Idaho is famous for, well, potatoes. I’m betting that 90% or more folks would first associate our favorite tuber with the state. I know there is a lot more to it and yes, I knew there was somebody making wine there because every state in the Union has at least one functional winery. So, imagine my surprise when not too long ago I ran across not one, but several wines from Ste. Chapelle winery. I asked the buyer, what is this? He said one word and I immediately recognized the industry term. I was intrigued with one particular offering, the sparkling Riesling. One, who doesn’t love sparkling wine and two, Riesling is almost always a winner, offering low alcohol and typically featuring flavors that I’m fond of.

Region of origin: United States > Idaho note: the wine is simply labeled American wine and has no vintage date. This is because of  U.S. Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau rules. The grapes are from Idaho, but the wine is actually made in California. Hence, the only regional label allowed is American and no vintage dating is allowed. Ah, the wonderful world of liquor laws.

Price: $9.99

Bought at: Bullock’s in Woodstock

Aromas: Okay, this is where it got a little weird. If you drink a lot of German Riesling, you’ll know what I’m talking about…petrol. Yes, the smell of something akin to diesel fuel is often a marker of this varietal and while I’m not particularly fond of it, it can be very off putting for many. It was the first thing I noticed. It wasn’t the most aromatic, but it was also chilled to sparkling wine service temperature, which I’m blaming for the more than usual muting of the aromatics, especially on the fruit. I did get a low level hint of green apple, but that was about it.

Flavors: Yep, still got a nice petrol aroma overlying the green apple and sour peach fruit flavors. It was unique, different and in my opinion, worth the $10 price of admission. When I swirled and warmed it up a bit, it did open, but wasn’t quite what I expected.

Final word: As a wine geek, things like this are always fascinating to me, especially in the $10 or less price point. I’ve even bought sparkling wine from Georgia and it was more than twice the price! I’m going to say this is an okay wine, but you really must try it with food.

Pairing suggestion: Egg dishes or light weight cheeses.