Shoe:
For your reading pleasure, because every wine deserves a shoe and full outfit. For our dudes, I instantly see suede or canvas loafers (no socks), pressed white shorts with a cherry print, and a hunter green polo. For my ladies, it’s all about simple, classy, neutral-toned pumps, a white dress in a large sunflower print, and a straw clutch. You’ll see why in a sec.
Katie’s Kraving Review
This is not your average porch-pounding-in-the-pool-sipping Albarino homies. Give this baby her due: take a shower, trim your beard, shave your legs, don your adult clothes (remember those suggestions a full paragraph ago???), hire a sitter, and get ready to have your mind blown!
I’m not kidding. Seriously. I mean, you CAN porch pound this beauty if you want. BUT, this Albarino demands attention, respect, and praise. She is one classy lady, truly the full package – and isn’t any woman like that worth the extra effort? She’s someone you want to listen to and who will listen back. For a crazy put together woman, she has some stories to tell that will have you wondering how such a walking contradiction can exist. But you’re also stoked to know her!
She is ever evolving and super sexy in this almost understated but crazy addicting way. She ain’t cheap, but hot damn is she worth every penny. We all have this woman in our life and now you can have her in the bottle too. #boom
Peach, all the stone fruits, honeysuckle, crazy texture. Like sipping an early summer day, just not a Texas one. She’s a warm summer evening in nature that lasts all night and leaves you wanting more and more.
Sip this beauty on a mild summer evening that began with a classy, dressed up trip to the theatre (symphony, orchestra, you get my drift) and ended with your bare feet slowly carrying you across the dewy grass and along the rows of vines as you wax philosophical about your passions. She will listen and enlighten. Your mind will be blown.
The Deets (bc those are cool and important too!)
Grapes: 100% Albarino
Region: Yakima Valley, WA
ABV: 13.7%
Aging: Native fermentation in concrete egg; 100% neutral French oak & stainless steel barrels; stirred on the less
Vineyards: Rusty Gate Farm Vineyard (1.7 acres total with 2 acres of peach trees)
Production: not a lot
Website: Picayune Cellars (link)
Distributor: Serendipity Wines (link)
Pairings: Have a home garden? Perfect! Grab whatever is ready and let your heart lead you (it helps if you have a glass of Picayune Albarino in your belly and another in your hand). No garden? No problem. Raid your local farmer’s market. Trust me, if it’s in season, it will pair beautifully. Don’t think, just do. Let your glass and taste buds be your guide.
Here’s the pairing we’re kraving: pick up a fresh baguette at your local bakery, slice it, and smother it with Meredith Dairy’s Marinated Feta (link). Top those bites of heaven with red pepper jelly, paper thin bits of prosciutto, and pink sea salt.
Whatever you do, do NOT toss that liquid gold EVOO. Fire up the grill, wrap some thick white fish of your choice in aluminum foil, and drench it in the remaining olive oil – bits of cheese and all. Add some extra springs of fresh rosemary, a dash of whole black peppercorns, and a couple slices of lemon on top. Throw this pouch of deliciousness on the grill. Pour yourself a glass of Albarino while the fish does its thing and toss together a quick simple salad with homemade rep pepper dressing and gorgonzola crumbles.
When it’s done, put the entire pocket of fish love on the table with the salad family style and dig in!
Cheers friends! And don’t forget to #SipAwhile