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.
Pop the cork™
The “Blanc” Family Recommendations . . . All Prices Approximate
Dry Creek Vineyard 2002 Dry Chenin Blanc $10
Sonoma County , California
Winemaker's Notes
Clean citrus notes abound within the fragrant floral bouquet. Vibrant fruit flavors burst on the palate, followed by melon, pineapple, and tropical notes
Babich 2003 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $10
New Zealand
Winemaker's Notes
This vintage was another classic with very low yields. This resulted in fruit displaying the classic intense flavors and aromas which characterise Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, enabling us to continue our style of rich ripe flavours, moderate acidity and excellent length of flavour
B&G 2002 Vouvray $10
Loire, France
Winemaker's Notes
Brilliant straw color. Fresh and aromatic, mixing mineral, floral and fruity notes (exotic fruit). Lively with a certain roundness in the mouth, with good sweetness/acidity balance and a nice mineral finish
Ch. Ste. Michelle 2002 Sauvignon Blanc $12
Columbia Valley, Washington
Winemaker's Notes
Tropical fruit aromas of casaba melon and papaya pair nicely with toasty oak. Ripe, juicy papaya repeats in the mouth, with a subtle grassy undercurrent. This wine is full-bodied and complex with a lengthy, silky finish
Ferrari Carano 2003 Fume Blanc $14
Sonoma County , California
Winemaker's Notes
Well-balanced and crisp, this wine is a distinctive blend of grapes harvested from ten vineyard blocks in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys . We blend this wine from the finest fruit of these three appellations
Dom. Schlumberger 2002 Pinot Blanc $15
Alsace , France
Winemaker's Notes
Supple and fruity, it can be used whenever a white wine is called for. Easy to drink on all occasions. Keep three to four years
Murphy-Goode 2001 Reserve Fume Blanc $20
Sonoma County , California
Winemaker's Notes
Our Reserve Fumé Blanc is created in a riper, more full bodied style than the regular bottling. This is accomplished through interesting viticultural practices including leaf removal and thinning to allow sunlight to reach the ripening clusters of grapes
Byron 2000 Pinot Blanc $25
California
Winemaker's Notes
Byron Pinot Blanc is a remarkably aromatic, richly textured white wine descended from the Pinot Noir family of grapes. Bright aromas of honeydew melon and peach are highlighted by hints of pear and honeysuckle
Chalone 2001 Estate Pinot Blanc $25
Central Coast, California
Winemaker's Notes
Its strong acidity, minerality, exotic stone fruit aromas and rich, luscious mouthfeel mark this as an exceptional vintage. Aromas of ripe melons, peaches, green apples and orange blossom are counter pointed by flavors of hazelnuts and oak vanillin, creating tension and balance simultaneously in this wine
Gloria Ferrer NV Blanc de Blanc $18
Sonoma County, California
Winemaker's Notes
The nose is reminiscent of Asian pear and orange blossom, opening to a distinct toasty character. Elegant flavors of ripe pear and white chocolate and a brisk, fine mousse frame the silky mouthfeel
Iron Horse 1995 Blanc de Blanc $30
Sonoma County, California
Winemaker's Notes
The most elegant and sophisticated of our cuvees. Made from 100% Chardonnay. Aged eight plus years on the yeast. Ethereal - like drinking a cloud
Louis Roederer 1997 Blanc De Blancs $60
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
|