This native of the Loire valley has two personalities: at home it’s the basis of such famous, long-lived whites as Vouvray and Anjou, Quarts de Chaume and Saumer, but on other soils it becomes just a very good blending grape. It is South Africa’s most-planted grape, though there is called Steen, and both there and in California it is currently used primarily as a blending grape for generic table wines.
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The Chenin Blanc is one of the whites in which there is much hope. He is regarded as a rising star in the white wine category. It is also called Pineau de la Loire, Franche, Franc-Blanc to name but a few synonyms. The color is usually light yellow to a delicate golden yellow. The body is described as a complex, slightly fragrant and elegant. Aromas of lemon, apple, apricot, quince and grapes also characterize the wine.
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a. Chardonnay (Shar doe nay)
Where it is produced : France, US, Australia, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and many other places.
Characteristics : Known as the “King of White Wine”, it is currently the most popular white wine grape. It’s color is pale to straw yellow and its aroma can vary from region to region. In cooler climates, there are hints of apple, citrus, butter and vanilla whereas in the warmer climate, the aroma swings toward melon and tropical fruits. It is usually oaked and is full bodied and toasty with moderate acidity.

b. Sauvignon Blanc (Saw Vee nyon blahnk)
Where it is produced : Bordeaux, Loire Valley, US, Australia, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Italy and many other places.
Characteristics : Also known as Fumé Blanc, this grape is a popular blending grape for Bordeaux wines. It’s color is light to medium yellow with a tinge of green. It has a grassy bouquet like the smell of freshly cut lawn. May also display scents of lemons, asparagus and fig.
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It’s that time of year again folks, so feel free to read this article and take from it what you can. This is one huge meal that always gets a lot of people wandering the wine aisle’s trying to pick out that one perfect wine. Don’t do it. Don’t think that there is one perfect wine. There are hundreds and hundreds. This is a feast that can accommodate so many wines that I could walk blindfolded through my wine store and come up with wines that match.

If you try the blindfolded thing just bring someone along to steer you clear of the wine displays, and if you try it out with your eyes wide open, give these varietals a look. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. So you are getting the picture, right. Lots of options and nothing to stress out about.

The reason all these wines can work is because they all have something different to offer the main course and all the accompaniments.
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2000″Ciel du Cheval ”
Columbia Valley
Chenin Blanc

In the heart of the Columbia Valley, Bookwalter Winery has been turning out juice for almost 20 years now. Since this region of Washington State is now completely exposed (the long kept secret finally got out) wine freaks from around the continent now know where to go for great taste and nice values.

This enticing Chenin Blanc is about $11 and delivers concentrated rich flavors to the forefront. It’s medium yellow-gold in color with a peach/pear nose and sweet, tangy, ripe honeydew melon freshness that is extremely nice and brings a full mouth coating texture to saturate your entire pie-hole. It slides past your molars and then leaves some deep mango fruit covered sponge cake flavors on the sides of your tongue and cheek just as a reminder of how good that last sip really was.
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