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WINE:  d'Arenberg "The Hermit Crab" Viognier Marsanne 2009

FOOD: Seared Scallops with Spicy Blackberry Sauce, Guanciale & Shiitake Risotto

Light straw-yellow in color, with intense aromas of stone fruits, guava, lime and Granny Smith apple with mineral undertones.  Rich and round in the mouth, with ripe apricot, peach and tropical fruit flavors, this Australian take on Rhone varietals matches the sweetness of Greg's caramelized scallops very well.  The wine's creamy texture and slight nuttiness also pair well with those same qualities of the risotto, yet the wine possesses just enough tangy acidity to allow for the tartness and hint of heat of the blackberry sauce.

It is safe to say that I am obsessed with Rhone Valley varietals, both red and white. You know these grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Petit Sirah, Carignan, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, to name but a few. In my opinion, no region as a whole, will ever match the Rhone Valley's deft touch with these grapes.  However, amazing wines based on these grapes are being made outside of France in places like Australia and California.  In particular, look for wines from Paso Robles and Santa Ynez.