Reserve de Marande 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc is widely planted in many countries and regions around the world. Not unlike Chardonnay it is the darling of grape growers as it is relatively easy to grow, a good producer, and it ripens early. The varietal seems to have originated from the Loire Valley, but it spread to other parts of France a long time ago – Sauvignon was already well known throughout France as far back as the 1700’s although it was only later in the twentieth century that this grape really started making its way into other parts of the wine world, usually to cooler climates like New Zealand and South Africa. This example? It hails from the Languedoc region in Southern France, an excellent locale for value driven versions. Citrus and mint aromas lead into a broad palate with a touch of stone fruit and plenty of zip on the finish.
Château Valmer 2023 Vouvray Jean de Saint Venant brought the enthusiasm of his youth and the rigor to the new generation of winegrowers. Since 2009, Jean de Saint Venant has devoted all his energy to working his vineyard in order to allow the vines to produce the purest expression of Vouvray. This is a very true-to-type Chenin Blanc with plenty of fruit balanced by zippy acidity. Pear orange rind table grapes and McIntosh apple fill the nose and palate. This is one off-dry Chenin that will reward 3-6+ years in a cellar. If you are anxious to try it tonight, match it to spicy dishes such as vindaloo chicken or green curry shrimp. Or give it a go with soft cheeses such as brie and Camembert.
L.A. Cetto 2024 Chardonnay L.A. Cetto, founded in 1928, is Mexico’s largest winery, producing about half of the country’s wine. Located in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, it is known for its award-winning red and white wines, which are exported worldwide. Established by Don Angelo Cetto, an Italian immigrant, the winery is now operated by his third-generation descendants, who blend traditional methods with modern cultivation techniques. The L.A. Cetto Chardonnay hails from the sun-soaked Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California. This renowned region is characterized by its unique desert terroir, where dramatic temperature shifts from day to night and cooling Pacific breezes enable the grapes to develop rich, complex flavors, complemented by a crisp, balanced acidity.
Lismore 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ‘The Retreat’ The perfect Sauvignon Blanc for this warm Bay Area weather! Great with entree salads, white beans, salmon, or as an aperitif. “A ripe, fruity SB with heady aromas of passion fruit, pineapple, lime leaf and bell pepper open. The palate is dry, crisp and tart with some chalky texture and a focus of fruit and fresh green garden veg to the finish. Classic Marlborough. (reviewed at $26/bottle)” – Christina Packard, Wine Enthusiast, 7/24
Marie Maria 2023 Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec ‘Novel’ From the Southwest region of France, comes this unique and interesting white blend. Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng make up the majority composition of wines from Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, with another local varietal called Arruflac sometimes added for floral lift, but thankfully not in today’s example (Arruflac can be an overpowering vibe wrecker, especially in serious examples like today’s wine). Lees aging is unusually long (12 months is pretty standard) as is the use of very old barrels. Today’s pick was raised in this way. Sweet versions of this category used to be all the rage here making up 80% of production, but today about 65% of the production in Pacherenc is dry, as is the case with today’s wine. Crisp, floral, fresh, this is a delicious new wine to try.
Kenji 2025 Rosé This fresh and fruity wine was sourced from the south of France. The vineyard is planted in gravelly soils, which allows the vines to thrive in lightly drained ground. The wine is aged on fine lees, which adds roundness and complexity to its flavor. Delicate floral aromas with hints of small red berries. Crisp, clean, and well-balanced, featuring nice fruit character and a fresh, harmonious finish.
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