THE WINE LIFE By Stanley Browne
2020 MAYSARA WINERY AUTEES Grapes: 100% Pinot Blanc, Momtazi Vineyard Location: McMinnville, Oregon Owners: Moe and Flora Momtazi Winemaker: Tahmiene Momtazi Approximate Retail Price: $19 Website: maysara.com TASTING NOTES: Color: Pale straw-yellow with a reflective surface Aroma: Tantalizing with a bright and aromatic nose filled with citrus blossom stone fruits and ripe Taste: Light-bodied palate with crisp acidity and intense flavors of apple, pear and grapefruit
I
n 1997, Moe Momtazi and his wife, Flora, purchased just under 500 acres of land in McMinnville in Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley and began preparing the land
to be a vineyard and winery. The property – previously a wheat farm abandoned for years – allowed the couple to start their vineyard on land basically devoid of human influence. Today the vineyard, which now totals 532 acres, remains fully sustainable and has been certified Biodynamic by the Demeter Association. The Momtazis’ three daughters now run Maysara Winery (maysara means “house of wine” in Persian). The pinot blanc Autees bears the name of the Persian goddess who protects all trees and plants on Earth – fitting for a winery dedicated to land preservation. Pinot blanc, a mutation of pinot noir and a fascinating, incredibly versatile varietal, tends to have a creamier feel and fuller body than its cousin, pinot gris. Depending on where
it’s made, its style can bear a lighter, crisper feel or can be full-bodied, complete with barrel treatment and malolactic fermentation. A sublime representation of the varietal, Autees originates from clean, American soil, with the wine vinified with an old-world approach. Slightly creamy yet still crisp, it exhibits good acidity and a myriad of fruits and flowers in the nose and on the palate that should leave firsttasters in love. Food Pairings: Roasted chicken, sea bass and other white fish, pasta with tomato or cream sauce, mushrooms, oysters, shrimp, scallops, grilled or sautéed vegetables, and crème brûlée all pair well with Autees.
ln
Certified Sommelier Stanley Browne owns Robust Wine Bar in Webster Groves.
��
78 September 17, 2021 | LadueNews.com
