Try these refreshing white, bubbly and blushing Rosé wines that pair marvelously with seafood, salads, pasta, chicken and an array of dishes recommended by each vintner
Reprinted from the Summer 2018 print issue of Washington Tasting Room magazine
CHARDONNAY » Complex, yet classic, rich and appealing anytime
Ashan Cellars 2017 Columbia Valley Chardonnay, $25
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
From veteran Chris Gorman comes this rich, balanced and satiny version, with enticing aromas and flavors of melon, mango, pineapple and pear that stay seamlessly integrated, with a dash of vanilla bean that adds intrigue on the long, focused finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Seafood paella as a first choice, or try with the truffle popcorn at Village Wines in Woodinville
Woodward Canyon 2015 Washington State Chardonnay, $44
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Finely structured, with fresh flavors of white peach, green apple and melon backed by notes of lemon, vanilla and lightly toasted hazelnut. Minerally rich and pure, joined with refreshing acidity on the balanced finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Northwest seafood dishes, especially seared scallops or trout
Abeja 2016 Walla Walla Valley Estate Chardonnay, $45
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Rich, clean and smooth, with enticing aromas of citrus fruits, butterscotch and brioche. There’s ample wet stone minerality behind the refreshing flavors of apple tart, melon, lemon and lime notes that extend on the finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Seared halibut in beurre blanc sauce or smoked salmon and chevre
Mercer Estates 2016 Zephyr Ridge Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, $32
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sleek, rich and elegant, offering superb concentration and balance. Tempting aromas and creamy flavors of Fuji apple, fig, melon and lemon tart are neatly layered with restrained butterscotch and light toast on the long seamless finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Lemon vinaigrette salad with shredded chicken, dried cranberries & shaved pecorino
WHITE BLENDS » With fragrant fruit and citrus appeal, these fun blends are better than a day at the beach
Patterson Cellars 2016 Mélange Blanc, $24
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Intensely aromatic, this full-bodied blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Chardonnay captures summer in a glass, with fragrant expressions of ripe peach, pear, apricot, lemon oil, blanched almond and a bouquet of white flowers. Finishes dry, with spicy undertones and hints of vanilla.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Mussels with merguez sausage or smoked salmon and goat cheese on crackers
CR Sandidge Wines 2014 Sabrina, $25
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This co-fermented blend of Gewurztraminer (75%) and Riesling (25%) is an elegant white wine built on a lithe, mouth coating frame. Creamy flavors of nectarine, apple and apricot are deftly layered with nuances of lychee nut and ginger on the lingering spiced finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Thai, Chinese and Japanese dishes, or chicken with Provencal herbs in a cream sauce
Forgeron Cellars 2015 Façon Blanc, $28
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This dry, white blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc is creamy and complex, with a backbone of crisp yet balanced acidity gushing with flavors of white peach, green apple, pear, honeysuckle and blanched almond. Lemony notes persist on the long aftertaste.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Seafood cioppino or halibut topped with a side of fresh mango salsa
Comforts of Whidbey 2016 High Tide White, $17
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Light, refreshing and crisp, this off-dry blend of Madeleine Angevine and Madeleine Sylvaner varieties grown in the Puget Sound AVA offer floral-infused aromas and flavors of lemon citrus, melon rind, wet stone and a pleasing spritz of sea breeze.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Fresh salads and seafood dishes like grilled salmon and crab cakes
ROSÉ » Light, refreshing and dry, whispering notes of red berries and melon
Warr-King Wines 2017 Marie Noelle Syrah Rosé, $19
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Crafted from first-press Syrah grapes, this dry Rosé boasts harmonious aromas and flavors of strawberry, rose petal, wet stone and refined mineral spice. Finishes with hints of Herbes de Provence, showing overall balance and fine structure.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Grilled chicken, salmon, pasta salad and charcuterie. Rosemary flatbread with blue cheese/honey.
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Abracadabra Rosé, $25
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
A blend of Sangiovese, Grenache, Syrah, Malbec and Cinsault. Aromas of ripe strawberry and fresh cut hay roll onto the palate with restraint, supported by clean notes of peach, orange blossom and wet stone that linger on the crisp, dry finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Fresh salad and salmon barbecued on a cedar plank
Rocky Pond Winery 2017 Rosé of Grenache, $24
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Sourced from their estate Double D Vineyard. Crisp, dry and refreshing, with appealing bright acidity flowing through steely-cut flavors of strawberry and raspberry. White pepper flecks add depth and spice to the vibrant finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Greek gyro, brick-fired pizzas, grilled fish, fruit and meat platters
Airfield Estates 2017 Yakima Valley Sangiovese Rosé, $16
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
One quarter of the fruit was pressed by foot stomping, allowing the juice to extract a darker hue. Crisp and dry, with strawberry, watermelon and cherry flavors, rounded out with hints of cranberry and dried herbs on the satisfying finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Melon and prosciutto, shrimp with tzatziki sauce, roast turkey, Brie or Pecorino cheese
SPARKLING & SINGLE VARIETALS » Ahhh, the tickle of tiny bubbles…and white wines difficult to pronounce yet easy to sip
Treveri Cellars Blanc de Noirs Brut, $20
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This sparkling wine is made from Pinot Noir and is the palest pink antique rose hue. Light and refreshing, with small beads, and dry, crisp structure, displaying subtle notes of strawberry and cherry. A lemony note brightens up the creamy finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Garlic shrimp skewers with fresh herbs, grilled oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce
Newhouse Family Vineyards 2015 Aligoté Cottontop, $34
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sourced from the first wine grapes planted by Alfred & Pauline “Cottontop” Newhouse in 1968. This exotic white wine is creamy and complex, offering richly layered flavors of nectarine, apple and honeysuckle, with a swath of stony minerality that rides out on the crisp, dry finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Bay shrimp sandwich on a croissant with yogurt, dill and tarragon from the garden.
Karma Vineyards 2013 Brut Méthode Champenoise, $50
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Aged 48 months en tirage (on the yeast). Bright and graceful, with finely detailed beads and aromas of pear and bread dough, that enriches the lively, well-knit flavors of Gala apple and spun honey. Stays creamy on the complex, rich finish.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Nicoise salad with grilled haricots verts topped with slices of seared fresh ahi tuna
Welcome Road 2016 Semillon, $22
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Unctuous, poised and harmonious, this gorgeous mix of fruit and florality is brimming with yellow apple, pear, papaya and honeysuckle flavors backed by streaks of minerality and notes of lanolin. Exotic and balanced.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Pasta primavera, spicy Thai noodles or fresh salmon off the grill
ALBARIÑO » Like a whirlwind romance, this variety is zesty, crisp and incredibly easy to fall in love with
Amelia Wynn 2017 Yakima Valley Albariño, $22
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Barrel aged, sur lie in neutral French oak for 4 months. A floral bouquet of jasmine and orange blossom weaves through the broad, refreshing flavors of peach, honeydew melon and limestone. Finishes long, with extracted mineral notes.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Grilled shrimp, oysters, halibut, seafood-based paella, Brodetto di pesce, Caesar salad
Castillo de Feliciana 2016 Albariño, $22
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Known for their Spanish inspired wines, this version has refreshing aromas of lemon-lime and grapefruit that echo on the mouthwatering palate. A juicy spear of acidity runs through lemon citrus flavors joined by crisp green apple and hints of honeysuckle, fresh garden herbs and minerality.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Halibut fish tacos, fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, California sushi rolls, fresh Dungeness crab
Cougar Crest 2016 Estate Grown Albarino, $24
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Estate grown in the Walla Walla Valley, this is layered and well-cut, with expressive limestone and mineral notes coursing through zesty flavors of citrus, green almond and fresh herbs with hints of guava. Finishes
bone dry.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Seared scallops, grilled herbed chicken, crab and bacon quiche, Manchego cheese with olive oil.
Coyote Canyon 2015 El Chispear Sparkling Albariño, $32
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
A rarely seen sparkling Albariño that is is a nod to Spanish cava, with creamy delicate beads and alluring, rich aromas and flavors of poached pear, baked apple, golden raisin, pastry dough, and hints of orange essence on an undercurrent of saline minerality.
Vintner’s Favorite Pairing: Parmesan crisp with smoked trout or barbecue peaches with marzipan, orange zest and ginger snaps