Wine

Wine of the Week: 2011 Navarro Vineyards Edelzwicker

Posted by Martin D. Redmond on

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2011 Navarro Vineyards Edelzwicker. 

The Winery

Navarro Vineyards is a family-owned winery that has been growing growing grapes, making wine and producing non-alcoholic grape juices in the Anderson Valley since 1974. Anderson Valley’s is best known for producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Alsatian varietals (Riesling, Gewurztraminer,  and Pinot Gris)

I discovered Navarro Vineyards during a “drive-by” on our way to the Mendocino Crab Festival a few years ago. It’s been a favorite in Anderson Valley ever since because of its diverse selections of wine (tastings are free), and reasonable prices for very good to outstanding wines. Their cozy tasting room overlooks their vineyards,and it’s great spot for a picnic (they have very nice deli case with a wonderful selection of cheese, and other simple picnic supplies)  Navarro Vineyards produces about 40,000 cases of wine a year, most of which is sold directly at the winery.

The Wine

The name “Edelzwicker” is two German words mashed together…Edel (which means “noble” Alsatian wine grape varieties of Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Riesling), and  “Zwicker” (blend) – thus it means “noble blend”.  In practice the term Edelzwicker is often used to designate any blended wines of AOC Alsace white grape varieties.

.Here’s what Navarro Vineyards says about the wine…

Today, Edelzwicker is only a fanciful name without any current AOC status, but Navarro’s 2011 Edelzwicker goes back to the 17th century parameters. It is truly noble, containing 42% Riesling, 33% Gewürztraminer and 25% Pinot Gris.

The San Francisco Chronicle listed the 2011 Edelzwicker as a Top Value from a Top Winery.

Wine of the Week; 2011 Navarro Vineyards Edelzwicker
Wine of the Week; 2011 Navarro Vineyards Edelzwicker

My tasting notes follow:

Pale yellow green color with stone-fruit and tropical fruit aromas. On the palate, it’s light-bodied and off-dry with peach, apricot, and mineral flavors.

Rating: Recommended. This is a well-made, but fun wine! Perfect for picnics too!

Pair with:  My favorite pairing for this wine is my spicy Seafood Gumbo (see link below for the recipe), but it’s also wonderful with Thai food, lighter picnic fare, and fresh oysters. And with the wine and food pairing tenet “What grows together, goes together” in mind, try with regional Alsatian dishes like sauerkraut, flammekueche, kugelhopf, or sausages.  

The Wine Geek Stuff:

  • Alcohol: 12.4%
  • Closure: Cork
  • AVA: > California> North Coast> Mendocino County
  • Grape Varieties: 42% Riesling, 33% Gewürztraminer and 25% Pinot Gris.
  • Cooperage: Stainless Steel
  • Retail: $14
  • Cases produced: Unknown
  • Drink: now – 2015

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Seafood Gumbo and Wine Pairings For Soul Warming #SundaySupper