Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc

Today, we turn our gaze to the textural and hearty white wines of the Rhone Valley. After an unusually hot summer, our bodies need to be gently guided into the frosted nights of November in Minnesota; we suggest warming up with a rich full bodied white wine - in between the much deserved nights enthralled with deep inky seasonal reds. The Rhone has cultivated a white wine culture famous for texturally weighty and hedonistic varietals such as: Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, & Grenache Blanc. Let's explore a few options!

Condrieu's Viognier is known for being downright bodacious (creamy and heavy on the palate) with a honeysuckle florality, notes of stone fruit, and nutmeg/vanilla from the barrel aging. We suggest trying out the Domaine Rostaing La Bonnette Condrieu ($108.99) as a benchmark reference - but lovely expressions of stand alone Viognier can be found at more approachable price points throughout France, America, and Australia. Condrieu shines when paired with rich seafood dishes such as fatty salmon or lobster, as well as with any decadent cream sauce or soft cheese. The Yalumba Y Series Viognier ($12.99) from Australia is a lighter expression of Viognier, but will still reveal the grape's iconic creamy notes of peach, apricot, ginger, and honeysuckle - enjoy with baked ham, spicy chicken dishes, or creamy homemade mac and cheese.

Marsanne & Roussanne are two iconic grape varietals of the Northern Rhone - notably of AOC's Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Peray where you will find the vineyards of Marsanne used for Alain Voge's wines Fleur de Crussol ($74.99) and Ongrie ($59.99). Voge's organic Marsanne wines are aromatic and have elevated texture from extensive lees aging. These wines will keep your attention with unfolding layers of white flower, honey, tangerine, and candied apricots - pair them with pork, veal, pungent cheeses, or swordfish. For a 'new world' journey into the varietals of Marsanne & Roussanne, we suggest the Kita T'aya White Blend ($26.99). Kita wines are made by native winemaker Tara Gomez, and the winery is owned by the Chumash Indian Tribe. "T'aya" translates to Abalone Shell, and the wine has a creamy full body with notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom, chamomile, and almonds.

Grenache Blanc is the principal grape in most Cote-Du-Rhone white blends, but has also seen great success in California. We love the Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc ($38.99) as an alternative to big oaky Chardonnays. This iconic American winery practices sustainable farming in the making of this full bodied white wine with notes of pear, orange blossom, sweet oak, and a lively acidity. This wine pairs seamlessly with most foods, especially of the Thanksgiving persuasion.

Red Locks is a newcomer in the Irish whiskey category. This bold yet smooth whiskey is a collaboration between master distiller Noel Sweeney of Powerscourt Distillery and Minnesota legend Kieran Folliard. Their current release, Red Locks Founder's Edition, is only available in Minnesota. Red Locks, like many Irish whiskies, is triple distilled and bottled at 80 proof. The whiskey is aged for at least four years in a combination of barrels including virgin oak. The barrels and mash bill provide this blend a unique character highlighting bold flavors and velvety smoothness. I highly recommend picking up a bottle. While you are stopping in to pick up a bottle of Red Locks make sure you check out our recently expanded whiskey selection. We have over 450 whiskies on our shelves. We aren't finished growing yet, so you'll have to stop in often to see what we add to our selection.

Cheers everyone!

-The Team at North Loop Wine & Spirits