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#WICCG? After having some fantastic WA Cabernet Sauvignon and a surprisingly good WA Chardonnay, I’m still going strong on my Washington wine kick to celebrate Washington Wine Month. And Washington is now officially on my short list of new wine destinations to visit! Decisions, decisions…

This time around, I was all about the Riesling. It’s still blistering hot here, so a glass of Riesling always fits the bill. It was #TacoTuesday, so I cooked up some fish tacos topped with an avocado-jalapeño sauce (that Thing 1 and Thing 2 actually liked!) and paired them with the 2013 Open Kimono Riesling.

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Riesling is the second most produced grape variety in the state behind Chardonnay. However, it was one of the first grape varieties grown in the state. Some producers also produce ice wines from Riesling. Columbia Valley in particular has helped Washington cement its status as a premier producer of Riesling in the U.S., though it is produced in several other AVAs in the state. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a sweet wine drinker or prefer the drier version as there’s an abundance of both styles and everything in between. More than that, the wines are an absolute bargain! I don’t think I’ve ever purchased one for more than $20, and it’s usually closer to $10.

Open Kimono (conjures up all sorts of images doesn’t it?) is a wine company that produces Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand along with its Riesling from Washington State. The name is inspired by their motto that they have nothing to hide in their simple, yet delicious wines.

So how was my Riesling? Not too bad. Like Chardonnay, Riesling is not a “go-to” wine for me, but if you’re into Riesling I don’t think you’d be disappointed in this one. It’s a wine I reach for when I know I’m having something with a little spice. In fact, I’d previously had this wine with some spicy gumbo during Mardi Gras.  Lots of floral aromas (maybe honeysuckle) along with some orange and grapefruit, followed by more citrus flavors and bright acidity with just a hint of sweetness. I found it to be quite refreshing and a nice paring for the avocado-jalapeño sauce on the tacos.

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I’ve also been known to drink Riesling with spicy boiled crawfish. Trust me! Try it! Cheers!

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