Ensemble stands high on the list of the names California vintners have coined in attempting to set their blended wines apart from the competition. The name sounds elegant and implies a coming together of disparate elements.
And this wood-aged BV (Beaulieu Vineyard), made from a blend of grapes associated with France’s Rhone River Valley, is both elegant and better for being multifaceted. Marsanne (59 percent), followed by roussanne (32 percent) and viognier (6 percent) are the key components. A splash of chardonnay (3 percent) also found its way into the mix.
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It’s a full-bodied wine with tropical fruit and mineral flavors that can be sipped by itself or poured with shellfish or fish stews, grilled poultry and sausages seasoned with Provencal herbs. It also pairs well with mildly seasoned Asian dishes. The price is about $21.