In the steep foothills of Amador County leading up the Sierras to Lake Tahoe, Renwood has made its name in gutsy zinfandels and traditional Italian reds and makes only one white.
It's one of America's best viogniers.
The oddball grape of the great Condrieus is one of the new Rhone darlings flirting with Americans, a younger sibling to syrah. Renwood makes its from Lodi grapes in the same Old World style as its zins, and the result is rich and creamy. It has the ripe tastes of peaches and apricots of many viogniers, but Renwood's also has hints of lime, apples and pears.
This could be an all-purpose white for folks tired of the usual suspects. I'd love it with a slice of ham or a creamy seafood pasta.
Price: $12 to $14 in liquor stores and wine shops.
