In the previous years, there have been a multitude of fads and trends in the world of wine. Regions come and go; vintages wax and wane; buzzwords are carelessly tossed to and fro. As a result, we often overlook the gems that are hidden right under our noses. American food and American wines are excellent values and comforting staples.
At 50 Plates, they’ve carefully chosen wines from all over America, from small producers and large alike, and are marrying interesting and sometimes unfamiliar varietals with familiar places. Take, for example, one of their favorite wines on the list, perfect for a warm spring afternoon: Abacela Vineyards‘ Albarino, 2009, Umpqua Valley, OR. I’ve tasted a plethora of examples of this Spanish varietal, and this is one of the best Albarinos that I’ve ever had. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of crisp golden apples, citrus fruits, fleshy peach, almonds, and delicate white flowers all carried on a frame that skirts the razors edge between creamy textures and steely minerality.
So if you see a Willamette Valley Auxerrois or a Lodi Malbec, fear not!
These wines may shock, excite, surprise and delight you. After all, in wine, the fun is in the experimentation.
Hours:
Mon-Thurs 11:30am-11pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-12am
Sun 4pm-9pm
Find them at:
333 Northwest 13th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209-3144
Map It
503-228-5050