Innocent (adj) •• free from evil or guilt; purity of heart; not involving evil intent or motive
Our innocent wines are very light white wines. They are pure in flavor and intent, only wanting to be accepted for what they are. These wines are frequently great as either an apertif or to go with a light meal or salad. Typical wines that we feel are innocent include such selections as gruner veltliner, riesling, and vinho verde. Below are some of the innocent wines that we carry.
This pinot grigio is not like most Italian pinot grigios and with good reason -- it comes from Slovenia!! OK, admittedly it is barely in Slovenia. In fact, the winery and vineyards are only 500 yards from Italy, but the style of wine is definitely different. In reality, this area of Slovenia belonged to Italy after WWI and to Yugoslavia after WWII. The wines is a little bigger, a little bolder, but still having that great touch of palate cleansing acidity at the end. Nice aromas of pear and golden delicious apples with the stoney fruit flavors backing up the nose. A very nice white wine that goes great with white sauce pasta dishes and seafood.
Picpoul (peek-pool) is a white grape grown mainly in the Languedoc region of France, although there is now a small amount in Paso Robles. Picpoul approximately translates as “lip stinger” because the grape can be acidic. It is one of the thirteen grape varietals that can be blended in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but when it is done alone it produces a very nice white wine that goes great with shellfish and seafood. It has great juicy melon aromas and flavor with a touch of the acidity left in to help with palate cleansing. A great white wine that most people haven’t had a chance to try. Great in the summer for that shrimp salad you are having for dinner.
Over the last few years, Grüner Veltliner has become very popular in fine restaurants and upscale retailers in the US. When Monika Caha would do tastings of her many Grüner Veltliners in various settings, there were still a lot of people who had never heard of it and even fewer could pronounce it. Her marketing associate created phonetic signs so people could easily say the name. This worked like a charm, and once people tasted the wine, they were hooked. Since wine geeks had already shortened the name of the grape to “Grüner”, why not call it Grooner? Sour Apples and citrus, tropical fruit notes, balanced acidity, wine for any occasion. Perfect with all kinds of food, chicken, seafood, pork, veal…fried and spicy food…veggies, even salads.
Vinho verde is a wine from Portugal tha should always be drunk young (verde, green, new fresh, get it) and it is made from a blend of three grapes: Loureiro- Some say laurel scented, this white grape can be found on both sides of the northern border of Spain and Portugal; Arinto- This grape produces high acid white wine, found in the wines of the Ribatejo, also found in Vinho Verde under the name- Paderna; Trajadura - White grape that adds body and alcohol to the wines of Vinho Verde. At only 9% alcohol, it’s a wine you can drink and drink forever. Slightly sparkling, best served quite chilled, thrilling bright and tart, it is the world’s greatest pairing for a Caesar salad.
Don't let the bottle fool you, this is a true German Riesling. The Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region is famous for the great conditions for growing the Riesling grape. The grapes come from various regions along the Mosel, each contributing a particular aspect to the wine. Some provide minerality, some spice, some a peach flavor. They combine to produce a very nice example of a Riesling for a great price. The label was designed specifically for the US market and would not be allowed in Germany or any other country in the EU. Ask me for a great recipe for this wine.