This Chasselas (locally named Fendant) comes from glacial moraine and slate soils and the wine is a lip smacker. Cantaloupe, cayenne spice and flowers fill the aromatic profile. This tank fermented wine is juicy, spicy and like a zestier cousin of an Austrian grüner veltliner. It's the perfect entrée to Swiss wine.
Jean Rene Fendant Vetroz
750ml, $26.99
Wine Enthusiast -Grand Cru Classe Graves, Bordeaux, France- "This wine's smooth texture is deceptive. Under this creamy guise, a taut, steely character promises long-term aging. Richness and fruitiness harmonize with complexity."
Château Carbonnieux Blanc 750ml, $58.99
100% Chenin Blanc from Anjou, a few miles down the river from Vouvray. Rich, aromatic and expressive, ripe yellow apple, white flowers, honeyed pears, lemon zest and crushed stones. Medium-bodied, bracing acidity. Refreshing and oh so delicious, this might go down too easily!
Vignoble Musset-Roullier
Anjou Blanc
750ml, $20.99
Long considered the benchmark for Vouvray, Domaine Huet’s dry Chenin Blanc, built for the long haul but priced for right now, holds unmatched potential for the cellar. Wine Advocate calls it “dangerously seductive!”