Great Fall Wines

Summer may be officially over, and there are some great fall wines to compliment the mood.  I attended a wine tasting at one of my favorite restaurants, recently.  The wine was divine and the food, MUAH!  Scrumptious.  The experience ushered in the new season with a bang.  I share that experience with you.

Truxton's

The place: Truxton's American Bistro  The Event: Wine and Food Pairing  The Ambiance:  Great Friends and Great Food  The Result:  Outstanding!

The wine featured on this night was Demetria Winery of Santa Barbara.  Truxton's Sommeliers worked seamlessly to pair food that showcased this wine like I'd never tasted before. I've traveled up the coast on several occasions and in the past hadn't been a fan of Santa Barbara Wines.  After this night, I am now a fan.  This night shows me that rarely is there a bad glass of wine, it is just a wine that has to be paired with the right foods and moods.  With that in mind a skeptic like me can be enlightened. 

First Course:   Lobster, Fava Bean and Frisee Salad with Truffle Yuzu Vinaigrette served in a steep Martini Glass 

Lobster Martini

Wine:  Demetria Chardonnay '09

This Chardonnay was buttery, smooth and reminiscent of an unoaked Varietal that gave a superb Orvieto a run for its money when pairing with seafood.  Notes of honeyed pears, orange blossom and marmalade with nuances of vanilla and lemon curd.  It mellowed the sharpness that shadows Frisee Salad.

Summer Isn't Over Yet! ONA Anakena of Chile



Ona Anakena Chile
Aged in French Oak for at least 1 year

The September calendar may be rolling without breaks, but summer isn't over yet.  And there are still some great wines, perfect by pool or beachside just before the tide of Fall drops its leaves.  During the last post I introduced you to a great summer find, Ballet of Angels.  I would like to share another.

Well in our $12-15 price range I visited Chile, a favorite region of mine for wine and fruit and happened upon ONA Anakena of Chile.  A bright white blend of Voignier 35%, Riesling 35% and Chardonnay 30%.  I had trepidations at first, while I enjoy a good Viognier and a sharp dry Riesling, at times apart, the two varietals can be a tad sweet for me.  So initially when I read they were together, I thought, fruit bomb and I wasn't in the mood for a fruit bomb.  At the recommendation of Tim from Total Wine, I took a chance.

I was more than pleasantly surprised.  Although the Chardonnay falls to the background in composition, in taste it surpasses and forces the Riesling to take a back seat.  A delicate blend is created with just enough fruit, citrus and oak; it is aged in French oak barrels that also lends a slight vanilla smoothness to the palate (common characteristic of French Oak).

It is Chilean so you know you are in for a slight kick in the long finish but it doesn't put you off.  It lingers delightfully.  And although it is paired well with , marinated king crab claws, oysters, sea food ceviche, grouper with parsley sauce, lobster and your favorite salmon and poultry dishes, it made my Trinidadian Curry Chicken, Rice and Peas and Cabbage sing.

And while I may have billed this as a great summer wine, if you just happen to be in Maine, enjoying Lobster, fireside or up the coast whether East or West, diving into a crab bucket or peeling the tail from your first or last peel-n-eat shrimp with a blanket wrapped around your shoulders, this wine is your perfect companion....Cheers!