Wine Win Wednesday: Lange "Domaine Trouvere" Chardonnay

Wine: Lange Estate "Domaine Trouvere" Chardonnay

Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards is a local winery in Dundee, OR.  "Domaine Trouvere" is a label from Lange focused on using smaller lots to produce wines reflective of the land and soil (terrior-driven wines.)

Why it's a win: I feel like all of my posts about Chardonnays need a disclaimer.  99% of the time, I don't like Chardonnay. But every once in awhile I come across a Chardonnay that I do like.  Lately it's become a game with my friends - "who can find a Chardonnay Kristi will drink."

I like this Chardonnay because it's sweet, it only spent un petit peu time in French Oak, and doesn't have an aftertaste of butter and metal.

Where you can find it: Lange Estate Winery - my friends picked it up on a wine tasting trip this summer.  I'm not sure if you can find it in grocery stores...

Price: $28

Wine Win Wednesday: Tualatin Estate Muscat-Frizzanté

Wine:  Tualatin Estate Semi-Sweet Muscat-Frizzanté

Why it's a win:  This is a great summer sipper, and perfect for celebrations.  The ripe, explosive flavors of apricot and peaches & cream are balanced with a refreshing acidity that makes it soooooo drinkable.  Enjoy with creamy cheeses or fruit salad.

Semi-sparkling wines are only made by a five producers in Oregon; Tualatin-Estate (owned by Willamette Valley Vineyards) is among them.  This Muscat-Frizzante is in keeping with the Italian tradition of making semi-sparkling wines with Muscat grapes - one of my favorites!

Where you can find it:  Fred Meyers

Price: $16

Wine Win Wednesday: Eola Hills Chardonnay

Wine:  2010 Eola Hills Chardonnay

Why it's a win: It's a Chardonnay that even Chardonnay naysayers will stomach (and perhaps even enjoy!)  Exotic fruits and pear explode from this Chardonnay.  And even though it was aged in oak, it doesn't have that obnoxious buttery flavor that is so characteristic of big chardonnay producers.  Enjoy with grilled fish or poultry

Where you can find it: Winco, Trader Joe's, Costco

Price:  $11-$13

Wine Win Wednesday: Willamette Valley Vineyard Riesling

Wine:  2010 Riesling by Willamette Valley Vineyards

Why it's a win: It's a semi-sweet, "sure thing" Reisling that will be a hit in any setting.  It's sweet enough to keep the sweet white drinkers happy, but not so sweet that the red lovers will wince.  Fruit and floral notes abound in this great Riesling, with a refreshing and balanced finish.  This is a great wine for any occasion.  It's my personal favorite for warm, summer evening on the porch.

Where you can find it: Any major grocery store

Price: $11-$14

Wine Win Wednesday: Barefoot Merlot

Wine:  Barefoot Merlot 


Why it's a win: Thank goodness my friend Anna-Lisa brought this over for book club a few weeks ago.  And thank goodness my friends couldn't get through the 6 other bottles at book club.  Because I got to break in to this tasty treat the other day and have it all to myself!

This merlot isn't too merlot-ey (come on, you know what I mean!) and has just the right balance of ripe berries and chocolate, with a delectably tart finish.

I hadn't tried Barefoot wines before, but I will definitely pick up another bottle next time because this was cheap AND it tasted good!  A combo you don't find too often.

Where you can find it:  Nearly any grocery store

Price: $5-$7

Wine Win Wednesday: Maryhill Gewurztramier

Wine:  Maryhill 2008 Gewurztraminer

Why it's a win:  This is an absolute favorite among the women in our group!  Immediately on the nose, you'll find the sweet scents of honeysuckle and fresh melon.  On the palate, you're greeted with a symphony of fruity flavors, including pear, green apple, and grapefruit.  This Gewurztraminer offers bright flavors with a crisp finish .  But be careful, this Gewurztraminer has been likened to drinking candy!


Where you can find it: Haggens


Price:  $11

Wine Win Wednesday: Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc

Wine:  Villa Maria 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Private Bin New Zealand Marlborough Region

Why it's a win:  This crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc is slightly sweet on the nose, and full of tropical fruits and herbs on the palate.  We drank this wine at a cook-off and paired it with a spinach-artichoke dip and a bruschetta.  It was elegant, smooth, and ever so creamy with a refreshing finish.  It was a big hit at the party, and even us women who usually prefer sweet whites really liked it.  Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator.

Where you can find it: Costco, Fred Meyer

Price: $11 at Costco