James Rahn Maresh Riesling 2021, Oregon
Riesling is aromatic, and versatile, and can range from dry to very sweet. This is a refreshing and beautiful Riesling that is just slightly off-dry. Before you say ew, all you dry drinkers out there, if you like spicy food, this may just become your new bestie. Our recipe this month is Chilled Soba with Gochujang, which pairs wonderfully with this wine. You can also enjoy it with your favorite Thai takeout, or any fresh and spicy dish.
Fresh and zippy, light lemony color, with notes of nectarine, candied lemon, and honeysuckle. Hints of petrol. Medium body, off-dry (slightly sweet), with high acid. Makes a perfect aperitif, and pairs well with spicy food, pork, lobster, and curries.
Find your recipe at liveoregoncoast.com/chilledsoba
Fitapreta A Laranja Mechanica, Alentejo Portugal
If you aren’t familiar with orange wine, you are in for a treat! Orange wine is basically a white wine that has come in contact with the skins of the white grape variety used to make it. Typically, when making white wine, the grapes are pressed, releasing the juice, and they are separated right away. With this particular orange wine, the winemaker slightly presses the grapes, then allows the juice to rest in the skins for one week, resulting a richer orange wine.
Honey orange color, full body, medium acidity. Aromas of candied orange, grapefruit, yogurt, and honey, with a dry finish. Pairs well with marinara, prawns, scallops, and light fish.
Vegan.
Donkey & Goat If/Then Red Blend 2021, California
Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Gamay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Carignan, Mourvèdre.
In honor of Women in Wine month, I wanted to share a fantastic wine made by a female winemaker. Tracy Rogers Brandt of Donkey & Goat in Berkely, CA has been a pioneer in natural wines since 2002, and continues to focus on high acid, low ABV, food-friendly natural wines.
Juicy and fresh with notes of raspberry, boysenberry, violet, lavender, and white sage. Perfect for seared ahi tuna, and also pairs well with pizza.
Mas Fi Cava Brut NV, Spain
Made in the same Traditional Method as Champagne, Cava is a cheaper way to enjoy a high quality sparkling wine at a better value. This is a very simple, classic expression of Cava.
Dry and bright with notes of white flowers, citrus, and peach and wonderful mousse finish. Pairs well with artichoke dip, soft cheese, French fries.