Red wine this, red wine that. All I drink is red. I’ve heard it all, and, frankly, am sick of it. Half the wine world is being neglected by these narrow-focused wine snobs. Roasted chicken and a glass of Chardonnay is a thing of beauty. Yes, lovely, rich, white-grape-based Chardonnay, you rock.
Especially this time of year, everyone seemingly wants a glass of Cab or Merlot, which is great. I love red wines. But I implore to wine drinkers everywhere to expand your horizon and work a few winter white wines into your line up. Alsace Rieslings or Gewurztraminer from France, ripe Chardonnay from California or Australia, or Sauvignon Blanc (take a break from Pinot Grigio, please) are ideal for evening get-togethers. Here are a few I recently encountered.
• Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2009 KARIA Chardonnay, Napa Valley. The name KARIA is derived from the Greek word meaning “graceful,” and this lovely bottle lives up to its moniker. Aromas of orange blossom, lemon oil and sweet cream apple butter lead to complex and layered favors of ripe stone fruit and sliced golden apple. KARIA charms with its balance of ripe fruit, understated barrel spice, mouth-filling texture and refreshing acidity. Sip on its own or with the aforementioned roasted chicken. Delicious. $35.
• Robert Mondavi 2009 Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley. Don’t let the phrase “Fumé Blanc” throw you for a loop. It refers mostly to the oaking of Sauvignon Blanc, a variety that thrives in California and at the Mondavi’s Kalon Vineyard near Oakville. A small amount of Semillon (10 percent) round out this wine, which is then fermented in French oak to create the signature Robert Mondavi Fume style. I like this bottle with grilled prawns and vegetables. $20.
• Lucien Albrecht Reserve Gewurztraminer 2010, Alsace, France. This classic Alcase gewurz bursts with the aroma of honey, red roses and tropical fruit, yet dry and rich on the palate, this wine is lovely to drink on a warm afternoon by itself or paired in a meal with rich, creamy poultry dishes. It releases both to the mouth and the nose litchi, rose petal and spice aroma. Also try the winery’s equally appealing Reserve Riesling. $20.
• Morro Bay Split Oak Estates Chardonnay Sur Lie 2010, California. Vanilla cream soda nose with a slice of fresh cut pineapple. Full body, tropical fruit, spice and pleasing vanilla oak note linger in the finish. Sweet flavor on the palate is from sur-lie aging the wine on the primary yeast lees for 6 months, a classic Burgundian technique. The bottle is a versatile style of wine that can be served chilled with fine cuisine or a glass with friends. Good value, too, at just $11.
• Tudal Family Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley. I love this wine. The fresh, bright fruit and Napa terroir clearly comes through in this beautiful wine. Aromas of flowers, citrus and subtle spice fill the glass as you savor the vibrant white peach, green apple and lemon-citrus nectar. The silky nectar goes down great with sautéed scallops or a filet of fish. $18.
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