Carmen Micheli

Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli is a freelance wine, food and music writer living in Temecula Valley Wine Country. An amazing home chef, mother of two and wine aficionado she writes about those in-the-know and on-the-go. With a pulse on the latest in dining, entertainment, events and more, Carmen delivers the latest news and happenings around the city, showcasing the best that Temecula Wine Country and the SoCal area has to offer.

Wine that Radiates Art
A Women’s Wine Council Review

Tasting Line Up

Wine is Art, and there are some wines that truly radiate the beauty of the artist and the atmosphere.  The canvas that is the grape variety can be taken in so many unique directions it is mind boggling.  To blend or not to blend?  Single or multi-region?  Oak or Steel?  It is mostly dependant on the vision, passion, experience and knowledge of the winemaker, and overall care of the vines and land.  Some strike gold and manage to create a masterpiece.  At a recent Women’s Wine Council meeting, we discovered an exciting variety of five very unique white wines with the passion and vision of an artist.

Listed in order of tasting:

2011 Pepi Sauvignon Blanc- $10

“For over forty years, Pepi Winery has been a pioneer in California white wines. From the cool coastal vineyards of California comes lively fruit that beckons you to a picnic or a day at the beach.”  It is sourced from California’s Clarksburg and Lake County wine growing regions.  It is medium-bodied with a nice greeting of tangerine and key lime on the nose and palate.  Layers of peppers and white grapefruit kick in at the end.  It has an interesting, lengthy finish for a Sauvignon Blanc that I really enjoyed.    This is the #1 wine voted by a majority of the group.  It would pair well with most any antipasto, chicken or seafood dish.  A delicious and healthy Mediterranean Boat (Falafel with hummus wrapped a lettuce boat) are a nicely balanced pair.  I will absolutely be serving this food and wine combo at a future outdoor family picnic.  http://www.pepi.com/wines/

2011 Pepi Pinot Grigio- $10

Strawberry Lemon Shortcake

What a delight for Pinot Grigio lovers!  It is a blend of 90% Pinot Grigio and 10% Chenin Blanc from the Monterey and Sacramento Delta regions.  Like a breath of fresh sea air, the aromas of white flowers, pear and citrus awaken the senses.  Just the right touch of Chenin Blanc brings in a nice kiss of subtle sweetness.  A crispy lemon cookie and Strawberry Lemon Shortcake are both ideal pairs and bring a touch of zesty lemon to the finish.  It is my bet that some Sea Oysters, or Clams with a light herb, white wine sauce would also shine with this wine.   http://www.pepi.com/wines/

2011 Pepi Chenin-Blanc Viognier- $10

Miso Glazed Chicken Skewers with Ginger scallion dipping sauce

“An appetizing blend of two under-appreciated grapes”: 66% Chenin Blanc and 34% Viognier from Clarksburg and Central Valley.  The Chenin Blanc comes on strongly inspired with sweet notes of light wildflower honey.  The Viognier spices it up a bit with juicy peach nectar in the background and at the finish.  A refreshing main course wine is born when paired with Miso Glazed Chicken Skewers and Ginger dipping sauce.  Any spicy/sweet Asian dish would love this wine.  http://www.pepi.com/wines/

2011 Settesoli Seligo White- $25

March 2013 WWC

I adore this exotic white Italian wine blend of Fiano and Chenin Blanc from Sicily.  It is a faint straw color with just a touch of green reflection that is insanely beautiful.  Juicy honey pear bursts with white raspberries, mint and a notable mineral finish.  My Strawberry Lemon Shortcake is a score with this wine. http://www.cantinesettesoli.it/?lang=en&op=home

2011 Pepi Chardonnay- $10

Antipasto Platter_

“The cool climate of the Central Coast allowed the Chardonnay grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, and develop rich flavors while still retaining crisp acidity”.  Ripe apple, pear and vanilla greet and mesmerize the nose and palate and lead into a rich, full-bodied finish.  I love the lingering smoothness and notes of crème brulee at the very end.  It is a versatile Chardonnay that pairs well with dried fruits, cold-cuts, a variety of cheeses, chicken and white-sauced pasta dishes.  http://www.pepi.com/wines/

2010 Alta Vista Torrontes Apalooza- $20

This is a delightful drinking wine from the Salta – NW Andean Region of Argentina.  It is personally my hands down number one wine of the evening, but takes the group majority second place.  White blossoms, lemon zest and mineral aromas are “incredibly impressive from start to finish” and deliver a lengthy and crisp aftertaste.  I really enjoyed this as a sipping wine with no pairing.  However, thin and crispy Lemon cookies add a nice layer of sweet citrus on the palate.  http://www.altavistawines.com/

Most of these wines that radiate art can be found at the winery, select retailers and supermarkets, or on the referenced websites.  For more information on these great wines, please visit the websites listed above.