07/01/08 Chenin Blanc

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and on today's program we will be exploring a wine grape called Chenin Blanc. The grape varietal Chenin Blanc is one that I always come around to in the summer. It is the grape used to make the French wine Vouvray. Because, as with many French wines, Vouvray is the name for the place the wine comes from and the place the Chenin Blanc is grown to make that wine. Here in my home state of Washington we make Chenin Blanc in various styles. My favorites are the ones that are sort of semi sweet but not cloying or the very dry style that has lots of perfume in the nose. I am a fan of the consistently delicious Kiona Vineyards Chenin Blanc and the Chateau Ste Michelle Chenin Blanc made from grapes grown at the Horse Heaven Hills vineyards. The wines are often overlooked by wine snobs, but I am here to tell you that with chilled prawns or a simple cold cut dinner or lunch they are a delight. Chenin Blanc is often reasonably priced and in the case of the two I mentioned down right inexpensive. Before the summer is over try one of these wines or ask your wine merchant for another recommendation and enjoy a wine that you may not normally seek out. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.