While Oregon has gained international attention for its Pinot Noir, and rightfully so, there are other cool climate varieties that many wineries are finding success with in the Willamette Valley. Most notable among them are Chardonnay and Riesling. Smaller producers like Jasper Sisco abound in the Willamette Valley and nearby Portland making small lots of wine very thoughtfully.

2013 Jasper Sisco Clara Estelle Riesling, Cherry Grove Vineyard A wine as pretty and distinguished as the woman who graces its label. Beautiful aromatics of wet stone, coriander and lime zest. The wine’s palate is zippy and alive, flavors of wet stone and grape fruit, and thirst slaking acidity. One of my favorite Northwest wines I’ve had all year. In Cherry Grove winemaker Justin Russell is rubbing elbows with some of the Valley’s heavy hitters in terms of sourcing fruit from there. “Cherry Grove Vineyard is in Gaston, Oregon. The others who source from it are Antica Terra, Boedecker, Andrew Rich, as well as Love and Squalor.  $18

 Pairing Picks: Spicy food loves Riesling so think both Thai and Indian cuisine favorites, particularly curries.