2017 Truchard Roussanne as Adele

I’m going to try not to tell you to go out and buy every bottle I write about, but this is not one of those times. Roussanne is a lesser-known grape varietal that in my eyes, is one of the delights of the wine world. Imagine it to be the cousin of Chardonnay (though it’s not because “cousin” is a real thing – grapes share ancestry like cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc). So maybe it’s not the cousin but the person who is somehow at all of your family gatherings but not technically related? And grew up to be really beautiful? Not the weird uncle or kooky aunt.

I digress. Roussanne is bold, bright, floral and full-bodied. Originally grown in the northern Rhone Valley, and one of only two white grapes allowed to be grown in the famous Hermitage AOC, it’s now also grown in California and southern France. At around $25 for this bottle, it’s perhaps a bit pricey for your everyday wine, but man is it worth it. I’ll also give a shout out to Frankly Wines, in NYC where I buy this wine. This wine shop is full of the most knowledgeable associates and I always come out of there with new wines I love.

This wine is from Carneros, a region of Napa Valley. The warmer weather brings out the warmer fruit flavors of this wine – pineapple, peach, pear, apricot. Traditional to the varietal, there’s a floral element to this wine, often perceived as jasmine, honeysuckle, and/or chamomile tea. It’s a full-bodied wine, so it will linger on your palate in a longer finish. A glass of this wine is going to feel like being hugged by someone wearing a cashmere sweater, and you’ll want more.

That’s why this wine as a celeb is Adele. Warm, full, bold, exciting, yet still works to have a little every day. Someone you think to yourself that you could actually be friends with.

Like almost all whites, I suggest putting a nice chill on this before drinking and enjoying it as it opens up and adjusts to room temperature – you’ll get a different experience with each taste. Much like Chardonnay, this pairs well with seafood (crab and lobster in particular) and of course chicken and cream sauces. Pairing is important, but don’t stress about this one – it will go with a lot and of course, is delightful on its own.

Just be careful you don’t drink the bottle and end up on the floor of your apartment singing along. Or at least make sure it happens at a reasonable hour.