Art Chowder September | October, Issue 23 | Page 49

Mendocino, California - Meyer Family Cellars Syrah 
http://www.meyerfamilycellars.com - $38
Syrah has a distinctive edge from cool-climate vineyards that
show off its spicy character; this one is so racy and deep at
the same time that it remains easy to taste the herbs on the fire
roasted vegetables and add to the lamb rack despite the rose-
mary salt crust.

Omak, Washington - Rockwall Cellars Barbera
http://www.rockwallcellars.com - $24
One of Washington’s coolest growing regions boasts wines
like this in small batches.  The hang time afforded this Barbera
brings a dark berry character, gentle baking spice and tobacco
before the crisp cherry-berry finish — lower tannin and hard to
stop drinking.

Ribbon Ridge, Oregon - Brick House Cellars Gamay
http://www.brickhousewines.com - $38
It’s hard not to love Gamay’s lower-acid, juicy approach, but
when it is grown in cooler climates like Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge
it offers spicier, exotic nuances to Caprese salad and Sage Bear-
naise chicken.  Buy more than you think you’ll need.

Whether your preference follows Proustian detail or Mondrian’s
broad brush, practice the understanding of how the crisp flavors
of acidity change flavor. Higher acid wine works for the flavors
of a season, a cuisine or a meal. Enjoy your practice!
September | October 2019
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