Riesling to LOVE

I pity the fool who poo poos Riesling as Grandma’s wine, or “too sweet”. Perhaps they have tried every Riesling on the planet and can assume that they are Riesling experts all of a sudden. Dry, say it with me, DRY Rieslings are all over the place, but a lot of folks are too chicken to try ‘em. Well, dry Rieslings go great with chicken… and fish, lobster, Thai food, oysters, pork, ham, sausage, cured meats, cheese, lots of stuff. The Lengs and Cooter Riesling Watervale Clare Valley, South Australia is PHENOMENAL. What an awesome example of the greatness that is Riesling. Kaffir and Key lime, Meyer lemon, Gravenstein apple, Bartlett pear, and numerous other aromas that justify proper adjectives are evident in this wine. Unreal brightness and clarity match the equally sublime zesty acidity, enhancing the flavors of Blenheim kiwi, subtle Georgia peach, and Indian River grapefruit. I can’t say enough good things about this delicious white wine. It has the clean zip I love, the aromatics I crave, the length on the palate that makes me smile, and the complexity that keeps me coming back for more. To really get to know Riesling, is to LOVE it.
Don’t be chicken, try it!

a.ferguson

Dashwood Pinot Noir Marlborough, New Zealand
Thank goodness it hasn’t been all that long since we found a delicious Pinot under $20 that we can get excited about. A major publication totally missed the mark when rating this wine. They must have been asleep and unable to notice the classic deep ruby/ garnet color, the ripe cherry and soft spice aromatics, the distinct and perectly balanced acidity, and long soft finish. Tough luck for them, good fortune for us! Highly versatile, this Pinot will match salmon, chicken, beef, and whatever else is in front of you at the moment. We recommend finding wild caught Pacific salmon if you can…

a.ferguson

Bodega Catena Zapata Alamos Viognier Mendoza, Argentina
No oak, no malolactic fermentation, no B.S. No tutti fruity syrupy dreck. No chills, spills, or bellyaches in this beautiful example of one of earth’s most difficult white grapes to vinify. Viognier was the darling of France’s Northern Rhone valley for centuries, but now it is a little more abundant and easier to grow elsewhere, as in Argentina. Succulent, crisp, mouthwatering citrus, peach, apricot, and light floral spice character shines with a unique freshness. Awesome.

Keep 2 in the Door

Domaine du Tariquet Ugni Blanc Colombard Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne
Dare we say this is the perfect white for summer quaffing? Indeed! Wholly and purely refreshing, with lively citrusiness, hints of flowers, and a touch of tropicality. This is absolutely thirst quenching and satisfying. Goes down easy without being too light and acidic, or too goopey like some heavier wines. This is all day sipping wine to have at hand at all times. According to the winery, one should “always have a bottle in the fridge door, just in case.” We agree, but recommend at least two in the door.

What to pair with Fava Beans and Old Friends

I love the Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva so much I’d travel to Italy to buy it all. Mmm! Sangiovese based with a dollop of Canaiolo and Colorino for good measure, this is what Chianti is all about. Traditionally a small amount of white wine was required to be blended into all red Chianti. Although not a stipulation these days, Nozzole sticks with tradition by including 2% white wine from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, adding a refreshing brightness to the deep dark cherry, truffle, and black tea nuances. Two full years in huge Slovenian oak casks plus one more in the bottle is the aging regimen for this Tuscan specialty. Did someone say “Where’s the beef?”

Chard No Way?

Weary of the same aromas and flavors that have made Chardonnay seem so… common? It can get very tiresome with the usual routine. That’s why we agree with those rascally winemakers at Vinum Cellars. Their tongue in cheek titles for their wines reflect the playful attitude they keep. Chenin Blanc grapes appear to be the medium for them to create some of California’s most unique and delicious white wine. The fun and delicious Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc “CNW” Cuvee Clarksburg, California is a shining example of just how new, different, and fun wines other than Chard can be. Crisp and clean, fresh apple and light floral aromas make this Chenin Blanc immensely easy to enjoy. Traditionally a grape from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin grows extremely well in California, especially in Clarksburg with it’s hot days and cool nights.
Skip the Chard and go with Chenin.CNW! Chard– NO– Way

Le Corte “Solyss” Negroamaro Novoli, Apulia, Italia
100% Negroamaro grapes from the “heel of the boot”, Italy’s region of Puglia. This inky– black number possesses so much richness and finesse that we couldn’t believe it was aged for 6 months in stainless steel rather than expensive oak barrels! Made with the help of Austrailian hotshot Chris Ringland, this wine has amazing extract with deep dark berry, tea, and cherry aromas and flavors. An unexpected treat for the palate especially when paired with BBQ

Fresh and Clean

Culley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand
Lemon zest, sweet pea blossom, mineral, and lime aromas with a wee hint of tropical fruit like guava and kiwi. Fantastic balance and a springlike freshness give this wine immediate appeal. The grapes come from the Yarrum Vineyard, in Brancott Valley. Picked in the cool morning to preserve the crispness that is so desirable in Sauvignon Blancs from the Northern end of the South Island of New Zealand. All stainless steel fermentation and bottled a quick three months after harvest. Snappy!