Attributes:

Domaine Meyer Fonne

Alsace, France

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

750 ML

2005: Tanzer Rating: 87

fat

rich

well-made

apricot, butter, orange, smoke, tropical fruits

2004: Tanzer Rating: 87

soft

stone fruit

supple

apricot, butter, citrus, honey, smoke, spicy

2002: Tanzer Rating: 85

supple

peach

2001: Tanzer Rating: 87

fat

rich

1996: WineSpectator Rating: 87

soft

delicious, drinkable

1995: WineSpectator Rating: 82

apple, honey, pear

1993: WineSpectator Rating: 87

opulent, rich

powerful

nutty, pear, smoky

1992: WineSpectator Rating: 83

peach, pear, vanilla

Food Matches:

(ahl zas) Just across the Rhine River from Germany, this region in northeastern France produces wines that are unique in many ways. They are made with grapes native to Germany; their bottles are graceful and long-necked; they are relatively inexpensive; and their labels carry the names of the grape as well as the place-name. Alsace Riesling is far drier than its German counterpart, although it has a fruity aroma. IT can be enjoyed young, but a good Riesling will age and improve for ten or more years. Alsace Pinot Blanc is a light-bodied wine that can be extremely dry or medium-dry. Tokay Pinot Gris is made from the Pinot Gris grape, known more famously in Italy as Pinot Grigio. In Alsace these wines are rich, spicy, and full-bodied and a good match with spicy meat dishes as well as sweet and sour flavors. In Alsace, the Gewurztraminer grape makes wines that are spicy, intense, low in acidity and high in alcohol.

(pee noh GREE joe)—also known as Pinot Gris, is grown mostly in northeastern Italy but is also found in Germany (where it is called Rülander), Alsace, Oregon and California. It is deeper in color than other white grapes and has a medium body and low acidity.

Attributes:

Jean-Luc Colombo

Crozes Hermitage, France

Dry Red Table Wine

375 ML

Food Matches:

Attributes:

Isenhower

Walla Walla, United States

Syrah / Shiraz

750 ML

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 90

plenty of depth

classic, pleasant

bacon, blueberry, leather, oak, smoke, spicy

2002: Tanzer Rating: 88(+?)

bright, fat

floral

berries, bitter, chocolate, flowers, gunflint, lead pencil

sweet

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83

bright

berry, oak, vegetal

dense, silky

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 88

blackberry, gamy, spicy

ripe

Food Matches:

Originally grown in France’s Northern Rhône Valley (where it is a noble variety) this grape has spread to Australia, California, Washington, Italy and Spain. In the Rhone region this grape produces deeply colored wines with full body and firm tannin, however in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz, the wines are lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors for these wines vary as much as their geographical breadth suggests: berries, smoked meat, bell peppers, even tar.

Australian name for the grape known as Syrah in France.

The Walla Walla Valley AVA (recognized 1984) is located within Washington State and extending partly into the northeastern corner of Oregon with more then a 1,000 acres of vineyards. It is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA. The area is named after the Walla Walla people who lived along the shores of the Walla Walla River at its junction with the Snake and Columbia River. The name Walla Walla means "rapid stream" or "many waters". In addition to grapes, this area is almost a major agricultural producer of sweet onions, wheat and strawberries. After the Yakima Valley AVA, the Walla Walla AVA has the second highest concentration of vineyards and wineries in Washington State. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most well known and widely planted grape in the area, followed by Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc.