2011Mondo Vino Arroyo Seco Vermentino Small Lot Series

$18

2011 Mondo Vino Arroyo Seco Vermentino

I purchased this wine at a local wine shop called Mondo Vino on 32nd Ave. in Denver.  This is a great little shop in a very old building.  The owners have taken great care to preserve the original look of the interior with everything from the hardwood floors to the old ceiling.  Mondo Vino has a large selection of wines and a very knowledgable staff.  I’m not going to tell you any more than that because there is no way I can do it justice.  Just know this – If you have the opportunity, check out this little gem in Denver.  Next door to Mondo Vino is a great little specialty cheese shop called St. Killian’s.  They have a wonderful selection of cheese that are not your grocery store variety.  Check them as well when you are in the area.

Now to the wine –

I tried this wine because I had never heard of a vermentino grape.  The back of the bottle states that “only eight vineyards in California” grow this grape on about 20 total acres.  I thought with it being such a small production wine, I needed to see what this grape was all about.  I found it had a beautiful pale yellow color.  Initially my nose said this was yet another acidic, apple-y wine but when I tasted it… well, my nose was wrong.  This is a very pleasant delicate wine similar to a fine chardonnay.  Don’t be too quick to judge this one with your initial taste; it grows on you.  The mild pear and honeydew melon flavors are very satisfying in this light wine.   I believe this would go well with a light dessert; don’t try it with anything heavy, you will lose the delicate flavors and pleasantly soft mouth feel.  It is also great on its own and I don’t offer that assessment often for a white wine.

I would buy more of this wine but not sure I would buy a case.

3 out of 5 stars