Attributes:

Lyeth

Sonoma County, United States

Merlot

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 82

zesty

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

soft

Food Matches:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.

Attributes:

Stonehedge

California, United States

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 ML

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 85

light

tasty

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83

clean

blackberry

2000: CGCW Rating: 83

clean

muddled

well-made

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 89

cassis, currant, toasty oak

sweet

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 92

solid

plum, vanilla

1995: WineSpectator Rating: 86

rustic

blackberry, cassis

1995: Tastings Rating: 85

bright

medium-bodied

straightforward

cherry, minerals, subtle oak

Food Matches:

(cab er nay saw vee nyon)—This highly adaptable grape grows almost anywhere it is relatively warm, but the best wines come from the Burgundy region of France (where it is a noble variety), California, and Australia. It became famous through the red wines of the Médoc district of Bordeaux and is now grown in Washington, southern France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make wines that are high in tannin and medium- to full-bodied. Usually identified as having black currant or cassis flavors, the grape can also possess vegetal tones when the grapes are less than ideally ripe. The best wines are rich and firm with great depth, and are often aged for fifteen years or more. Because it is highly tannic, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other less-tannic grapes such as Merlot.

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.

Attributes:

Fred Loimer

Austria, Other

Gruner Veltliner

750 ML

Food Matches:

With long history of wine production going back to the 5th century BC, Austria produces great white wines. Austria's most planted grape is Gruner Veltliner, accounting for more than 1/3rd of the country's total area under vine. Welschriesling produces very good sweet white wines and is the second most important variety in Austria. Most of the vineyards are in the eastern half of the country, far from the ski slopes in the west.

Native to Austria, Gruner Vetliner is a pale dry white with flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, but predominantly apple or white pepper. Floral aromas accompany this answer to the question: “What can we drink with this asparagus?”