Painting of Alana by Pappy (Doc E)

Dear Mom,

I’m so glad you liked your Mother’s Day gift.  As promised, here’s some info about the wine & some pairing suggestions.  xo, Alana

Dry Chenin Blanc (Casa Nuestra 2009, Old Vine, St Helena Estates)

I picked this fine representation of the Chenin Blanc grape in remembrance of the 1970′s, when I was just a wee one & you were a budding wine drinker. I remembered the grape because I was fortunate to be seated next to Gene Kirkham, owner of Casa Nuestra & his lovely wife (& my new friend) Katrina, at their winery’s 30th anniversary dinner.  Gene explained a little about the grape’s history to me.  Although it is a respected varietal from France’s Loire Valley, it’s introduction in the Napa Valley was weak–to be kind.  In the ’70′s Krug & Beringer and Gene’s other contemporaries picked it green and added sugar. According to Gene, it wasn’t at all “like real Chenin Blanc.”  Lucky for you and me, today Gene likes to introduce old Napa grapes to wine lovers and he makes Chenin Blanc in the Loire style–proving that great Chenin Blanc can be made in Napa. He only made 290 cases of this commemorative vintage.

Pairing

This is a light white wine with a hint of citrus so you can’t go wrong with scallops with lemon zest, crab/lobster & drawn lemon butter, or a white fish fillet. For veggies, try steamed green beans tossed with a touch of Dijon, salt & pepper & thyme. Salad with a subtle goat cheese, toasted almonds & citrus dressing.  It will also pair well with an omelette.  Look for other French recipes.

Tinto (2007, Casa Nuestra St. Helena Estate)

Casa Nuestra’s Tinto (aka red table wine) is interesting to me because it’s a field blend. Gene’s mom acquired their first vineyard in 1956.  Back then (for various reasons) a variety of grapevines were planted in the same field. Nowadays of course, most vineyards are carefully segregated to insure varietal integrity and blending takes place in the cellar.  But thank goodness for the few folks like Gene who still produce real field blends. There are nine varietals in the 2007 Tinto.

Pairing

This is a nice wine to have for a second course.  Warm your palate up with a first course with a light wine or bubbly.  If you have a wine aerator, it would be fun to taste the wine with and without aeration. Casa Nuestra’s Tinto pairs well with earthy food.  Beef with wild mushrooms, risotto, dry aged cheese, crispy leeks.  Oh my, I’m thinking I should open one tonight!

Late Harvest French Colombard (Casa Nuestra 2008)

I love introducing people to exceptional dessert and aperitif wines. Every meal should end with a bite of perfectly paired dessert!  Good sweet wines don’t remind one of sugar, instead the delicious flavors of the grape pop out and delight the taste buds. This wine was made from almost 70 year old vines and dry farmed which means the grapes really have to work hard. Botrytis is present and is responsible for that moment when you say, “wow! that doesn’t seem sugary,” because it causes a smooth non-crystalline juice.

Pairing

Buy some mini lemon cheesecakes or any cake that has lemon zest from your favorite bakery or Trader Joe’s. Cookies and sorbet are a fund pairing too.