By Chris Diebel
Many dsm readers will recognize Abbe “the Wine Lady” Davidson from her days at Gateway Market, where her approachable attitude and deep wine knowledge made her a local favorite. These days, her role as the Midwest regional manager for Winebow Imports frequently takes her on the road, but she remains rooted in Des Moines, frequently visiting local culinary hotspots and hosting friends with great food and wine.
When we got together recently to catch up, I asked her what she’s sipping this summer.
Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
As temperatures rise, “Sauvy B” becomes a patio staple, but Abbe cautions against mass-produced options that prioritize speed over quality. For something more refined, she recommends Nautilus.
“They make a Sauvignon Blanc designed to be on the table with food,” she explained. “There’s a softness and roundness that sets it apart.”
The texture comes from lees aging, a process where the yeast is left in the wine during fermentation to build complexity. It’s ready to drink right away but can also age up to 15 years.
At home, the Davidsons pair it with a grilled vegetable platter glazed with soy, lime and sesame oil. For a full meal, Abbe marinates chicken thighs in the same sauce.
Tasting notes
Nose: lime pith, lemongrass, tropical floral, nectarine
Palate: salinity, lime, white lily — summer in a glass
Lapostolle Le Rosé (Chile)
Though Provence dominates the rosé conversation, Abbe urges wine lovers to look farther afield. Lapostolle Le Rosé is made by a French family in Chile using Provencal grapes to craft a light, elegant result.
“This is our welcome wine,” Abbe said. “We drink it while we’re prepping dinner or hosting book club.”
However, the wine truly shines when the fish truck rolls into town. The Davidsons buy 5 pounds of shrimp in bulk. After deveining and butterflying, the shrimp are sautéed in butter and lemon, then flambéed in Pernod before being tossed with herbed butter pasta. (Abbe loves cilantro.)
Tasting notes
Nose: red berries, floral, white peach
Palate: strawberries, cream, rhubarb
Yalumba Samuel’s Barossa Bush Vine Grenache (Australia)
Founded in 1849, Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, now led for the first time by a woman. Abbe loves their Grenache for its balance between juicy fruit and savory complexity.
“We buy this by the case,” she said with a laugh. “At $20, I’m never worried about opening a second bottle. I like it slightly chilled on a hot night.”
Its versatility makes it a go-to for everything from taco night to burgers. One of her favorite pairings: a beef and lamb patty with mint sauce and goat cheese on naan or pita. (Check out the recipe from Food & Wine.)
Tasting notes
Nose: cherry, raspberry, floral
Palate: red fruit, plums, herbs, anise
Contributing writer Chris Diebel is a public affairs consultant and founding partner of Bubba – Southern Comforts.
