Valdiguie Intrigue
Hitching Post releases three new summer wines
Hitching Post winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini, known for their lush Central Coast Pinot Noirs, are pushing a little-known grape into the spotlight this summer: Three new Valdiguie (val-de-GEE) wines, just in time for your next barbecue.
This dark red grape isn't new to California, but it rarely shows its face. Always believed to be a descendant of Gamay, it was known as "Napa Gamay" until genetic testing determined its origin as the Languedoc region of France. It was Valdiguie's jammy fruitiness, bright acidity and floral aromas that intrigued Hartley and Ostini.
"We heard from other makers that it was very Pinot Noir-like, but less expensive," says Ostini. So they started adding the grape to rosé and red blends, and finally bottled it on its own.
If you're up in Santa Barbara wine country, the three wines are available for retail at the Hitching Post II restaurant in Buellton, but you can also find them locally:
2008 Pinks Dry Rosé ($15) This crisp rosé makes a great aperitif or match for seafood and charcuterie. Wine House, 2311 Cotner Ave., West L.A.; 800-626-9463 or winehouse.com
2008 Valdiguie Red Wine, Central Coast ($17) Bottled exclusively for SoCal Whole Foods, it's refreshing and zingy with strawberry and floral aromas. Ostini suggests serving it slightly chilled. Available at the West L.A., Glendale, Fairfax and Beverly Hills stores; wholefoodsmarket.com
Val Noir NV Red Wine Central Coast ($20) This medium-bodied red is earthy and velvety and a great alternative to HP's more expensive Pinot Noirs. Available online; hitchingpost2.com
