EPISODE #14 ANNA WANT/CASANEL VINEYARDS & WINERY

Fine Wine Confidential Podcast

This is a fascinating interview because Anna Want, the General Manager and daughter of the founders openly embraces the idea that Casanel has both Norton and Cynthiana vines planted in their vineyard. There is beginning to be a more robust open debate about whether the Cynthiana grape vine is Norton under a different name, or a completely different species of grape vine. I personally, lean toward it is a different species based on the many bottles of Norton I have tasted and enjoyed that have Cynthiana vines listed as the varietal from the nursery they purchased these vines from.
Casanel also is unique in Virginia as they are the only winery I know of who has planted the Carmenere grape and successfully produced a high-quality wine from it here in Virginia.
The back story as to why the founders Nelson & Casey DeSouza purchase the land that their vineyard was planted on in Northern Loudon County in 2008 is yet another example of the pioneering spirit behind many Virginia wineries. It is a testament to the hard work and determination of one family to make a success out of a Farm Winery.
Take a listen or read the transcript below.
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