White blends

[vinman]

Could you suggest?
Our wine group totally enjoys a departure from typical Chardonnay. So, some have recently realized the wonderful world of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, which is great. But when we open a Soklol Blosser Evolution, Phelps Pastiche White, Caymus Condundrum, or Beringer Alluvium, the smiles get bigger and broader. Since I do not really understand these wines, are their others than you would recommend to keep the flow???

[winoweenie]

Sorry Vinman, don' look at me. WW

[hotwine]

Where were your Rieslings and Sauvignon Blancs produced, Stateside, perhaps? If so, transport your taste buds to Europe!

[This message has been edited by hotwine (edited 04-02-2002).]

[zenda2]

Since you like the Pastiche blend, you may like some of these. I'm very fond of Hedges Fume'-Chardonnay blend. Our pal Bucko writes: "A blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Sauvignon Blanc, the marriage works well. You'll find gobs of tropical fruit and gooseberry notes on the nose. Very clean, crisp and fruity, with minimal oak influence, this wine makes a dandy summer sipper"

http://www.hedgescellars.com/

And Cline Vin Blanc (formerly Cotes d'Oakley Vin Blanc)

"The mainstay varietals for the 2000 Vin Blanc are Pinot Gris, Viognier and Marsanne from our Los Carneros ranch. The Los Carneros district, famous for its morning fog and afternoon howling winds help cools the vineyards from the hot summer heat. Resulting in a wine with luscious ripe fruit, acidity, balance and beautiful mineral nuances. Other grapes that fill out this wine's personality from our Los Carneros vineyards included Chardonnay, Roussanne, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. From the unique sandy soils of Contra Costa County, a touch of Semillon is added plus Palomino from a small old vine head-trained vineyard giving the Vin Blanc its lemony appeal. The Malvasia Bianca also from Contra Costa County, adds a dense and exotic bouquet of spice and floral notes and fills out this wine's multi-faceted personality. Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc adds crispness and lush fig notes"

http://clinecellars.com/

And another Rhone white blend that I like: Perrin Cotes du Rhone Blanc, about $10.

[Botafogo]

These "exotic" blends are the status quo in Friuli (NE Italy) with literally hundreds of choices in all price ranges. Our current favorite white wine of the moment is a blend of Grechetto / Chardonnay / Malvasia / Sauvignon / Garganega from Umbria called Bea Santa Chiara (and, Verne, the importer says it's not really white, it's a red that's passing!).


Roberto

[vinman]

Yes, with the exception of Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc (NZ), Omaka Springs (NZ), Wolf Blass Gold Riesling (Aus), Leeuwin Art Series Riesling (Aus), and a Kabinett from Selbach-Oster, the remainder of the whites were domestic. But, we did think the Chateau Ste. Michelle Erocia (Dr. Loosen venture) was very good too. And, thanks for the suggestion about the wines from Friuli-Venezia, we will look there!

[winoweenie]

Yes my son, and make the passage be smooth! WW

[Randy Caparoso]

If you like those blends, I'd bet any money you'd like these two wines:

1. Treana White (an exotic, lush yet dry white wine blended from Santa Lucia Highlands grown Marsanne and Viognier).

2. Archery Summit "Vireton" (a fragrant, smooth blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay from Oregon).

[zenda2]

Has anyone tried the new Bonny Doon 'Big House White'? I'm an old fan of 'Big House Red' and when I saw this new label today I had to pick up a bottle. 43% Riesling, 36%SB, 11% Viognier and a few other grapes. 13.5% alcohol.
I had a steak ready for the grill when I went wine shopping, so it'll be a day or 2 before I open this bottle.

[Innkeeper]

Check out my Terre Rouge, Enigma post up under Rhones.

[vinman]

Thanks!
My wife is excited! It is she who loves these whites, and the suggestions are timely since I'm off to Oregon next week!

[wondersofwine]

I've had the Archery Summit Vireton at a tasting (probably at Nantucket Wine Festival) and liked it. Didn't know which grapes went into it so thanks for the info.