The Chook Shiraz-Viognier `10 $12.99 **(*)

This is a very interesting light, bright and peppery wine. It is interesting because it's a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier. So it's a robust, full flavored red wine with a hit of fruity white Viognier.  Ben Riggs, famed Australian "Flying-Winemaker" is known for his beloved McLaren Vale Shiraz .  I bumped this an extra star because it is a pretty straightforward representation of a good Shiraz blended to be lighter and well, "interesting". We all need to shake it up every once in a while and think outside of the box.  Thank you Mr. Riggs.

The wine paired well with Veal Paprikash, from The Old World Kitchen: The Rich Tradition of European Peasant Cooking by Elisabeth Luard; with truffled mashed potatoes and asparagus.