What: Shooting Star Aligoté Washington 2013 $14 

Where: Esquin, Ballard Market, West Seattle Wine Cellars, Whole Foods (Roosevelt), Central Co-op, Pete’s Wine Shop (Bellevue), Metropolitan Market (Lower Queen Anne) 

Why: With over 40 different grape varieties planted, Washington is known for its diversity. A great example of that diversity is aligoté—Burgundy’s "other" white grape, sitting deep in Chardonnay’s shadow. The most significant plantings exist in Eastern Europe. In Washington, acreage is so scarce it doesn’t even register on the state’s annual grape report. 

Winemaker Jed Steele has been working with the variety in Washington for more than a decade. Steele is best known for his diverse California offerings at Steele Wines, but he’s no stranger to Washington wine. He was a longtime consultant at Ste. Michelle and has made a Washington lemberger under the Shooting Star label for years. 

The 2013 Shooting Star Aligoté Washington ($14) is an exquisite example of the variety. It’s textured and rich in feel with butterscotch and spice aromas and flavors with a lingering finish—perfect for the patio as the weather begins to warm.