2008 Fat Monk Central Coast Reisling

About This Wine

Adam LaZarre has made dozens of award-winning wines over the years.

But few have made him as “happy” as the 2008 Fat Monk Riesling. “I have been waiting to make a Riesling for so long,” he says. He didn’t have that opportunity when he was crafting wines for Hahn Estates, but now that he’s the winemaker for Villa San-Juliette Winery, that winery’s Fat Monk brand made his dream come true.

“What an insanely versatile wine,” LaZarre enthuses. “I have constantly been asked if I made Riesling, but there weren’t many vineyards producing the grape, primarily because everyone yanked their Riesling out of the ground some years ago to make space for Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Those are both nice varieties, but they’re not Riesling.”

One grower who has remained loyal to Riesling is Kelly McFarland, and it was McFarland who provided the grapes for the Fat Monk Riesling. For that, Adam LaZarre and the members of our tasting panel are very grateful.

About Riesling

One of the world's great grapes. Distinctive floral bouquet with balancing acidity. Grows best in cool areas where grapes ripen slowly. Subject to " noble rot", making wines of great richness and sweetness. Low alcohol.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:93% Riesling and 7% Gewurztraminer
• Grape Source:California’s Central Coast Growing Region
• Aromas & Flavors:Apricot, Melon, Peach, Pineapple and Honey
• Aging Vessels:Stainless Steel Tanks for 9 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2011
• Food Pairing Suggestiona cheese plate, or semi-spicy Asian cuisine.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Pan Seared Scallops With Ginger Sauce Try this palate-awakening dish with Gewurztraminer, Riesling or a non-oaked Chardonnay. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Glazed Lemon Cookies Desserts can be challenging to match with wines, but when the overriding flavor of the treat is lemon, the possibilities multiply. Try these cookies (this recipe yields about 38 cookies) with Viognier, off-dry Chenin Blanc, Gruner Veltliner or Riesling... Get The Recipe
  

  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
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  Scallop Stir Fry It recently was reported that President Barack Obama is a big fan of scallops -- those velvety, succulent treats from the sea. But scallops may not be the first thing you think of when you get the urge to take a wok on the wild side. We predict that will change once you've tried this recipe. It makes 4 servings, and matches beautifully with... Get The Recipe