"Super Sippers for Spring"

   As the season slowly changes, so do our palates. Soon the snow will be just a memory and the view of green grass will fill the landscape. The smell of grilled food will permeate the crisp air and bottles of mouthwatering vino will be opened. This is one of my favorite times of the year and I love to start moving outside and fire up that old Weber grill. With the weather getting warmer the foods we eat and the wine we drink seem to change just like the seasons. Breaking out those lighter whites and grilling reds never tasted better. If its burgers and steaks off the Barbie I love to grab some hearty full bodied reds like Malbec, Red Zinfandel and Rhone style blends. These wines deliver the weight and the last two have the spice for the smokiness of the grilled foods. If it's grilled shrimp, fish or scallops I gravitate towards the more high acid, crisp whites, rosés or lighter reds with vibrant fruity tones. Albarinos from Spain are always fabulous and Italian whites like Pinot Bianco or Oregon Pinot Gris fit the bill. Reds like Beaujolais or lighter Pinot Noir also work well if you want a red. Remember some of the greatest wines in the world are blends of different grape varieties and you can find new and exciting blends whether red or white coming from all across the globe. These also work well with a wide variety of foods. We definitely are living in the golden age of wine so be sure not to get boxed in sipping the same wines. Adventure out and try something new. You just might find another favorite gem. Exploring new regions and new grape varieties is one of the joys of the wine world. Here are some tasty morsels to check out the next time you are in a Westside liquor store.

1.      Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco 2009, Italy - This family has been making wine for more than 150 years and is biodynamic. Light straw yellow color radiates in the glass. Aromas of apples and citrus fill the glass. Flavors of peaches and pear coat the mouth with a crisp clean acidity. If you enjoy Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc this is one wine to try. Past vintages have even made it on Wine Spectators top 100 list. Pair with grilled shrimp or scallops. 

2.     King Estate Pinot Gris 2009, Oregon - Pinot Gris from Oregon tends to be richer and fuller bodied than Pinot Grigio from Italy. If you enjoy this grape check this one out.  This family owned winery puts out a fabulous Pinot Gris every vintage. The wine is golden yellow color. Aromas of peach and green apples explode in the air. Fresh flavors of apricots and lime fill the mouth. Soft and rich with nice acidity. A real winner for the money! Pair with grilled Salmon and Brie cheese.

3.       Robert Hall Rhone de Robles 2007, Central Coast California - This is a Rhone style blend coming from Paso Robles. The region is churning out some fantastic wines and well worth exploring. The grapes are Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut and Counoise. The color is deep dark ruby red. Aromas of spice, cherries and pepper jump out of the glass. Mouthwatering flavors of black cherry and blackberry fill the palate with great finesse and balance. A superb wine from a great vintage. Mr. Hall is originally from Minnesota. Pair with grilled Tri-Tip and Manchego cheese.

4.     Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2008, Dry Creek Valley California - Some of Pedroncelli Zinfandel vines were planted in 1904. The grapes in this wine are from vines cloned from the original vines. The family has been growing grapes since 1927, and make stellar wines. This wine sees 12 months in American and French oak barrels. Deep dark purple and red color radiate in the glass. Aromas of jammy blackberry and spice fill the glass. Flavors of raspberry, pepper and more dark fruit fill the mouth with a lush texture. Great length on the finish. This is a real bargain for the price.  Pair with  BBQ ribs and blue cheese burgers off the grill. 

5.     Epiphany Gypsy 2006, Santa Barbara County, California - Here is another Rhone style blend that over delivers. The wine has a dark ruby red color. Aromas of black raspberry, spice and tobacco fill the air. Flavor of plums, dark cherries, cinnamon and herbal tones saturate the mouth. Nice weight and balance with the right concentration. Pair with grilled pork loin or ragù and pasta. 

Happy sipping!

Jeff Anderson Sommelier