California Chenin’
Tried two fantastic California Chenins that Wine Spectator recently recommended. Chenin Blanc is a great grape to drink in the winter because it makes heavier white wines that just seem more appropriate for the cold. But, these two would be delicious any time of year.
The 2022 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier is an incredible value at just $12.99 on wine.com. It has a pale straw color in your glass with delicate aromas of chamomile, honeysuckle, straw or hay, and some light orchard fruits. It’s crisp and clean with limey green notes and bright tart acidity, and finishes with some beautiful fullness. This 80% Chenin Blanc 20% Viognier blend wasn’t oaked and didn’t go through malolactic fermentation, which means there is no wood, smoke, or buttery heaviness. This is a perfect wine for a Sauvignon Blanc lover who is looking to branch out and try something new. It’s also a lovely medium bodied wine if you’re looking to upgrade from any kind of lighter white. It’s absolutely perfect for appetizers or seafood. We enjoyed it with Boursin cheese and crackers to start, then shrimp and zucchini pasta in garlic and olive oil. It would also go beautifully with spicy foods, thanks to the nice fruit and florals. Wine Spectator gives it 90 points, James Suckling awarded it 91 points.
The Aperture 2021 Chenin Blanc was just outstanding. In fact, that was the first thing I said out loud after I took a sip. It has a darker golden straw color and smells like honeysuckle, blossoms, stone fruit, and verbena. (If you’re noticing that I’m smelling similar things in both wines, it’s because these are common aromas with Chenin Blanc.) This is a medium to full bodied wine that has heavier, smoky flavors thanks to some oaking. I picked up hints of nuts like raw almonds, more stone fruit (those are just fruits with pits!), and some saltiness. This was gorgeous with cheese and crackers, but would be a perfect match for a slightly heavier meal that calls for white wine, like chicken, pork, or pasta, especially with cream sauces. Robert Parker gives this one 94 points, Wine Spectator gives it 91 points, Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 90 points. It’s an absolutely beautiful white wine, currently $39.99 on wine.com.
