Image by Megan Holmes
Through the Grapevine
Issue #24
Legendary rocker Donna Dresch talks reds, whites, and the kind of wine that goes best with wheat-free birthday cake
By Megan Holmes
Published: June 1st, 2005 | 2:55pm
You’re a legend of the Northwest grunge music scene, bassist for Team Dresch, and owner of Chainsaw Records. Most people know you as a musician, but you’re also quite a chef and wine connoisseur. When did you get into wine?
Up until just a few years ago, I hated wine. I thought it was disgusting. Then I went with Bratmobile, as their roadie and driver, on their last tour to Europe [in 2002] and decided to just let go. That's when I developed the “When in Rome” philosophy.
Wine was there, at every meal, whether we liked it or not. It really only took a glass or two. Maybe it was because we were in Rome, eating Roman food, drinking Roman wine, that it tasted better than I thought. Then we went to France and Spain. There was wine on every table. I ate paella, drank Spanish wine. By the time the tour was over, I had learned to love the wine.
Top 4 wines
Current favorite reds: Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon, Badger Mountain Cabernet, Napa Wine Co. Cabernet, Chateau Pech-latt Corbieres.
For budget times, I will get a bottle of Powers Cabernet/Merlot blend, my current favorite. It's about $5 cheaper than Badger Mountain, and I believe it is the same company as Badger Mountain, just not with the organic label. Same goes for Fetzer with Bonterra. And Fetzer is a pretty cheap wine.
Do you prefer white or red?
For just hanging out on a regular night, I probably would choose a red like an Oregon pinot noir. But mostly it depends on my mood or the food. If it's hot and I want a light, refreshing wine, I might have a delicious riesling or a chardonnay, in my gayest of moods. If I'm having a fancy restaurant dinner, I try to put more thought into it. Like lighter foods usually go best with a lighter wine, heavy foods, heavier wines. If I can't decide, I'll ask the server what they suggest.
What type of wine best compliments your favorite food?
Maple-sweetened carob wheat-free birthday cake goes best with a nice full-bodied red wine.
What do you look for in a good wine?
I buy mostly organic wines, and my goal is to find the best wine in my budget, which is usually around $10. I really like trying new wines and like to make friends with the wine expert of the establishment I'm in to learn more and get suggestions. The local wine experts are usually pretty happy to talk about wine with you, so don't be scared to ask questions.
Do you ever go to wine tastings?
Yes. Wine tastings are a great way to drink free wine and, of course, to learn more about what you like and to try new things without spending money on a wine you may not like. You can check in your local paper; there are usually listings for tastings in the food section.
What was the oldest or most expensive bottle you’ve ever had?</tkb>
Hmmm … I can't remember! Organic wines are never that old. I think it has to do with the fact that there aren't preservatives in them so they are meant to be consumed pretty quickly after bottling. I might have just made that up.
I know you are involved in an organic wine-of-the-month club. Can you tell me more about that?
Every month I get to try two different kinds of organic wines that just show up on my door, like magic. That was the best gift ever.
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