This pale yellow wine is handcrafted from some of Santa Ynez Valley’s premiere vineyards. It’s has a very floral, yet spicy nose. Think linden blossoms with a waft of smoke somewhere in the background. On the palate it’s very much fruit first. Tropical notes open quickly to grapefruit, apricot and a hint of pineapple. Greg’s pairing of a pear and pecan flatbread compliments the fruit flavors nicely. But it’s the slightly charred crust that echos the smoke on the nose and the salty prosciutto balanced with the bite of white pepper that makes this pairing work so well. The wine has crisp acidity and is a natural in pairing with food. But it’s the structure that elevates this wine into something easily enjoyed all on it’s own.
Standing Sun Wines focuses on Rhone varietals that are aged in neutral oak. You can’t tell the story of this wine without mentioning the fact that it’s owned by a soap star. Laura Wright (Carly Jacks on ABC’s General Hospital) and her husband John are the creative forces behind this wine. They started small with 100 cases in 2007 and now produce more than 2,000 cases of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rosé, Petite Sirah, and Syrah in addition to the Rhone style blends that I have sampled.
Grant Henry
Pairs With The 3 P’s of Flatbread: Pear, Prosciutto & Provolone (with Candied Pecans too!)
Price $24
Also pairs well with butter sauces, chicken, crab, cream sauces, curries, lobster, nuts, peaches, pork, shellfish, and veal.
- Category White Wine
- Varietal Grenache
- Region Santa Ynez Valley CA
