Having just returned from Napa and Sonoma California and finishing the trip with a few days in San Francisco, the drive gave my wife and me a reality check of summer weather in the west.  Departing the (yes) chilly and breezy San Francisco 65 degree air was just a distant memory as we slid through the 116 degrees in Blythe on our way to the “cooler” 108 in Tucson.  The trip, however, yielded some wonderful wine tours and tasting, many of which we will profile for you over the next couple of weeks in this segment.  As well, stay tuned for our video series with several of the vintners who provided some valuable educational notes on their wine production process.  We think you’ll find it fascinating.

The first wine derives from one of the most food friendly grapes in existence, Riesling.  The wine is low alcohol (usually 7-9%) displays everything from steely dry, citrus and floral aromas (Australia) to the very sweet (late harvest), ideal for pairing with desserts (Germany and Alsace).  These are must haves for the hot Tucson summer.

Joh. Jos. Prum Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2004

Color: very light honied/amber
Aromas: Apricot, peach and a hint of citrus
Flavors:  Apricot, peach; lively and fresh yet mildly sweet

Opinion: We both loved this as an affordable, light summer wine.  Being a Kabinett, it tends to be more tangy and less sweet than the Spatlese or Auslese.  For this reason, think about pairing it with summer salads or vegetables, seafood, Asian fare and spicy food, pork and poultry (we matched with AJ’s butterflied stuffed pork chops).

Price: Around $20

St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Color: Classically light yellow
Aromas: Grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, herbs and cut grass
Flavors:  Grapefruit, lime, passion fruit and guava; bright with lively acidity

Opinion: Aromas and flavors remind both of us of the New Zealand varietal.  While delightful, we expected a little more of the typical California tropical flavors.  Nonetheless, the wine worked beautifully with our summer salad garnished with pan seared citrus marinaded chicken strips.

Price: Around $20

Vina Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley Alpha Apalta Vineyard 2006

Color: Classic Cab deep purple
Aromas: Black Cherry, blackberry and a remarkable thread of sweetness
Flavors:  Sweet dark cherry, soft tannins

Opinion:  This was a very enjoyable Chilean Cab with deep fruit flavors and soft tannins….paired delightfully with lamb chops in a fruit sauce.

Price: mid $20’s

Callaghan Lisa’s Cochise County White 2007

Color: light honeyed gold
Aromas: soft peach and apricot scent with a hint of spice
Flavors: lovely apricot and peach balanced by a lively finish
Grapes: blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Malsavia Bianca

Opinion:  We really enjoyed this blend from one of our own vintners.  The aromas and flavors paired perfectly with a chicken dish in a mild cream based sauce.  While many think of reds in Arizona, more and more whites are rising to the top of the quality curve and this certainly is one of them.

Price: low $20’s

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Tags: Callaghan, Chilean Cabernet, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc