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.
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.
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.
This is a wonderful, crisp light white wine from southwestern France. The area is most famous as the home for Armagnac, which is often confused with Cognac, but is a very different brandy in flavor. The ugni blanc is used to produce about 55% of all the armagnac that is made in France. The wine is very pale with fresh citrus aromas and flavor, and a nice level of acidity that helps provide a lingering aftertaste. One of my favorite white wines to have with seafood. If you would like, I will give you an easy salmon corn chowder recipe that goes great with it.