Back in October of last year, I visited Kiona Vineyards out in the Red Mountain Appellation of Washington State. This region of Washington is considered to be the Napa Valley of the Northwest and boasts many quality vintners that produce world-class wines. My very favorite Kiona wine was their 2005 Lemberger. When I first heard of the name from the friendly gentleman behind the tasting counter, I must say – I had my reservations. Partly because most associate the enunciation of lemberger with the awfully odorous Limburger cheese perhaps.

The gentleman kindly poured me a tasting and upon first waft of its aromas, I knew this would be a fantastic wine. Scents of blackberries, cloves and a taste that is incredibly smooth with soft tannins. There is a subtle spiciness to this wine and its not a full bodied red wine, which makes it very enjoyable on warm spring days. It’s flavor is so unique that I must say you just have to try this wine! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a medium body, good red wine.I picked up a case and continue to order this wine online.

A little about this grape – Lemberger

The lemberger grape was originally planted in central Europe and is speculated to have originated on the lower stretches of the Danube river. It has been documented in Austria during the second half of the 18th Century and is still cultivated in this region under the unique name, Blaufränkisch. In Hungary, the grape is known as Kékfrankos. The German name, “Lemberger” is said to have originated because of import to Lemberg  during the 19th century. The Lemberger grape made its formal appearance here in the Northwest back in the 1940’s (some say). It wasn’t until 1980 though, when Kiona Vineyards released the first Washington labeled Lemberger that it made its truly formal appearance in the Northwest.

Food Pairings: Cheese Pasta dishes, Barbecued meats especially a red wine, herb marinated rib-eye. Also goes wonderfully with chocolate and cheesecake of all flavors

Where to buy: Online

Price: $9-12  – a great value

Kiona Vineyards -Find out more about the Winery

Tasting room hours are daily noon to 5 p.m. Call (509) 588-6716.

Location: 44612 N. Sunset Rd., Benton City, WA 99320

Popularity: 49% [?]