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Narsai David: Three Monterey County Wines

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The start of summer means the start of lighter wines to enjoy and drink.

This week, KCBS Food and Wine Editor Narsai David looks at three particular wines from Monterey County.

The first is a 2010 White Riesling from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. Described as having an appealing aroma of fresh fruit and flowers, the 2010 was considered an El Nino vintage, with much cooler temperatures throughout the growing season. 2010 was the coolest vintage of the last 10 years and is considered very similar to the 1998 and 1999 vintages. The cool weather is thought to better preserve the Riesling's vibrant acidity and accentuate the variety's minerality. The wine can be served with spicy foods or just for sipping on a warm afternoon. Price is $10 a bottle.

The second is a 2010 Rhone-style blend from Morgan Winery called the Cotes du Crow's. The wine is a blend, 55 percent Syrah and 45 percent Granache. The wine has a deep purplish red color and plenty of fruits with enough tannins to give it a nice balance. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels and the 14 percent new oak gives it subtle spice and vanilla characters. The Cotes du Crow's pairs well with hearty Mediterranean food and even barbecue. It is priced at $18 a bottle.

The final wine is also from Morgan Winery, a 2011 R&D Franscioni Pinot Gris from the Santa Lucia Highlands. The wine features lush, ripe citrusy aromas with a touch of honey. The freshness is preserved by cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks and then the wine is aged for three months in 100 percent neutral French oak. The wine is best served with light fish and chicken dishes and costs $18 a bottle.

KCBS Food and Wine Editor Narsai David:

Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53am, 12:53pm and 4:53pm, and at 2:53am Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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