Imported by Quintessential. Distributed locally by RNDC.
The Paring Pinot Noir 2021
Santa Barbara County, Calif., $26
Rich and savory with black cherry, plum and sarsaparilla, this is a relatively affordable introduction to the joy of Santa Barbara County pinot noir. Pork chops or roast chicken would make delightful pairings for The Paring. ABV: 14.1 percent. BW: 475 grams (Light).
Distributed locally by Salveto.
Domaine Pellé Sancerre Cuvée La Croix au Garde 2022
Loire Valley, France, $36
Domaine Pellé specializes in sauvignon blanc from Menetou-Salon, a small appellation in the Loire Valley not far from Sancerre. This wine comes from a 10-acre vineyard within the larger and more famous district. Aromas of orange blossom and kumquat yield to flavors of green apples and meyer lemon. While the texture is soft and welcoming, an underlying minerality reminds us this wine grew from a specific terroir. ABV: 13.5 percent. BW: 580 grams (Average).
Imported and distributed locally by Elite Wines.
Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers, distributors, and your favorite local wine store. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed. Bottle weight is included, because this is the single most important contributor to wine’s carbon footprint. Have wine questions for Dave McIntyre? Send them to Food@washpost.com.
★ Good: The wine delivers what it promises at a fair price. If it says chardonnay, it tastes like chardonnay.
★★ Excellent: A wine with character and added interest. May elevate your eyebrows at the first sip.
★★★ Extraordinary: An exciting wine that stands out from others in its class. Fist-pumping, table-thumping good.
★★★★ Sublime: Otherworldly. May have you thinking, “So this is what they were talking about.”
