Wine on the Radio - June 19, 2003

Blanc Family                                                  Recommendations

Today's story is about the Blancs. They're not as famous as the Osbournes, but they're a curious family too!

They're all interesting summer wines that share a common name . . . but are really different personalities.   Sauvignon Blanc is crispy and tart.   From the herbaceous Sancerre to the grassy New Zealander, this Blanc is really drinkable with a big chopped salad.   And you'll also find it by its California nickname, Fume Blanc.

Chenin Blanc is aromatic and floral.   Best known as Vouvray it can age for years, but drink it now with shucked oysters . . . yum!

A distant cousin is Pinot Blanc.   Austria is taking the lead with this almondy like white - try some with gruyere or camembert cheese.

Finally, there's the rich uncle, Blanc de Blanc.   This champagne methode sparkler is ideal for summer weddings or parties.

The Blancs share a name but each has individual style, kind of like every family.  This family's especially fun to be around.   

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The “Blanc” Family Recommendations . . . All Prices Approximate

Snoqualmie 2000 Chenin Blanc $8.00
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
A perfumed nose of cantaloupe, honeydew and sliced apple

Dry Creek 2002 Dry Chenin Blanc $10
Sonoma Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
Clean citrus notes abound within the fragrant floral bouquet

Dom. Des Baumard 1997 Savennieres $18
Loire, France

Winemaker's Notes
"Reveals white flower and orange rind aromas"

Byron 2000 Pinot Blanc $25
California

Winemaker's Notes
Byron Pinot Blanc is a remarkably aromatic, richly textured white wine

Russiz 2000 Pinot Bianco $20
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Winemaker's Notes
Straw yellow in color; a delicate bouquet of floral/fruity nuances evolving toward bread crust, apples and almonds

Hugel 2001 Pinot Blanc Amour $15
Alsace, France

Winemaker's Notes
"If you are looking for a wine that is agreeably fresh and youthful, lively and vibrant, crisp and flavorful, frankly and captivatingly grapey, and so refreshing that you feel you could drink it for ever, then look no further than this Pinot Blanc 2001."

Brancott 2002 Sauvignon Blanc $12
New Zealand

Winemaker's Notes
Light straw-colored with green highlights

Cakebread 2002 Sauvignon Blanc $25
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
"Our Sauvignon Blanc has an attractive light golden glint of color."

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2001 Sauvignon Blanc $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Tropical fruit aromas of casaba melon and papaya pair nicely with toasty oak

Dry Creek 2001 Fume Blanc $12
Sonoma Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
"The wine that is the cornerstone of Dry Creek Vineyard continues its nod toward traditional Sauvignon Blanc in the true Sancerre style."

Murphy-Goode 2000 Reserve Fume Blanc $16
Sonoma Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
"Our Reserve Fumé Blanc is created in a riper, more full bodied style than the regular bottling."

Palliser Estate 2002 Sauvignon Blanc $18
New Zealand

Winemaker's Notes
"This vintage has loads of fresh cape gooseberry and passionfruit aromas on the nose."

Pascal Jolivet 2001 Sancerre $20
Loire, France

Winemaker's Notes
The Jolivet Sancerre is a pale, whitish straw color. The nose is very fresh, very clean

Villa Maria 2002 Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $15
New Zealand

Winemaker's Notes
The wine has intense gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours which will be a superb match with a wide range of foods including salads, seafoods, white meats and cheeses

Dom. Ste. Michelle NV Sparkling Blanc de Blanc $12
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wine Values of 2002

Gloria Ferrer NV Blanc de Blanc $18
Sonoma Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes

This cuvée marks the first release of a Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine from Gloria Ferrer

Deutz 1996 Blanc De Blancs $60
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Notes
The wine has a pale gold color with sparkling reflections and a delicate, constant effervescence

Louis Roederer 1997 Blanc De Blancs $50
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Notes
Pale luminous gold appearance. Intense aromas of freshly picked white flowers and hawthorn mingled with touches of honey and citrus

Taittinger 1995 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc $140
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Notes
"Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style, a Champagne of great refinement, elegance and delicacy."