Winter Whites ~ Always in Style

It’s January.  The holiday guests have departed, you have cleaned the last of the red wine stains from New Year’s Eve and it’s time to reflect on what may come in 2014.  Will there be a fantastic trip (or two), a special family event, or a personal goal which you would like to achieve?  Perhaps you are going to relax and maintain a “que sera sera” attitude? Whatever you are planning (or not!) white wine is always in style and will pair with any plans you make during this cold winter!   I have loved these wines from around the world this past year and I am thrilled to recommend them.  After each review, a link to the full article about the wine or its story is included.

**Daniel Chotard 2011 Sancerre – Daniel Chotard farms the slopes of the village Crezancy-en-Sancerre in the Loire region of France where Kimmeridgian limestone is in the veins of the soil. From grapes grown using sustainable farming methods, Chotard harvests  later than his neighbors resulting in less acidity to the fruit.  The enticing aromas in this wine were of citrus, lemon, and crisp lime.  I loved the creamy, buttery tastes of more fresh citrus, soft peach, minerality and a bit of orange blossom.  Thanks to this wine ageing on the lees, this is full of complexity and body.  But when you open the bottle, keep it simple…with a plate of raw oysters!  Cost is a well-worth-it $26. For the Love of Sancerre (sample)

**2012 Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc – Crisp and tart with high acidity, this wine of 100% Chenin Blanc was perfect to cleanse my palate after a plethora of red wines tasted during my day in Healdsburg, California.  Aged in stainless steel tanks, the stone fruit aromas and tastes had a touch of minerality (which I love) as well.  You’ll enjoy this wine’s food friendly elements as well as the price tag of $12.00.  And if you find yourself in Healdsburg, make your way to Lambert Bridge Road for a tasting at the winery! (purchased)

**Bianco di Bellona 2012 (Irpinia Coda di Volpe DOC) – Shining in the glass with a pale to medium gold color, the mineral like and chalky aromas blended with pear and floral notes.  On the palate, this dry, light wine displaying subtle fruit and a touch of saline was quite easy to drink!  I loved its streamlined profile which paired nicely with our dinner of chicken with lemon and capers accompanied by roasted vegetables.  The Bianco di Bellona consists of 100% Coda di Volpe Bianco grapes which are exclusive to this region of Campania in Italy. Wine from Tenuta Cavalier Pepe – A New Discovery (sample)

**En Oeno White 2011 –  One of my holiday favorites from northern Greece was this flavorful blend of 50% Assyrtiko and 50% Sauvignon Blanc from PGI Macedonia.  The Assyrtiko wines in this northern area tend to be more fruity and full bodied than from other areas and can be found blended with Sauvignon Blanc as in this particular wine.  My family found the En Oeno White delicious with aromas of strong green grapes, peaches, apricots, and a touch of grapefruit.  On the palate?  Intense tastes of sesame, honey, and citrus were found and all agreed that the finish was satisfying.  We paired this with homemade spanokopita and someone just had to sneak a taste of baklava, too! This wine received a Silver Medal at the International Balkan Competition 2012 and a Bronze Medal at the International Women’s Wine Competition 2012.  The good news is the you can be awarded this wine for $23.00!  In Wine There is Truth (sample)

**Albola Pinot Grigio 2011 – Who doesn’t love a delightful Pinot Grigio?   I was fortunate to attend a wine and food pairing dinner with Alessandro Gallo, award winning Winemaker at Castello D’Albola located in Radda in Chianti in the Province of Siena and one of the properties owned by Casa Vinicola Zonin.  From the Friuli region in northeast Italy, this 100% Pinot Grigio was light, crisp, and fruity – a suprisingly perfect pairing with the oven roasted root vegetables served with ricotta salata and micro greens.  Cost is around $15.  Meet the Winemaker: Alessandro Gallo, Castello D’Albola

**Silkbush Viognier 2012 – When I poured my first glass, I found a clear, pale gold color with pure aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, and fresh melon.  The crisp acidity and more citrus notes were full, fresh, and bright and I loved the creamy and soft mouthfeel of this Viognier.  Its full body and long finish were just what I craved on a warm, early autumn evening and you can enjoy this now or cellar it for up to five years (but who wants to do that??)! The cost for this unique and luscious wine from South Africa is $16.99.  You may order the Viognier online at www.cape-ardor.com with shipping from California.  Distributors are present in California, Arkansas, and Florida with distribution in other states pending.  Wine for Your Weekend – October 4-6, 2013 (sample)

**2012 Youngberg Hill Vineyards Pinot Blanc –  You have heard of Pinot Gris, but have you had a wine of Pinot Blanc?  Youngberg Hill is doing a great job in producing wines which I thoroughly enjoy and this was no exception.  I shared this wine with friends at a recent gourmet dinner party gathering and their comments ranged from “clean” to “great citrus notes and snappy finish”.  They loved it and none had tasted a Pinot Blanc before this wine.  I found succulent aromas and flavors of pear and lime with a touch of grapefruit and a creamy sensation.  Although you can pair this dry, crisp, mouthwatering Pinot Blanc with so many dishes, our group enjoyed it with fresh salmon.  The cost of the wine is an incredibly affordable $18.  For more information about Youngberg Hill wines, their beautiful vineyard, and owner Wayne Bailey’s forward thinking winemaking philosophy, you may want to read my article.  Wayne Bailey is clearly living his dream!  Wine for Your Weekend November 1-3, 2013 (sample)

Frankly, 2013 was a superb year for me during which I was blessed with new friendships, opportunities and of course a few challenges.   I’m anxiously looking forward to an even better one with an abundance of many many good things… and that includes wine!

Cheers to always being in style! ~ Cindy