Outstanding Blend: Estate Grown Viognier/Roussanne

Those who know me know that I love a delicious, dry, French style Rose' in the summer. I especially enjoy our Reserve Rose' made with a delicious blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Grenache grapes. The Merlot gives the rose'the courage to stand up to grilled summer fare like ribs or burgers, even tri-tip; the Grenache lightens the Rose with scents of fresh picked summer strawberries.

But I have to confess, I have a new favorite summer wine! It is the 2008 Estate Grown Viognier/Roussanne. This lovely wine is a classic Rhone Valley blend of two outstanding varietals, Viognier and Roussanne. The Viognier offers up the luscious aromas of fresh stone fruit, peaches, nectarines and apricots. The Roussanne complements the Viognier with a honeyed richness and crisp finish.

This wine is made from grapes grown organically here at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards. It is our first venture into the world of white Rhone Valley blends. It is lovely with cooked shellfish (lobster, crab and shrimp), pasta cooked with garlic and olive oil, and roasted or grilled vegetables.

Come on out to the tasting room and give the Roussanne/Viognier blend a taste. I know it is sure to please and may become a new summer favorite!