Monday, February 15, 2010

Quest for the Big Winter White

Thinking a lot about bigger whites lately - especially as it isn't warm enough yet to drink rose or a lighter white - so if I am not in the mood for a red - what are my options. When we go out I struggle to find that really big white that isn't just a glass of oaky butterball (at times tasty) vino to pair with my meal - not that I do not appreciate the red - but sometimes it is just not what I am in the mood for.  California has come through for me a few times, but really trying to find an everyday bigger white that is reasonable and local if possible.  Here are my go to varietals for winter:
  • Chardonnay
  • Viognier
  • Roussane
  • Marsanne
  • Grenache Blanc

In our house we typically end up drinking either Viognier or Roussanne - here are a couple that are reasonable and fit the bigger and creamier bill:

- Troon Viognier (OR)
- ANC Crawford Estate Viognier (WA)
- ANC Shepherds Mark (WA)
- Brian Carter Oriana (less reasonable but REALLY good)

Given that so much of the trend in white wine making at the moment involves neutral oak, concrete, or stainless - it has been tough to find a really big white that we love - especially in the Chardonnay department.  Washington seems to have a few that are worth exploring - but we really have not found anything we love in a long time.  Anyone have any recommendations?
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1 comment:

thorndodds said...

I know you love local but there are some reasonable white burgundies out there that would appeal to your palate for a bigger winter white without the stick of butter! I actually had a really great Chardonnay the other night, not burgundy or washington, but Beaujolais Blanc - really lovely and very really reasonable (2008 Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc ). It wasn't a huge white, but could hold its own with a medium body, mild acidity and delicate fruit. Very versatile wine.

February 16, 2010 at 9:38 AM

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