Riesling Is Back!

Kimberly Grasso

For years sommeliers and certain wine writers announced to the world the virtues of Riesling. In a white-wine world dominated by chardonnays & vapid pinot grigios, wine enthusiasts prescribed Riesling as a wine that had everything. The Riesling grape was versatile which could be both delicate and profound and sometimes both. They were great with food and rarely heavy. These days it seems as if Riesling is being grown everywhere. Germany, Austria, New Zealand and South Africa’s in on the game. But what about Columbia Valley? That’s where we get the Kung Fu Girl from Charles Smith.

This wine has aromas of Asian pear, white peach and spring-time flowers. It’s fresh and juicy with a well balanced minerality that has a perfect level of sweetness. I am not usually a Riesling fan; however Kung Fu Girl came out fighting. A nice way to bring spring back during the up-coming darker days is, sipping a glass of Kung Fu Girl, a Sushi platter and of course all while watching Kill Bill. Ahhh…a perfect evening.

Cheers!

Naia 2007 Verdejo

Kimberly Grasso

As the last of the hot summer nights came to a close, I tried my nose on the Naia 2007 Verdejo.  As the bottle opened it was one of the most fragrant wines I’ve had in quite a while.  Once I had the first pour the herbaceous nose of this wine came out and was very strong, yet not overpowering, with floral notes that complimented it.  I couldn’t wait to taste all this fragrance!

This Verdejo was of a very high quality and one of the best white varieties from Spain.  It was a very aromatic and soft wine with body, and with each glass this wine kept surprising me.  The first taste was very refreshing and crisp with bright fruit flavors such as grapefruit, lime and kiwi.  It was the perfect wine for the sushi we had just made too.  Although we drank it right out of the refrigerator, I recommend letting it sit a while for a more appealing taste.  If I ever want to be reminded of the last days of summer I’ll reach for the Naia 2007 and pour myself some liquid fragrance.