May 23, 2017 | Feature Features
Washington’s biggest food celebration of the season—The RAMMY Awards—are coming up July 30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Fiola’s head sommelier Jennifer Foucher, whose restaurant is nominated for best wine program of the year, chatted with us about her favorite summer sips.
What are the hottest wines at Fiola right now?
I’m really enjoying Graci, Arcurìa 2013. It's a single vineyard carricante from the northern side of Mount Etna in Sicily. Bright and lemony, it drinks well with many of the dishes that we have on the menu.
What are your hidden gems?
Whites from the Loire Valley, including the Domaine de la Grange Tiphaine from Montlouis-sur-Loire 2014. Dry chenin blanc pairs so well with a variety of foods and flavors. We think we prefer to drink red no matter what, but taste a white with dishes that don't have meat in them—which is becoming the majority of most menus these days—and the dish shines. Arneis from Piemonte, sauvignon from Friuli and Falanghina from Campania are great white wines that have texture and complexity.
What are your favorite Virginian varieties?
Chardonnay from Linden is my favorite. A classic grape that when grown and vinified responsibly can be elegant, refreshing and food-friendly.
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