Andrew Rich Vintners
2003 Columbia Valley Roussanne, about $17
(Andrew Rich Wines, Carlton)
A rich white for cold nights, sumptuous meals centered on turkey, ham, or even sausage, especially if it’s the cotechino and lentils traditionally eaten by Italians on New Years Day, this is a good bottle to have around at this time of year.
Made from Roussanne, a grape more famous in France, where it’s responsible for some of the most opulent, expensive white wines of the northern Rhne Valley, this Columbia Valley version smells and tastes of salted almonds, lemon merengue, and drawn butter, and feels so lush it calls out for fancy dishes and celebrations.
But if you have a bottle and nothing to celebrate, don’t worry: the wine is a celebration itself. -Tara Q. Thomas
