2001 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Zind

I love the intensity and purity of wines from the Alsace estate of Zind-Humbrecht. But their grand crus and single vineyards are too expensive for casual drinking. Enter Zind, a beauty of a white that is actually a blend of Auxerrois and Chardonnay with a little Pinot Blanc. This may be the perfect little white wine: It pulls you in with a lovely bouquet of flowers and peaches, and delivers a mouthful of luscious ripe fruit balanced by a bracing dose of acidity. It shows well as an aperitif but really shines with food, especially Asian and fusion cuisines and the crazy quilt of flavors that make up California cuisine. Everybody needs a few bottles of this in their cellar. It goes with practically anything.

-- S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Alsace

Price: About $30

Style: A balance of ripeness and acidity

Food it goes with: Asian and fusion cuisines

Where you find it: Available at fine wine retailers throughout the Southland