About a month ago I went to the Rhone Rangers event in San
Francisco. This collection of American Rhone producers is a great event to
enjoy the wines you already know but more importantly try new wines, some you’ve
never heard of. William Allen of Two Shepherds Vineyards first introduced me to
Rhone whites and I am thankful that he did. With California Chardonnay still reeling
from its oaky, buttery past, I needed to find some new white wines to enjoy
when the weather turns warm. Breaking from my usual approach of tasting through
geographic areas, this year while covering the event I decided to focus solely
on Rhone whites. These are just a few of the standouts from the event this
year.
Acquiesce Winery is located in Acampo, CA which is just
outside of the city of Lodi. They benefitted from being the very first table on
the right side and their unique bottles drew me in. I asked winemaker Susan
Tipton why she only made white wines and quickly responded with “Why not?” I
imagine she gets the question a lot. I can appreciate it though. She has found
the wines she has a passion for and works to make the best white Rhone wines
she can, instead of spreading herself too thin by trying to make dozens of
wines.
Truchard Vineyards 2011 Rousanne
Miner Famly Vineyards 2011 Viognier
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There are so many great white wines out there beyond
Chardonnay. Many are made by smaller producers who put such incredible passion
into their wine and love exposing the everyday wine drinker to new and
different wines. Just because you’ve never heard of it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t
give it a chance. With summer right around the corner, broaden your horizons and
try something new.
Cheers!
Jesse
Cheers!
Jesse