Farmer's Market Wine Challenge: Corn + Sylvaner

"When life hands you lemons," they say, "make lemonade!" But what about when life hands you corn? Which wine to choose? 

It's July and the produce stalls at farmer's markets everywhere are piling high with corn. Grilled on the cob or tossed into a salad, corn tastes best when it's fresh and in season. It is easy to prepare and fun to eat, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Even better, the creamy/sweet flavor of corn and its juicy crunch give it broad palate appeal, making it a favored choice for summertime entertaining. 

To complement the creamy and sweet flavors of corn while keeping the palate fresh in the summer heat, I prefer light to medium-bodied white wines with delicate aromas and flavors, a hint of richness on the palate, and balanced acidity. Chardonnay, oaked or unoaked, can be a reliable go-to, but if you're in the mood for something a little more adventurous (and local!) I suggest  giving this unusual white wine from Sonoma a try: 2013 Scribe "Ode to Emil IV" Sylvaner.

Sylvaner is a white varietal native to Austria where, in addition to parts of Germany and Alsace, France, you are still most likely to find it today. Though rare, there is some Sylvaner produced in California. The first Sylvaner cuttings were brought to the US by a German immigrant Emil Dresser in 1858 and planted to what is now Scribe Estate in Sonoma County. This dry white is 100% organic, from a 1 acre plot on the southwest facing slope of Arrowhead Mountain. Inspired by the traditional Sylvaners of Germany and Austria, it shows soft citrus and floral notes with crisp underpinnings balancing a broad palate. A delicious and versatile white, this will not overwhelm  a more subtly flavored cold corn soup, but has the body and flavor to complement spicier sides like corn succotash and homemade salsas. Not much is produced, so this is a rare treat. 

 Cheers!

2013 SCRIBE "ODE TO EMIL IV" SONOMA COUNTY SYLVANER ($29.99)

in stock now at Mission Wines

Wanna taste it? We are pouring it tonight in our Tasting Bar from 1pm-6:30. Enjoy a flight of three wines for $15/$10 with purchase! Wines are also available by the glass and we have locally brewed Craftsman beer on tap too! 

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Here in South Pasadena, we have a wonderful Farmer's Market, which takes place every Thursday. It is located right off the Metro Gold Line on El Centro Street, one block south of Mission Street, making it easy for folks up and down the Arroyo to access. In addition to hosting lots of local produce vendors, its stalls house meat and fish vendors, cheese makers, bread and pastry vendors, selections of honey, sundries, and spices, not to mention a number of solid food trucks. Live world music lends a little flair to the Main Street USA ambiance. After filling your basket, you can stroll down Mission Street to enjoy a wine tasting and pick up the perfect wine for your market-fresh meal at Mission Wines. We look forward to seeing you!