If you're looking for evidence of things changing out at the Walla Walla airport, then look no further than Mannina Cellars. This winery is located on a street containing several newly constructed buildings housing some upstart winemakers in the valley. The backdrop of wheat fields and the Blue Mountains just behind this stretch of wineries is just beautiful. On the Sunday afternoon I visited, a Walla Walla Community College eunology student was working in the tasting room, pouring a merlot and a red blend with no tasting fees attached. I was impressed when the young woman behind the counter...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Washington sangiovese was a clear, dark purple in the glass, delivering notes of cherry and other red berry fruit with an ever-so-slight hint of oak. On the palate, the Mannina Cellars 2006 Sangiovese Walla Walla Valley (13.6%) offered cherry fruit forward flavors with well integrated acidity and tannins leading to a nice, velvety finish. This was a very nice, food friendly wine. The Mannina sangiovese is comprised of 89% sangiovese combined with 8% merlot, 2% cab, and 1% syrah. We paired it with a traditional Pasta Bolognese that Kari crafted, combining beef, veal, pork, and pancetta, ground together...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)