Attributes:

Mirabile

Sicilia, Italy

Insolia

750 ML

Food Matches:

The ancient indigenous people of the area were called the "Scile's", which is where this island gets its name. It lies to south of Italy and has more vineyards than any other Italian region. Moscato and Malvasia grapes are grown there on volcanic soil. Sicily's most proud of its Marsala.

Attributes:

Domaine Meyer Fonne

Alsace, France

Riesling

750 ML

2005: Tanzer Rating: 87

fat, low acidity, soft

slightly swampy

plum

2004: Tanzer Rating: 90

bright, soft

light

complex

citrus, lemon, mineral, pineapple, spicy, stone

juicy, sweet

2002: Tanzer Rating: 89

clean

apricot, honey, lemon cream, smoke

2002: Tanzer Rating: 86

floral

chalk, honey, lemon, pineapple

intensely flavored, sweet

2001: Tanzer Rating: 89

clean

classic

apple, chalk, honeysuckle, lemon, minerals, peach, smoke, spice, stone

concentrated, ripe

Food Matches:

(ahl zas) Just across the Rhine River from Germany, this region in northeastern France produces wines that are unique in many ways. They are made with grapes native to Germany; their bottles are graceful and long-necked; they are relatively inexpensive; and their labels carry the names of the grape as well as the place-name. Alsace Riesling is far drier than its German counterpart, although it has a fruity aroma. IT can be enjoyed young, but a good Riesling will age and improve for ten or more years. Alsace Pinot Blanc is a light-bodied wine that can be extremely dry or medium-dry. Tokay Pinot Gris is made from the Pinot Gris grape, known more famously in Italy as Pinot Grigio. In Alsace these wines are rich, spicy, and full-bodied and a good match with spicy meat dishes as well as sweet and sour flavors. In Alsace, the Gewurztraminer grape makes wines that are spicy, intense, low in acidity and high in alcohol.

(REESE ling)—a grape that comes mostly from the Mosel and Rheingau regions of Germany (where it is a noble variety), the Finger Lakes region of New York, and Alsace region of France, and Austria. Although often thought of as “sweet,” many Rieslings are quite dry. The word trocken on German bottles indicates dryness. The trademarks of Riesling are high acidity, low to medium alcohol levels, and aromas and flavors that range from fruity and flowery to mineral. Also called Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling.

Attributes:

Candido

Sicilia, Italy

Inzolia

750 ML

Food Matches:

The ancient indigenous people of the area were called the "Scile's", which is where this island gets its name. It lies to south of Italy and has more vineyards than any other Italian region. Moscato and Malvasia grapes are grown there on volcanic soil. Sicily's most proud of its Marsala.