2007 Bonterra Viognier Mendocino County

When I think of Thanksgiving dishes, I think quantity, variety, and aromatics.  Choosing a wine that matches these traits while offering up a little contrast to make things interesting is often the best choice for such a complex meal.  But how does one find a wine that works with turkey, creamed corn, and green bean casserole all at the same time?

Quantity:  Lots of food, lots of guests, and a long time at the table.  The wine should be lower than average in alcohol…I mean yeah…we’ll be watching football and having fun all day, right?  But, lower alcohol shouldn’t mean it doesn’t have the body style necessary to stand up to all the cream and gravy.  For contrast, the wine should have a little zing of acidity to cut through our close friend’s delectable sausage stuffing.

Variety:   This wine should be complex.  With a dozen different dishes, and some strong ones at that, the wine should bring lots of different aromas and flavorsto the table.

Aromatics:  Thanksgiving is the most aromatic of traditional American meals so it stands to reason we’ll need something with a high degree of aromatics so the food does not diminish its partner.

The winner? 2007 Bonterra Viognier, Mendocino County.

This cool climate wine has under 14% alcohol, offers both floral and fruit aromatics, and has a medium-full and creamy mouth feel.  Without question it is consistently year in and year out one of the great values in viognier, and it is widely available around the country for around $15.  Did I mention it is also Certified Organic?

Remember, its not what is in your glass, but who you share it with.

And, if you use this coupon, you’ll get a discount of $5 of any $75 purchase too!

Their grapes are grown without the use of any artificial fertilizers or synthetic chemicals to build a living soil that encourages natural pest/predator balance. By fostering the health of the soil, Bonterra believes the plant will in turn be healthier and therefore produce better fruit for winemaking.

Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a USDA accredited certifier inspects the vineyard make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.  Assisting the USDA is the California Certified Organic Farmers.  CCOF promotes and supports organic food and agriculture through their certification program, trade support, and other traditional trade association activities.

Organic grape production is much more than simply replacing chemical fertilizers with natural ones.  CCOF producers implement a wide range of strategies to develop and maintain biological diversity and replenish soil fertility naturally.  Bonterra controls insects and other vineyard pests in their vineyards by erecting birdhouses around their property and even releases their free-range chickens throughout the vineyards each morning to fertilize the land.

Clearly the organic efforts of Bonterra are paying off as accolades have been pouring in from critics and competitions.  The 2006 Bonterra Chardonnay received 89 points from the Wine Enthusiast and a silver medal at the 2008 California State Fair Wine Competition.  The winery’s other varietals have fared well too, such as their 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Gold, Los Angeles Wine and Spirits Competition), the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Gold, Best of Class, Los Angeles Wine and Spirits Competition), and the 2006 Viognier (Best of Class, 2008 California State Fair Wine Competition).  Additionally, Bonterra was named “Value Brand of the Year” in 2007 by Wine and Spirits Magazine.

Though the Bonterra winery is not open for public tastings, their wines are widely available to greater San Diego residents.  Look for them at local Beverages and More stores as well as at Vons.  Though each varietal has a different price point, they all can usually be found at $15 or less.

Find the best prices on Bonterra wines here

If the sensual texture isn’t enough to make you smile, the beautiful perfumed nose of orange blossom, apricot, and beeswax certainly will. A strong impression of stone minerality comes forward on the palate, making this wine act like a squeaky clean “old world” viognier.

Die-hard chardonnay fans typically find a bottle of viognier in front of them at some point and are amazed at how delicious they are.  Bonterra consistently produces a superb quality example, and an organic one to boot. 

Just over medium in body backed by subtle acidity, try with Mandarin Chinese food. 

Decant prior to serving to get the full affect of the wine’s aromatics.

13.7% alcohol, 90 points. $14  FIND IT HERE