AlmaTerra Wins at Seattle Uncorked

We’ve talked a lot of late about AlmaTerra wines. Well, now others are talking, too.

David LeClaire and Seattle Uncorked held an event at Ray’s Boathouse called “Rosé Revival and Other Cool Whites” on June 3. Club members converged on the venue to try a slough of wines, and the proceeds of the event went to support the Ryther Child Center.

This was a judged event, evaluated both by professionals and attendees. The professional judges awarded AlmaTerra’s Coéo Viognier first place among the whites.

If you don’t know already, AlmaTerra is project that demonstrates terroir’s effects on wine. Single AVA, single vineyard wines made in exactly the same way so that the differences you taste are the differences in terroir. The Coéo Viognier is a blend of the three single-site Viogniers, emphasizing what the winemaker (Robert O. Smasne) believes are the best characteristics in each. I just think the whole idea is cool.

Kelly Barry from the Examiner attended LeClaire’s event, and described the Coéo thusly:

The Judges’ Winner for the whites, the 2007 Alma Terra Coeo Viognier, was deliciously complex, with flavors of white peach, a little apricot and pineapple, white pepper, and a hint of oak – a perfect pairing to grilled white king salmon with a nectarine chutney.

If you haven’t tried the AlmaTerra yet, head on over to their tasting room in Woodinville.

The other wineries that won awards deserve recognition, too, and I don’t think David LeClaire would mind me posting the winners here:

JUDGES AWARDS

White Winners

1st Place – Alma Terra Coéo Viognier 2007 – $23
2nd Place – Brian Carter Cellars Oriana 2006 $22
3rd Place – Cedergreen Cellars Chenin Blanc 2008 $16

Rosé Winners

1st Place – Wilridge Winery 2008 Rosé (Syrah) $18
2nd Place – Tefft Cellars Dolcetto Rosé 2007 – $9
3rd Place – Skylite Cellars Rosé (Sangiovese) 2008 – $17
3rd Place – DiStefano Rosé Amare 2008 – $17
3rd Place – Jones of Washington Rosé (Syrah) 2008 – $11

2009 Judges:

Jeff Thorsen – Cave Vivant Sommelier
Sean Sullivan, Blogger – Wash Wine Report
Cole Sisson – Seastar Sommelier
Shannon Borg – Seattle Magazine Wine Writer
Rob Ord – Wild Ginger Sommelier
Kelly Barry – Seattle Cellars

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD’S

White Winners

1st Place – Skylite Cellars Viognier 2007 – $17
2nd Place – Thurston Wolfe Winery PGV 2007 – $13
3rd Place – Brian Carter Cellars Oriana 2006 $22

Rosé Winners

1st Place –Tefft Cellars Dolcetto Rosé 2007 – $9
1st Place –PengWine Fairy Cab/Malbec Rosé 2006 – $11
2nd Place – Wilridge Winery 2008 Rosé (Syrah) $18
3rd Place – Kestrel Vintners Rosé 2008 – $12
3rd Place – Trust Cellars Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2008 – $15