You may not have heard of Virginie Bourgue, but if you have one taste of her wine you will fall in love.  Virginie is the winemaker for an ambitious new winery in Walla Walla called Cadaretta that released its first wines, in 2008.

Virginie grew up in Bonnieux, Provence in the South of France, and her winemaking style combines the best elements of Washington wine—intense fruit and concentration of flavor—with a sense of restraint that is more typical of wines from France.   Virginie credits a combination of her family’s agricultural roots, her mother’s restaurant and her own degree in science for her decision to pursue winemaking.  She says that “studying winemaking allowed me to use my scientific backround, and my palate.  To combine knowledge [of science and agriculture] with the unexplainable: flavors.  Winemaking is the best way to put them both together.”

This wine is a blend of 79% Sauvignon Blanc and 21% Semillon that sees no oak.  Only 1,000 cases were produced.  Try it with quiche, golden beet salad, or macaroni and cheese.  Drink now – 2011.