Winter Whites

Who says white is out of style in the winter? That may be true for your wardrobe, but I disagree when it comes to wine. Sure, nothing better suits a hot summer afternoon than a crisp, refreshing Vino Verde. But I live in San Francisco and it’s pretty much winter all year round. The trick to drinking whites in cooler weather is to go for fuller bodied wines and pair them with your favorite hearty meals.

Here are some ideas:

2009 Bourillon Dorléans Vouvray

This Chenin Blanc has a little sweetness to it that would pair well with pork or turkey, particularly if it has a fruit-based component in the dish.

2010 Foxen Chardonnay Block UU Bien Nacido Vineyard

Pair this rich, toasty chardonnay with roast chicken and potatoes.

2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Te Koko

Only a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can stand up to a winter dish. Pair this with mussels or a shellfish risotto.

2010 Chateau Montelena Riesling

This is a dry, full-bodied Mendocino Riesling with good acidity that would make an excellent partner to Duck Confit or crab.

2009 Dominique Cornin Pouilly-Fuissé (coming soon on our website)

Pair this French Chardonnay with hearty soups such as butternut squash or French onion.

-Posted by Debbie Passin, San Francisco