2005 Curran Grenache Blanc

Now here’s an unusual white wine from Kris Curran, a winemaker who actually grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley. She heads the team that makes Sea Smoke’s Pinot Noirs, but for her own label she works with more eclectic varietals. One of them is this Grenache blanc, an aromatic dry white that tastes startlingly alive, with a distinct minerally finish.

It’s a natural with shellfish, and would drink beautifully with bouillabaisse or cioppino, seared tuna and tuna tartare, or anything Asian.

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Quick swirl

Region: Santa Ynez Valley

Price: About $21

Style: Aromatic and minerally

Food it goes with: Steamed shellfish, bouillabaisse, tuna tartare

Where you find it: Amazing Grapes Wine Store in Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 888-9463; Green Jug in Woodland Hills, (818) 887-9463; Liquid Wine & Spirits in Chatsworth, (818) 709-5019; Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463; Wade’s Wines in Westlake Village, (818) 597 9463; Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731. Also available from the winery at www.curranwines.com.

--S. Irene Virbila