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It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."
PROSSER -- Construction is expected to start soon on the next phase of what backers say will be the state's premier educational and promotional center for Washington's wines and food products.
KENNEWICK — My how time flies when you're writing about wine.
Thanksgiving is just three weeks away, which means it's time to talk Turkey Day food and wine pairings.
To make the choices easier, since it's no easy job to match wine to everything from aspic salad to zucchini -- not to mention turkey and gravy, giblet dressing and pumpkin pie -- I'm dedicating the next three columns to our annual national feast.
I've collected wine selections from past columns that offer tasty food matches without breaking the bank.
Because Thanksgiving fare seems to arrive all at once, rather than in selected courses, the wine tends to bunch up. So the table needs a good mix of wine pairings from sparklers to dessert.
None of the wines should be big, bold reds, which are great with steak but overpower the turkey. Nor should the white wines be overly oaked or lemony, which might jumble up the side dishes.
Smooth, mellow and tasty is the key to these selections.
Domaine Ste. Michelle nonvintage extra dry, Columbia Valley, $10-$13 -- A top award-winner that is slightly sweet, rich and creamy with apple overtones. Great to start the day with nuts and appetizers.
Columbia Crest 2007 Two Vines Vineyard 10 rosé, Washington state -- Mostly made of Syrah, this one offers aromas of fresh cherries and strawberries with lively acidity and a slightly sweet finish. Great with a shrimp cocktail.
Whitman Cellars 2007 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $19 -- Concentrated orange flavors with a delightful mouth feel. Matches perfectly with any kind of greens, nuts and fruit salads.
2007 Olsen Hills Riesling, Yakima Valley, $14 -- Delightful orchard and floral aromas drift up from a glass of this, and its flavors offer honey, peaches and spice with good acids. A match for candied yams, green bean casserole with mushroom soup and french-fried onions.
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $14-$16 -- Marionberry flavors and aromas make this an easy-drinking wine to match up with turkey and cranberries.
Chinook nonvintage Yakima Valley Red, $13-$15 -- A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this one is food-friendly, especially with lightly seasoned dressings and the dark turkey meat.
Kiona 2005 late harvest Gewürztraminer, Red Mountain, $11-$13 -- Distinctively spicy with honey citrus flavors, this wine makes this a great accompaniment to pumpkin pie.
*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.
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