DRY white wine help

[Pioneer]

Folks, at the ripe old age of 46 I have become engaged to a woman who loves a VERY DRY white wine. I have tried various "dry" chardonay"s and her reply is "too fruity."
I have tried all of the local (Michigan) St. Julian's whites without sucess. Can anyone give me some suggestions. We drink it at meals occassionaly, but mostly want it for romantic nights in front of the fireplace. $10 to $20 a bottle for a price range. Thanks for your help.

[Thomas]

Hmmm, wonder which Chardonnays you got. Unfortunately, a lot of Chardonnays are not only fruity, but sweet too.

Try Sancerre, France: steely and bone dry, often not much fruitness to it. You should find one under $20. Also, look for White Graves, France again. Maybe an Italian white like Pinot Grigio (but don't get a cheap one), or Alsatian Pinot Blanc.

[Bucko]

I'll second the Sancerre (French Sauvignon Blanc). Steely, dry, crisp acidity.

Bucko

[Jerry D Mead]

I'm not sure about the price range..but French Chablis is Chardonnay that should be sufficiently austere to please your sweetie.

[Innkeeper]

The French Chablis is a great choice. Can be had for as little as $17 - 18.00. For a better value there are a couple of Reserve Chardonnays from the Finger Lakes Region of New York State that are steely like the true Chablis, and unlike California Chardonnays.

[Thomas]

Another one I wanted to tell you about, but could not remember its name, Gavi. This Italian white is usually bone dry, apple-like tartness.

Innkeeper's remark about Finger Lakes Chardonnay certainly is true, the problem is: unless you live in NY State (or close by) you will be hard-pressed to find one.

[Scoop]

Don't forget Muscadet from the Nantes region of the Loire Valley, which is generally very dry, great with seafood (esp. shellfish) and easy on the pocketbook.

Cheers,

Scoop

[Jerry D Mead]

Foodie suggested Gavi...I don't know if it's available in your market but the Mount Palomar Winery (Temecula) produces the only American version I'm aware of under its Castelletto brand and the varietal designation...Cortese. It's a consistent medal winner and is bone dry.

[Randy Caparoso]

Whatever you do, don't screw up this relationship -- sounds like a helluva woman!