need advice on a dinner wine

[ct1615]

I’m planning on making dinner for this girl I’m dating. I was thinking of something along the baked chicken & rice type dish and need a wine to go along with dinner. My knowledge of wine starts and stops with red for meat and white for seafood & poultry. Can anyone recommend a nice and popular wine within the $20 – $30 range? Thanks in advance.

[Innkeeper]

Hi CT and welcome to the Wine Board. All you really need is a Cotes Du Rhone Blanc for around twelve bucks. If you really want to spend the big bucks look for a Condrieu.

[ct1615]

Thanks! What is the difference between the two wines, just out of curiosity?

[Innkeeper]

Other than the fact that Condrieu is rare and expensive, it is made primarily with viognier. CDR Blanc blends other Rhone whites into it. Don't confuse Condrieu with American made viognier. There is no comparison.

If you are actually in CT you might be able to find an excellent American white that is comparable to the best Rhone whites. It is Terra Rouge, Enigma, Sierra Foothills. It sells for $18 and is a blend of Marsanne (48%), Viognier (30%), and Roussanne (22%).

[mrdutton]

Or if you want to stick with US wine, try the viognier from Virginia.

There are some decent ones from here that have even managed to make it to the table at the White House for state dinners.

Ask your local wine dealer. One possible source for viognier from Virginia is Horton Vineyards. (And even IK will admit that this is a decent wine......... I think!)