CummingHome.com Local news, events, and business from Cumming, GA and Forsyth County

Not many wines pair well with ham, but Riesling does. The salty, sweet flavors of the ham are complimented by the fruity flavors of the Riesling. For our Easter Ham this year, we enjoyed a bottle of 2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection California Riesling. The grapes in this bottle were grown in Monterey County and include small amounts of Gewurztraminer and Muscat Canelli, as well as the White Riesling. The wine is 12%alcohol.

Riesling tastes more like eating a ripe grape than any other variety. The Mondavi has an aromatic bouquet suggesting peaches and apricots. The flavor is abundant with apples and peaches, with a slight nuance of lemon citrus. The finish is fruity, but balanced with enough acidity to give it a clean and crisp lingering aftertaste.

Our ham dinner included fresh green beans, honey glazed carrots, and the all time favorite Southern Comfort Food, homemade macaroni and cheese. The Mondavi Riesling was great with this assortment of flavors! This wine would also be a perfect companion to ripe grapes and a soft cheese like Gouda, for sipping on the back porch on a hot summer's day.

Price: $9 to $12

Score: 88