White
Albariño - Brilliant in its silver
sunshine coloring, it has a melony
green saline quality that satisfies
the quench for garlicky scampi.
Should bitter leafy greens, radishes
or ramps be on the menu, this wine
balances those assertive flavors.
Try Abacela’s version ($21-
abacela.com) which has the oldest
plantings in the Northwest, or
Washington’s dry-farmed Ancient
Lakes version from Palencia ($21 -
palanciawine.com)
Picpoul - Among the least well known white grape varieties
of France’s Rhone valley, these brisk and brash, crisp flavor
characters include lemongrass, lime rind and green melon
acidities. Great American versions are made by Tablas
Creek ($30 - tablascreek.com) of Paso Robles, and Syncline
($28 - synclinewine.com) of Washington’s Columbia
Gorge AVA. As one might expect, the Northwest version
ripens presentations of oysters and mignonette, while the
Californian lifts the richness out of fire-tinged abalone and
caramelized cauliflower.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE