Sometimes we consumers get into a bit of a rut drinking wines made from the same relatively small number of grape varieties (mostly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio for white wines). But increasingly, more consumers are showing a healthy curiosity for other varieties and a diversity of flavor profiles. Generally, you should find the wines in this column aromatic, bright, food-friendly and meant to be enjoyed now, especially with food.
I’m especially encouraged by what appears to be growing interest in Chenin Blanc. Native to the Loire Valley, the grape also thrives in South Africa. And it’s nice to see California stepping up with these nice, juicy, good value wines.
- 2024 Matanzas Creek ($20) sourced from Mendocino, Sonoma, Central Valley; crisp red apple, pear, and melon, subtle saline note
- 2024 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve ($17) sourced from Clarksburg, Monterey, and Sonoma; refreshing green apple, citrus
- 2024 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier ($16) sourced from Clarksburg and Lodi; a perennial favorite; vibrant green apple, melon, and peach
As much as I love German and Alsatian Rieslings, I also am pleased to find good Riesling from New York, Oregon and especially Washington. Eroica from Chateau St. Michelle is another perennial favorite. The 2022 Columbia Valley ($22) is succulent with citrus, stone fruit, hint of mineral, and solid impact throughout.
Although Pinot Blanc, most notable in Alsace and Italy (Pinot Bianco), is under appreciated by comparison to, say, Chardonnay but when treated with respect produces a fine wine like the 2023 Ram’s Gate Pinot Blanc ($40). Organically farmed, it is elegant with spice notes layered, expressive, bright and lush texture.
These and other less widely grown white grapes also are often found in blended wines. These examples from my tasting are more expensive but they deliver high quality.
- 2024 Copain Daybreak ($38) nine varieties, mostly malvasia bianca; compelling floral, nutty aromatics, pear and nectarine flavors.
- 2023 Bouchaine “Alsatian Blend” ($50) mostly pinot gris, with pinot blanc, gewurztraminer, and riesling; expressive lychee, lime, mineral, with some spice and a sharp palate.
- 2023 Stonestreet White Blend ($55) mostly assyrtiko (Greece), semillon (France), and malvasia bianca (Italy) grown in the Alexander Valley; reveals waves of orange, apricot, citrus, and a touch of spicy herb, with lush texture.
GAZETTE-MISCELLANEOUS WHITE WINES FOR SUMMER 2025
Sometimes we consumers get into a bit of a rut drinking wines made from the same relatively small number of grape varieties (mostly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio for white wines). But increasingly, more consumers are showing a healthy curiosity for other varieties and a diversity of flavor profiles. Generally, you should find the wines in this column aromatic, bright, food-friendly and meant to be enjoyed now, especially with food.
I’m especially encouraged by what appears to be growing interest in Chenin Blanc. Native to the Loire Valley, the grape also thrives in South Africa. And it’s nice to see California stepping up with these nice, juicy, good value wines.
- 2024 Matanzas Creek ($20) sourced from Mendocino, Sonoma, Central Valley; crisp red apple, pear, and melon, subtle saline note
- 2024 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve ($17) sourced from Clarksburg, Monterey, and Sonoma; refreshing green apple, citrus
- 2024 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier ($16) sourced from Clarksburg and Lodi; a perennial favorite; vibrant green apple, melon, and peach
As much as I love German and Alsatian Rieslings, I also am pleased to find good Riesling from New York, Oregon and especially Washington. Eroica from Chateau St. Michelle is another perennial favorite. The 2022 Columbia Valley ($22) is succulent with citrus, stone fruit, hint of mineral, and solid impact throughout.
Although Pinot Blanc, most notable in Alsace and Italy (Pinot Bianco), is under appreciated by comparison to, say, Chardonnay but when treated with respect produces a fine wine like the 2023 Ram’s Gate Pinot Blanc ($40). Organically farmed, it is elegant with spice notes layered, expressive, bright and lush texture.
These and other less widely grown white grapes also are often found in blended wines. These examples from my tasting are more expensive but they deliver high quality.
- 2024 Copain Daybreak ($38) nine varieties, mostly malvasia bianca; compelling floral, nutty aromatics, pear and nectarine flavors.
- 2023 Bouchaine “Alsatian Blend” ($50) mostly pinot gris, with pinot blanc, gewurztraminer, and riesling; expressive lychee, lime, mineral, with some spice and a sharp palate.
- 2023 Stonestreet White Blend ($55) mostly assyrtiko (Greece), semillon (France), and malvasia bianca (Italy) grown in the Alexander Valley; reveals waves of orange, apricot, citrus, and a touch of spicy herb, with lush texture.