From: Walla Walla, Washington
Varietal: Syrah, Viognier
Taste: This wine opens with luscious fruit elements such as black cherry and plum, transitioning into earthy undertones of saline, smoke, and iron. The finish is marked by intriguing spice nuances, including cinnamon and white pepper, creating a well-rounded and complex profile.
Pairing: For protein options, consider grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or a rich beef stew to complement the wine's robust fruit and earthy flavors. Herb-crusted lamb chops or slow-roasted leg of lamb highlight its savory and spicy notes, while game meats like venison enhance its fruit-forward characteristics. Poultry dishes, such as roast chicken with herbs or turkey with delicious stuffing, also pair wonderfully with the wine's earthy undertones. For vegetarian options, mushroom risotto, roasted portobello mushrooms, or lentil stew provide hearty pairings that emphasize the wine’s complexity, while a root vegetable gratin adds a complementary touch. A pasta dish like pappardelle with wild mushroom ragu or a rich, tomato-based lamb ragù further showcases the wine's depth. Cheese lovers can enjoy aged Gouda, smoked cheddar, or blue cheese, which bring out the wine's richness and spice. Additionally, dishes seasoned with thyme, rosemary, or sage and those featuring peppercorn or red wine reduction sauces align seamlessly with the wine’s savory and spicy qualities.
Pan-Seared Veal Steaks With Green Peppercorns
By David Tanis
About: Reynvaan Family Vineyards is a small family-owned winery started by Mike and Gale Reynvaan in May 2004 in Walla Walla, Washington. They initially purchased a 37-acre parcel of land on Cottonwood Road at the base of the Blue Mountains.
Reynvaan Family Vineyards is dedicated to creating fine wines exclusively from the terroir of Walla Walla Valley.
They have two vineyards planted that represent each end of the terroir spectrum. The first vineyard has 16 acres under vine that they call “In the Rocks” to demonstrate where and how they were planted. It was first planted in 2005 to create wines that clearly express that vineyard’s unique terroir and minerality. They began planting 5-acre blocks each year to understand the terrior better and choose the best vines for particular locations.
