Judith Henderson’s Wine & Country Living

When wine tasting room managers call me with wine news, I listen. Melody Leathers from Glenncorrie Winery, Walla Walla, called to tell me she and a half a dozen other wineries located on Highway 12, out beyond the new highway construction, have come up with some creative signage inviting the tourists and locals back to the wine region in the southern end of the county. Apparently this summer the south-end wineries have not experienced the crowds they have in the past and feel it's because of the confusing exits and entrances on the new highway. Unfortunately, progress sometimes brings a slow return for some involved. Let's hope the new signs and a little word of mouth will bring these wine rooms back to capacity. In the mean time, I purchased an L'Ecole No.41 Chenin Blanc again, only to be floored by this year's bottle. This reasonably priced, beautiful white wine is a flowery mix of honeysuckle, melons and citrus, perfect with salads, chicken and salmon. I serve this winery's Flagship bottle, which leisurely turns many a wine snob into a lover of this well-balanced wine, earning L'Ecole No. 41 the rating of 9 Barrels from Wine and Country Living. Here's a recipe that pairs well with this bottle.

Cantaloupe Salami Salad

Drizzled in Honey and Cracked Black Pepper

Serves 4

1-whole melon, cubed

2-cups salami, cut into matchsticks

3-green onions, chopped

2-tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

1/2-cup honey

1-tablespoon red wine vinegar

Cracked black pepper

Method:

Place all ingredients in a bowl and toss well. Pile on top of a composed plate of mixed lettuces and serve.

Contact Judith at: www.chefjudithhenderson.com