Globetrotting – Grape Crush

Combining the culmination of Carnival season, St. Patrick’s Day and the first sightings of crawfish and spring crops from regional farmers, March presents lush opportunities for a range of dishes. That means you need some food-friendly wines that pair well with everything from gumbo to mudbugs to homegrown minted pea and spinach soup. This month, we head to South Africa, Australia and Argentina for three super finds that bring value and versatility to the table.

Essay

Chenin Blanc • 2009

South Africa • $8

South Africa is a terrific source for value wines today, and Essay’s Chenin Blanc with a touch of Viognier is no exception. This medium-bodied wine features nice floral notes and stone fruits on the mid-palate. The lingering finish makes it seem far more expensive than it is, and its good acidity makes this wine a perfect soulmate for crawfish étouffée. Chenin Blanc has been planted in places like France’s Loire Valley for centuries. The versatile grape with a lot of personality deserves more exposure in the United States.

Hope Estate

Verdelho • 2009

Hunter Valley, Australia • $13

Verdelho is a varietal from Portugal and a real winner. Look for peach and honeysuckle on the nose. Lush tropical and floral notes dominate, opening up to citrus and good chalkiness on the mid-palate. The texture is creamy and the finish, lengthy. This is an elegant, versatile wine that works well with loads of springtime dishes. Try it with roasted beet, arugula and goat cheese salad, chicken paillard or shrimp and corn bisque.

Bodega Colomé Amalaya

Red Wine • 2009

Calchaqui Valley, Argentina • $16

This Malbec blend is dramatic and sexy. Medium tannins expand its versatility, making it a good mate to flank steak or smoked pork chops as well as burgers, pasta and pizza. But its range isn’t a reflection of a lack of complexity or character. There is a lot going on here, beginning with dried tobacco on the nose and leading into cherry, pepper and spice on the mid-palate. The finish is lingering in this nicely-structured find from Argentina. It would also be a nice one to put up for a few years.