When thinking of the Mediterranean I always think of lighter summer wines that are refreshing and can be drank any time. The Mediterranean is known for vibrant fresh foods made with seasonal vegetables and herbs, all accompanied by wines that should not overpower the foods but support all the flavors on the palate. California produces many wines that follow in this tradition and style. The following wines show these characteristics along with a pleatreau of great affordable flavors. Salute!

Robert Pecota 1998 Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc. $15.00

This wine starts off with a slightly tart green apple flavor and softens into a pear melon flavored body. Great structure and full of hidden surprises. The finish is crisp and dissipates quickly leaving the consumer longing for another sip. Some foods that would blend great with this wine are Oysters on the half shell with shallot vinaigrette or sautéed mussels.

This winery was started I 1974 by Robert Pecota on a 40 acre ranch in Calistoga, California. The wines are all single vineyard produced with an emphasis on quality not quantity. These considerations show in all the wines Pecota produces. This is a family ran organization with both of Roberts daughters in sales and marketing of the family vineyard. The Paradox about this winery is the distinct difference in philosophy in wine making. Old world attitude in hand selecting and blending of the wines and New World attitude in planting and harvesting techniques. This winery has been missing from the South Carolina market for the past few years and I am personally ecstatic to see it back.

Carmenet Paragon vineyard White Meritage 1995 $22.00

First a little description of what Meritage means, is the simplest terms it means a blended wine. Blended with different grape varietals to produce a different tasting wine with characteristics of the grapes involved. This is used to produce a sometimes softer, and other bolder flavored wines. Carmenet uses for this wine 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillion, a softer slightly sweeter grape.

The nose on this wine fills you with aromas of melon, cream, and sage. The flavors that fallow are just as delightful as the nose, tropical fruits with a light cream sensation all with a slight apple note. The finish is full of big buttery lush fruit and herbs. Some foods that pair exceptionally well with this wine are grilled quail and smoked salmon with an olive oil citrus dressing.

Founded in 1982 by The Chalone wine group in a 240-acre site, this winery is one of the few that have actual caves dug out of the Mayacamas Mountains for storing and aging of its wines.  Much of the area used for vineyards was blasted away and many parts of the winery are only accessible by four-wheel vehicle. The philosophy of this winery is simple; make California wines in a traditional French modal. The flavors are lean and true to the Bordeaux influences.

Gundlach Bundschu 1999 Sonoma Valley Gewurztraminer $18.00

Starts with open floral notes and flow into a light delicious bouquet apple and tropical fruits. The finish is lingering and full of soft fruits with a hint of herbal spiciness.  This wine is ideal for sipping on our hot summer days. Very light and fruity and extremely refreshing. It is a great substitute for White Zinfandel. Some menu items that would go great with this wine are lighter first courses such as salads topped with shrimp or chicken. Grilled items and vegetables and almost any appetizer.

The history on this winery is extraordinary. Started in 1858 by Jacob Gundlach and Charles Bundschu. It operated until the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 when the stone winery was destroyed. Bundschu's grandson Jim Bundschu inherited and reopened the winery in 1969. These wines are some of the best-valued wines from California, and the choices from this winery are numerous.

Chappellet Napa Valley Chenin Blanc 1997 $22.00

This wine is a crisp French style white.  The nose is full of ripe pineapple and cellar oak. The body flows into great crisp mineral notes, hidden notes of oak, and dry autumn fruit flavors with a finish of apricot and plum accents.  This wine is aged for over three months in small French oak barrels. This grape is a dwindling treasure in California. This is one of the few wineries that make this wine in its traditional way, crisp with underlying notes of clean crisp fruit. To make this vintage Chappellet had to contract with three other vineyards to obtain the highest possible quality fruit.  Some foods that would compliment this wine are Grilled or broiled fish especially salmon or rainbow trout, with a simple butter lemon wine sauce. Another great menu pair would be cheeses and French or Sour Dough bread with fruits from our farmers market.

Don and Molly Chappellet started the winery in 1967 and produced their first vintage in 1969. Known as one of the finest wineries in California, producing consistent top quality wines. One of Dons greatest pleasures these days are sailing and seeing that all of his children are involved in the winery and continuing the vision and style that he has became famous for.