, small batch peach wine has a “peach moonshine” type concept and is made by the owner of the shop. It has a bright honey yellow color and has slightly high viscosity. What’s interesting with this wine is, while it is very sweet, somehow the strong muscadine flavors balance out the peach, sugar, and acidity from the alcohol, making this a very unique sipping experience. It almost feels like drinking a cocktail! I definitely recommend trying.
It’s with great sadness that I share that Matter of Factors doesn’t ship to Virginia, but make sure to put them on their list of places to check out next time you’re in Savannah! Along with the unique Georgia wines, they also have wine accessories, and all sorts of locally made gifts!
Cheers winos! Now onto fall content…promise! October is Virginia Wine Month, so I have lots of fun content planned for you guys!