Wine Road Podcast: Tom Birdsall, Winemaker and Artisan Cheese Festival Representative

 

 

Wines of the Month: Winter Whites - Riesling and Gewurztraminer

 

This month we offer reviews of two cool climate varietals—Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Winter is a great time to try these aromatic white wines and add a bit of tropical sparkle to your day with the crisp fresh flavors of these delicious food friendly wines. Check out the Winter Whites below that you may find along the Wine Road.

 

CAST Riesling 2022 Sonoma Coast

The CAST 2022 Riesling from Sonoma Coast has a light white floral nose of honeysuckle and jasmine. On the palate it leads with bright citrus notes of Meyer lemon and pink grapefruit. Secondary notes of apricot and ginger meld with a zesty hit of orange peel that boosts the acidity. The finish is long with soft notes of chalk, beeswax and limestone. Bright and focused it’s the first Riesling vintage from CAST and one to be savored. Enjoy with spicy Shrimp Pad Thai.

ABV 11.8%
$45

 

Dutcher Crossing 2021 Riesling Wine Makers Circle Russian River Valley

As I tasted the Dutcher Crossing 2021 Riesling from Russian River Valley, I was struck by its magical qualities. Well, not really magical, more like irresistible. So charming and enchanting a Riesling, I fell under its spell. On the nose, aromas of honeysuckle, beeswax and jasmine, with a slight hint of petrol, a characteristic note in Riesling. On the palate, flavors both tart and sweet—a crisp tropical explosion of juicy pineapple, guava, mango, green apple and candied ginger. The long finish is tart with a wonderful creamy coconut note. Pair this magical elixir with slow-roasted pork smothered in a spicy chili crisp-apricot-pomegranate glaze.

ABV 12.5%
$40

 

Furthermore Wines 2021 Riesling Sonoma Coast

The Furthermore Wines 2021 Riesling has all the earmarks of a classic. On the nose it’s aromatic and refined with scents both floral and honeyed including notes of beeswax, jasmine, orange blossom, and a touch of wet slate and petrol. On the palate it’s zesty and zippy with lime and juicy grapefruit at the forefront along with notes of pineapple, ginger and beeswax. Tart acidity and minerality on the finish makes it great for pairing with a spicy dish such as Thai red curry.

ABV 12.6%
$35

 

Williamson Wines 2021 Frisky Riesling, Lake County

The Williamson Wines 2021 Riesling from Lake County has the moniker “Frisky” for a reason. It’s quite the character exuding a bright juicy personality brimming over with flavor and brilliant acidity. On the nose, fresh citrusy aromatics with initial notes of honeysuckle, pineapple, lilac and ginger. It’s steely and precise with tart and juicy flavors of ripe peach, crisp green apple, pear, lemongrass and a grounding mineral note of limestone. A splendid balance of texture and flavor this is a Riesling that needs no pairing to enjoy, but will certainly shine with Spicy Crab sushi rolls.

ABV 13.5%
$39

  

Harvest Moon 2021 Sparkling Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley

The Harvest Moon 2021 Sparkling Gewurztraminer from Russian River Valley is a focused confluence of flavor and body. First of all how often do you find a Sparkling Gewurztraminer? Not that often and when it’s made like this one, best grab a bottle or two. On the nose warm scents of brioche, marzipan, rose petals and spicy ginger. On the palate, it walks a tightrope between creamy and steely body weight with delicious flavors of lychee, grapefruit, quince and orange peel. You’ll find a fine bubble stream and great balance in this lean but luscious sparkler. I had one glass, and before I could have another my husband had finished the bottle. Pair with someone who knows how to share!

ABV 12.5%
$48

 

Russian River Vineyards 2022 Gewurztraminer Sonoma Valley

The Russian River Vineyards 2022 Gewurztraminer from Sonoma Valley smells like a tropical rain with soft aromatics of peach, lychee, spicy carnation, Turkish delight (rose water) and honeysuckle. On the palate it exhibits great texture with bracing acidity and lush flavors of ripe peach, grapefruit, ginger, lychee and coconut. On the finish, a lingering note of juniper and lime with a hint of bergamot. It’s juicy yet steely; a fine balance of sweet and tart. Pair with spring rolls and Hoisin dipping sauce.

ABV 14%
$35

WIne Road Podcast: Glen Kueffner, Tasting Room Manager at Emeritus Vineyards

 

 

Wine Road Podcast: Mark Orsi, Owner of Orsi Family Vineyards

 

Varietal of the Month: Viognier

 

Viognier, originally from the Northern Rhone Valley in France, is a full-bodied white wine with a rich, unctuous texture. Intensely aromatic, Viognier has good acidity, tannin structure, and relatively high alcohol. Viognier from cool climates tend towards bright citrus notes, while warm climate wines exhibit deeper floral notes and ripe stone fruit flavors. Pronounced [Vee-ohn-yay]

 

 

Capo Creek 2022 Estate Viognier, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Capo Creek Estate Viognier is aromatic and fresh with aromas of honeysuckle, peach, apricot and orange blossom with a grounding note of toasted almond. On the palate it’s deep and rich with rippling acidity and flavors of lime, white peach and ripe mango. The long finish rings with notes of orange peel and crushed rose petals. Satisfying and textural, pair with a spicy Moroccan lamb curry

 

ABV 13.5%

$45

Carol Shelton Wild Thing Viognier 2022 Central Coast

 

The label on Carole Shelton’s 2022 Wild Thing Viognier is a major hint to the delights held within. Bursting with fresh floral aromatics, it fills the glass with scents of white flowers, honeydew, orange zest and a touch of marzipan. On the palate it’s taut and crisp with juicy notes of apple, creamy white peach and lime zest. Pair with spicy empanadas.

 

ABV 13.7%

$24

 

Francis Coppola Reserve 2022 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River Valley

 

The Francis Coppola Reserve 2022 Viognier from Catie’s Corner is part of a portfolio of wines that showcase distinctive sites in Sonoma County and Catie’s Corner vineyard is renowned for a select few varietals including Viognier. On the nose, a bouquet of soft white floral scents with orange blossom, honeysuckle, peach, and lime zest. On the palate lively acidity balances the plush favors of fleshy white peach, mango, and ripe apricot. Long soft finish with a light note of honey-almond. Pair with Pad Thai or Chicken Satay with spicy peanut sauce.

 

ABV 14.5%

$40

 

J. Rickards 2022 Viognier Il Sogno Ranch, Dry Creek Valley

 

The J. Rickards 2022 Viognier from Il Sogno Ranch, Dry Creek Valley opens with a tropical mélange of aromatics featuring mango, lemongrass, lime, coconut and spicy ginger. On the palate, it’s lean and bright with a lithe, supple texture and citrus notes of lime, and ginger, plus a touch of orange creamsicle. The long finish is clean and taut with a balance of apricot, green apple and a sunny note of orange peel. Pair with grilled chicken topped with mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.3%

$32

 

Russian River Vineyards 2022 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River Valley

 

Great wines hail from great vineyards and Catie’s Corner in Russian River Valley is one of the most storied and lauded for Viognier. The Russian River Vineyards 2022 Viognier from Catie’s Corner in Russian River Valley is a rush for the senses. The nose is chock full of fresh aromatics with scents of honeysuckle, peach, orange blossom and a touch of thyme. On the palate it’s lively and balanced with fleshy white peach, honeydew, crisp green apple and soft apricot. Clean lean finish makes it a natural to pair with spicy tuna sushi rolls.

 

AVB 13.2%

$52

 

Robert Young Viognier 2021 Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young 2021 Viognier from Alexander Valley is complex and compelling with an ultra soft nose and equally soft palate— it’s like a whisper from the vines to your senses. On the nose a whiff of honeysuckle, and the subtle sweet scent of apple blossom, and sun warmed peach. On the palate it’s rich and textured with flavors of peach, mango, guava, and honeydew coupled with an ever so soft patter of light tannins on the finish like tiny kitten paw prints. Balanced and bright with a lovely soupçon of sweetness, it’s worthy of drinking all on it’s own or pair with a simple charcuterie board of salamis and creamy cheeses.

 

ABV 14.1%

$40

Wine Road Podcast: Shane McAnelly, Excecutive Chef at Dry Creek Kitchen

 

Wine Road Podcast : Devin Ruddick, VP of Sales and Marketing at Hook & Ladder Winery