Bonterra Viognier, California 2006

Cost: $16-19

What: This is a very nice, refreshing wine just right for spring and summer sipping. It is greenish gold in the glass, with aromas of peach and honeysuckle. The taste is fruity, but not sweet, with complex flavors of apricot, peach, and a little oak and vanilla. The acid provides a good backbone and long finish. Only 47% of the wine was aged in oak barrels, and that only for four months. The rest of the grapes fermented in stainless steel. Serve chilled, but not cold. This medium-bodied wine gets better as it warms a little. The wine is 85% Viognier, 11% Marsanne and 4% Roussanne.

Winery: Since 1987 Bonterra’s McNab ranch has been practicing organic farming in the mountainous region of Mendocino County. It was one of the first major California wineries to commit to organic and sustainable vine growing. Their motto is “Everything in balance,” and that shows through in their wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Rose, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc.

Goes with: We had it with grilled shrimp and rice, and it was a fantastic combination. It also would work with Thai dishes with mild curries and coconut milk, pizza, lobster and scallops in a pear vinegar cream sauce or smoked trout.