Virtuoso Selections Presents: Interesting Wines Coming To Dallas

Virtuoso Selections is a distributor of wines  that focuses on small, independent producers from around the world. They brought their line to Dallas this week and I got a chance to taste of wines are coming our way. Here are a few of the notable selections from the over 100 wines they offer.

A classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 2009 Manu Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (approx. $15). Serve with risotto, lobster, asparagus, avocados.

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A foxy wine! 2007 Renard Roussanne, Santa Ynez, California. Renard is a producer of some interesting southern Rhone varietal wines from California’s Central Coast. This is their Roussanne (approx. $24). A good match with crab and oily fish.

A classy sweet wine for dessert. N/V Brownstone Moscato, California. Good value at approx. $9. Pastry, cakes, etc.

The moderately priced alternative to Champagne. N/V Francois Montand Blanc de Blanc, Jura, France. Cremant is French sparkling wine made using the same method as in Champagne but not necessarily in that region, nor with Champagne’s approved grapes. It can be just as good but significantly less expensive than Champagne. This one is a winner at approx. $15.

Finally, an unusual white if you just want to try something different. This is Grüner Veltliner, the grape bringing Austrian wine to the center of the world stage. Pair with Chicken, goat cheese, gnocchi, quesadillas or vegetable soups. This is a very versatile grape. Approx. $20. 2009 Machherndl Grüner Veltlinger, Federspeil Kollmutz, Wachau, Austria.