Wines that like sushi
Pronounced FAY-la, this is a Chardonnay to drink young. Lithe and elegant with subtle aromas of pear and lemon, the 2012 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is Burgundian in style, aged in 50% French oak, and of that only only a small proportion is new. From $34 to $36. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Don’t let the long name scare you off this beautiful Italian white wine from the Alto Adige. Just remember Abbazia di Novacella and--going all the way to the end--the name of the grape, “Kerner.” The wine is golden in color, very clean, very flowery, yet crisp and appealing. From $18 to $22. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Thrilling at any price, the 2009 Brooks Riesling shows the potential of Riesling in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Beautifully aromatic and--get this, under $20 this Riesling is dry, not sweet, and exhibits balance and finesse. The grapes come from three sustainably farmed vineyards in the valley’s Eolo-Amity Hills. About $18. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)
Vineyard consultant by day, Steve Matthiasson is part of a new generation of winemakers who work their vineyards sustainably and are forging a their own way of making wine. The Matthiasson white is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla, Semillon and Tocai Friulano. Take in this crisp white’s minerality, beautiful acidity and laser focus. Not to mention flavors of lychee and white peach and its fresh clean finish. Hard to find, but worth the hunt. If not this vintage, then the next. From $28 to $35. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
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The grapes for third generation winemaker Stefano Inama’s Soave Classico come from 30-year-old vines, giving this Soave has an uncharacteristic intensity. The bouquet is gentle, mostly wild flowers, but the 2011 has a minerality reminiscent of Chablis along with a bright thread of acidity. And that’s what holds your interest, sip after sip. About $15. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
