Wine With Wanda

Look to the Loire Valley for Fresh, Fruity, and Food-Friendly Chenin Blanc

Savennières, Loire Valley
image courtesy of Loire Valley Wines

Like many of you, it's been at least six months since I've traveled beyond my hometown's borders. Hopping a flight for a wine-centric journey fuels my daydreams, but I'm continuing to explore the world through wine. Recently, I took a virtual journey to the Loire Valley with three charming Chenin Blanc wines. Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is France's leading producer of white wines, and the indigenous Chenin Blanc grape is the heart and soul of many of these wines. Because of its natural acidity and fruitiness, Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile and can produce sweet, dry, sparkling, lean, or rich wines. There's a style of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc that's just right for each mood and meal, and many of these wines are very affordable. 



I was recently invited by Loire Valley Wines to taste a trio of Chenin Blanc wines from three different AOC's –   Saumur, Vouvray, and Savennières. 



Aromatic and luscious Domaine de L'Enchantoir Terres Blanches Saumur 2018 ($20) is a charming thirst-quencher with fresh citrus and chamomile flavors. 

La Forcine Vouvray Demi-Sec 2018 ($15) is a perky sip with lively flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. A lovely choice for those moments when you're craving wine with a hint of sweetness. 



Château d’Épiré Savennières Grand Cru d'Anjou 2017 ($25) is an elegant expression of a dry Chenin Blanc that is still delightfully fruit-forward. Crisp and clean with stone fruit, citrus, and mineral flavors. 

Grilled halloumi cheese served with marinated grapes, olive oil and mint. Fish a la Plancha, sesame soy-glaze with sautéed kale and radish.  

I paired my wines with a meal inspired by the flavors of South African and Israeli cuisine from Jack's Wife Freda restaurant in NYC – thank goodness for delivery. But Loire Valley Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile and can pair brilliantly with a range of flavors. Pop a bottle and pair it with seafood, salad, mild cheeses, roasted chicken with herbs, simple pasta dishes, spicy foods, and Asian flavors. 

A Sip of Sunshine on a Winter's Day: The Wonderful Wines of Vouvray

Yes, I tasted them all! A selection of corks from a recent Vouvray extravaganza. 

Chilly winter days may increase our cravings for hearty red wines, but there are many moments when I find myself wanting the lightness of a refreshing white. A delicious reminder of warmer and sunnier days, crisp white wines are also a way to keep your cool in overzealously heated rooms and even cut through the heaviness of winter cuisine. One of my favorite year-round white wines is Vouvray. Produced from Chenin Blanc (also known as Pineau de la Loire), Vouvray hails from the Loire Valley region of France. Vouvray may be unfamiliar to many consumers but its roots can be traced back to the 4th century. 

Chenin Blanc grapes
image courtesy of Wines of Vouvray

Chenin Blanc is found in other wine regions (South Africa has some impressive offerings) but Vouvray winemakers were the pioneers in crafting Chenin Blanc wines in a range of styles: sparking, still, dry, and sweet. Ranging in color from straw yellow for sparkling wines to golden amber for mature sweet wines, young Vouvray often reveals notes of rose, quince and acacia. As it evolves, Vouvray displays aromas of apricot, candied fruit and honey. Even as it ages, Vouvray maintains freshness because of Chenin Blanc's vibrant acidity. Beautifully crafted and generally quite affordable, elegant Vouvray is so easy to love. Get started on your exploration of Vouvray with one of these charming wines. 

Fines Bulles (Sparkling): Domaine de la Racauderie,
Jean-Michel Gautier Vouvray Brut NV ($18)
Delightfully dry with fine bubbles, this sparkling 100% Chenin Blanc beauty is made in the same method as Champagne. Vibrant and zesty with flavors of fresh apples, golden pears, and a hint of crusty brioche.



Sec (Dry): Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau, Cuvée Silex 2015 ($25)
Made from organic grapes, this crisp and clean Chenin Blanc envelops the palate in pristine flavors of honey, chamomile, and lemon.



 Demi-Sec (Medium Dry): Domaine de la Chataigneraie, Benoît Gautier, Vouvray de Gautier 2016 ($14)
A satisfying bridge between dry and sweet, this wine beautifully expresses the richer side of Chenin Blanc. Great minerality and flavors of creamy lemon curd, crisp apples, and a touch of spice. 



Moelleux (Sweet): Domaine Huet, Le Mont 2003 ($75)
Decadent, rich, and sweet but not cloying thanks to energetic acidity, this superb example of sweet Chenin Blanc is a splurge that shows how beautifully these wines can age. Savor its gorgeous flavors of ripe quince, citrus, and honey. 

Warm Your Nights with Winter Whites: Five Fabulous Wines from France, Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa

Rich red wines and chilly winter nights are a match made in heaven but the right glass of white wine can also warm your spirit! From South Africa to New Zealand, here are five fabulous white wines that are always in season. Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of sunshine!  



Famille Hugel Riesling Classic 2014 ($25)
Alsace, France

With more than 370 years of experience, the Hugel Family brings an abundance of know-how and passion to winemaking. Their excellent Riesling Classic is dry but exuberant with crisp minerality and mouthwatering flavors of white peach, green apple, and a touch of citrus. A sip is reminiscent of a tender kiss from someone you adore!



Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($24)
Marlborough, New Zealand

Share the love with this gorgeous bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Vivacious flavors of tropical fruits and white peach are elegantly supported by solid minerality and flirty acidity. A beautifully crafted wine with plenty of personality. 

Kettmeir Müller-Thurgau 2015 ($22)
Alto Adige, Italy

Fruit and spice - this full-bodied white wine is oh-so-nice. Robust flavors of white peach and hints of nutmeg and mountain herbs make this lovely vino from northern Italy a supremely satisfying sip anytime of year. 



J.J. Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé Cuvée Marie Antoinette 2014 ($29)
Pouilly-Fuissé (southern Burgundy), France

As elegant as the perfect little black dress, this delightful Chardonnay sashays across the palate with crisp minerality, vibrant acidity and fresh flavors of apple, peach, and a kiss of vanilla. Très chic! 

 De Bos Sur Lie Chenin Blanc 2014 ($16)
Wellington, South Africa

Chenin Blanc is a fantastic French varietal and South Africa produces some of the very best. De Bos's medium-bodied Chenin Blanc has tantalizing flavors of peach, pineapple, persimmon, and citrus that are balanced beautifully by a subtle vanilla cream finish.