Interesting White Blends - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Mar 30th 2010 @ 4:00PM

In anticipation of spring, we've been tasting more whites and have stumbled upon a few interesting blends. If you're looking for something more complex than a straight varietal, try to the following. We've hand-picked six of our recent favorites.

2007 Champalou Vouvray Chenin Blanc, Loire, France ($20)
With citrus fruits on the nose, a sweet – but not overwhelming -- mid-palate, and a sweeping floral finish, this is a delightful and elegant wine made of Vouvray and Chenin Blanc grapes.

2007 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit De Beaucastel Blanc, Paso Robles ($30)
A honeysuckle nose is followed by a palate with very nice, approachable mineralities and a very balanced structure. Grape composition is as follows: Roussanne (68%), Grenache Blanc (22%) and Picpoul Blanc (10%).

Find four more interesting white blends after the jump...

2006 Kiamie Wine Cellars White Kuvee Paso Robles ($24)
With 65% Roussanne and 45% Viognier, the slightly sweet wine expresses earthiness and a very clean structure. There is excellent viscosity and a nose of white peaches too.

2008 Santiago Ruiz White Wine, Rias Baixas, Spain ($20)
Pleasant acidity meets a refreshing quality in this fresh-tasting wine, which contains Albarino, Loureiro, Treixadura, White Caino and Godello grapes. With floral and mineral notes, and flavors of citrus, gooseberry and peach, this would be a great welcome aperitif to pour for dinner guests, or while you are finishing supper preparations on a balmy night.

2007 Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery "Pearl," Paso Robles ($22)
There are beautiful floral aromas and notes all over this wine, from the nose to the finish, where even more flowers emerge. Green apple and honey notes are throughout. A blend of 60% Roussanne and 40% Viognier are in the winery's "Pearl" bottling.

2008 Maryhill Winery Winemaker's White Blend, Columbia Valley ($12)
This Washington wine is a winner – and especially for its low price. A combination of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier grapes results in a smooth, mineral-rich wine. Melons and lemon-zest aromas on the nose, followed by approachable flavors, make this a fantastic springtime sip.

Filed Under: Drinks, Features
Tags: white wine, white wine blends

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-30-2010 @5:28PM Larry Chandler said... Vouvray does not have any Chardonnay in it. The only permitted grapes are Chenin Blanc and sometimes Arbois. Also, did you mean Champalou rather than Chamalou?
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3-30-2010 @8:48PM Marc-André said... I tried one last weekend that is just amazing. 2008 Domaine des Rémizières Crozes-Hermitage which even people who don't like white wines liked.
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