Pack a Picnic
BY MATTHEW DAVIES
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Summer is the perfect time for a leisurely picnic in the park. I love to picnic with a crusty baguette, a softened triple cream cheese (preferably Cowgirl Creamery), apples, pears, and a nice spread of salami. Most importantly, I need the perfect bottle of wine. The wine needs to match well with the food, taste great on its own, and be refreshing and cooling. With this in mind, I selected three wines I think would be perfect for a picnic on a warm summer day.
The first wine is the 2008 Provenance Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Provenance Vineyards is in Rutherford, and is run by Tom Rinaldi. Rinaldi was the original winemaker at Duckhorn, and only came to Provenance when he saw how great the vineyards were. The wine offers vibrant lemon-lime, floral and papaya nectar aromas. Hints of lemongrass, gooseberry and minerals – the signature of this grape varietal – add complexity. The flavors echo the aromas, while picking up lychee, melon and ginger spice. Beautifully balanced, this wine combines bright acidity with a creamy texture. Lemon custard nuances mingle in the fruit-intense finish. The wine also has a screw cap, making it even more picnic-ready.
The second wine is the 2006 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Blanc. Chalone’s vineyards are rooted in terroir so unique that they have earned the status of an American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Chalone AVA, with fewer than 250 acres under vine, sits at about 1,600 to 1,800 feet on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains in eastern Monterey County. The wine combines rich melon, pear and yellow apple character with complex notes of hazelnut and minerals. Pinot Blanc is uncommon, but this wine is worth seeking out.
The last wine is Michael and David’s 2007 Incognito Viognier. It was originally thought the variety was Roussanne until DNA testing proved that it was a rare clone of Viognier. The grapes are grown on an island in the Delta that is 25 feet below sea level. Bright honeysuckle and jasmine jump out of the glass into a rich, fleshy mouth-feel. Flavors of pineapple and ripe apricot create a fruit medley of tropical-laced essence.
With one (or all) of these three wines on your picnic, the only problem you will have is keeping them cold before you can drink them. Cheers!
The first wine is the 2008 Provenance Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Provenance Vineyards is in Rutherford, and is run by Tom Rinaldi. Rinaldi was the original winemaker at Duckhorn, and only came to Provenance when he saw how great the vineyards were. The wine offers vibrant lemon-lime, floral and papaya nectar aromas. Hints of lemongrass, gooseberry and minerals – the signature of this grape varietal – add complexity. The flavors echo the aromas, while picking up lychee, melon and ginger spice. Beautifully balanced, this wine combines bright acidity with a creamy texture. Lemon custard nuances mingle in the fruit-intense finish. The wine also has a screw cap, making it even more picnic-ready.
The second wine is the 2006 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Blanc. Chalone’s vineyards are rooted in terroir so unique that they have earned the status of an American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Chalone AVA, with fewer than 250 acres under vine, sits at about 1,600 to 1,800 feet on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains in eastern Monterey County. The wine combines rich melon, pear and yellow apple character with complex notes of hazelnut and minerals. Pinot Blanc is uncommon, but this wine is worth seeking out.
The last wine is Michael and David’s 2007 Incognito Viognier. It was originally thought the variety was Roussanne until DNA testing proved that it was a rare clone of Viognier. The grapes are grown on an island in the Delta that is 25 feet below sea level. Bright honeysuckle and jasmine jump out of the glass into a rich, fleshy mouth-feel. Flavors of pineapple and ripe apricot create a fruit medley of tropical-laced essence.
With one (or all) of these three wines on your picnic, the only problem you will have is keeping them cold before you can drink them. Cheers!