Expressions of Terroir

2009 Box O’ Birds, Marlborough New Zealand                                              $15

Box o’ Birds means I’m loving life in New Zealander. And you will be loving life after you sip on this focused light zingy wine! Though it is made by negociants, winemakers who source their grapes elsewhere, the fruit comes from farms where organic practices are used. In the winery, glass is recycled as much as possible and most of the cardboard is also made from used materials.

Sauvignon Blanc is a delicious varietal, indigenous to France mostly found in the Loire Valley. Over the years it has become an international grape which can be found growing everywhere from Sonoma to Chile. It tends to be lighter bodied with ample citrus and minerality, those from New Zealand can often take on herbaceous flavors such as rye or fresh cut grass.

Drink this cheery wine with anything from fresh veggies to mussels, or simply enjoy it on its own.

2008 Domaine du Chalet Pouilly, Saint-Véran Burgundy France        $25

Since the first vines were planted in 1850 the Plumet family has been dedicated to Chardonnay. Located on the hillside over looking Pouilly, it is one of the most elevated communes in France. This wine takes its place between the expensive white Burgundies and those from Mâcon, as a great easy going sipper with elegant floral aromas and ripe fruits all married together with a hint of oak. They make their wines to be an expression of the earth with natural yeasts and organic farming.

Enjoy this Saint- Véran with roasted chicken breast, cauliflower gratin or a creamy ripe cheese in a big glass to let all the flavors intermingle and blossom on your palate.    

2007 Seven Hills, Columbia Valley Washington                                           $24

This is definitely a winery to watch. It produces Bordeaux varietals with excellent structure and terrific aging potential. Owner Casey McClellan has been producing sturdy delicious wines from his own vines in Walla Walla, as well as from five of the nine AVAs of Washington, where he has plantings. This is a fantastic example of Merlot with robust berry and cassis, threads of vanilla and toffee, an intensely deep wine that somehow still silky smooth.

Have this huge red with a beef stew, chocolate or grilled Portobello mushrooms. The subtle earthy aromas will be enhanced by food that has similar qualities.

Salute,

Tanya.