It had been a while since I’d enjoyed a good Pinot Gris, so this one made by owner/winemaker Dan Lokteff of Wrights Station was particularly welcome. His 2019 Pinot Gris ($30) is a flavorful white wine with richness and body. It’s easy to like because of its versatility and zesty acidity, and Pinot Gris pairs well with many different foods.
Grapes are from the Lago Lomita Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which the owners call “heaven on top of a mountain.” Here, above the fog, is where the Pinot Gris grape (called Pinot Grigio in Italy) thrives. Fans of lighter white wines appreciate Pinot Gris, which comes with lovely aromas of citrus fruits and flavors of apples, pears, peaches, and spice.
Lots of mass-produced Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are flooding the market, so it’s worth getting the real thing such as this one made by the talented Lokteff. I recommend a wine-tasting trip to Lokteff’s beautiful property, where the next Taste of Terroir event will be held in July (see below).
Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery, 24250 Loma Prieta Ave., Los Gatos. 408-560-9343, wrightsstation.com.
Taste of Terroir
The next Taste of Terroir dinner will be held Saturday, July 24, on the beautiful property of Wrights Station—featuring six Summit wineries, including Wrights Station and Muns Vineyard. The dinner features a wine reception and farm-to-table cuisine, with chef Danae McLaughlin preparing some fabulous food. Visit Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains at scmwa.com for more info.
Tasting on Zoom
My husband and I recently participated in a Zoom wine tasting led by Katie Brookshire, owner of Table Wine, a well-stocked wine store in Pacifica. As a certified sommelier, Brookshire’s knowledge of wine is vast. Wines from Spain were featured at the Zoom tasting—and Brookshire says her wines are “very affordable”—most of them around $20-$25. Worth a visit? I would say so!Table Wine, 1710 Francisco Blvd., Suite A, Pacifica. 650-898-8205, tablewinemerchant.com.
