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Wine Recommendation
Mirassou Vineyards
2006 Riesling(Monterey County)
Mirassou Winery is still marketed as a multi-generational family venture. True, the winery was founded in 1854, but since 2002 the brand has been owned by E&J Gallo. Even in the old days, when Mirassou was still family owned, Riesling was an important wine in the portfolio. (It used to be packaged in a striking blue bottle.) The blue glass is gone, but the wine still represents a good value at $11.
The Riesling was fermented in stainless steel tanks, then small percentages of Viognier and Gewurztraminer were blended in for additional floral notes and spiciness. The resulting wine is off-dry, with flavors of lime, white peach and apple. The racy acidity offers a good counterpoint to the sweetness (about 2 percent residual sugar). I also like the fact that the alcohol is relatively low, at 12.6 percent. This is a refreshing Riesling that works well as an aperitif, but it’s also a suitable companion for spicy Asian food. The winery says that this Riesling will age for up to two years, but why wait? It’s delicious to drink now.
Reviewed December 14, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.
Other reviewed wines from Mirassou Vineyards
The Wine
Winery: Mirassou Vineyards |
The Reviewer
Laurie Daniel
Laurie Daniel, wine columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, has been reviewing wine for more than 10 years. She doesn’t use numbers, preferring to describe her recommended wines and let consumers decide for themselves. Laurie believes that bigger isn’t necessarily better; she’s partial to wines of balance, finesse and character. Her particular interests are Pinot Noir (versions that really taste like Pinot, that is) and aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. |