If you have already enjoyed the first two stops on this budget wine exploration, then you have discovered Long Country Chilean Cabernet and Leccino Lodi Zinfandel, both under $10 at your local Las Vegas Fresh & Easy. The next stop is Mendocino County, California, where you will sample Bonterra Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay, grown from organic grapes.
There is an ongoing debate in the wine world about organic wines. Do they taste different? Are they a better quality? What does organic really mean? Search the web, and you will find endless articles and blogs on the topic. The truth is probably somewhere in the midst of all the discussion, but to simplify the matter, you only need to answer one question: does the wine taste good?
Bonterra Vineyards is a fine place to start answering this question. Bonterra has been farming organically since 1987. Government regulation and independent certification both ensure that the vineyards are never treated with artificial fertilizers or pesticides. To read more about Bonterra's practices and philosophies, click here to visit their website.
The Bonterra 2006 Chardonnay has won many awards and accolades, and rightly so. The ripe fruit is balanced by a strong acidity, which is what makes your mouth water, and makes for great food pairing. Aromas and flavors include lemon, green apple, pineapple and vanilla. The texture is almost creamy, playing across the tongue like a rich slice of baked apple pie, but the finish is still clean, crisp and tart.
This wine is enjoyable all by itself, but should you find yourself craving something to pair it with, an herb crusted chicken with lemon butter pasta would be perfect. You could also choose grilled pork tenderloin with a fresh green apple slaw. Pick something that complements the flavors of the wine.
Then, make your own call on organic wines. Bonterra is only the beginning of organic wine exploration. You should also be warned. This bottle of wine comes at a higher price than your previous explorations. Your “ticket” to Mendocino will cost a whopping $12.99 – not bad for a wine that drinks as well as others twice the price. Cheers!
Comments