It is a puzzle to me that the Chenin Blanc grape grown in the right location and right winemaking hands makes a delicious wine with the ability to age gracefully, however in the U.S. its popularity does not equal its quality. Fortunately, people like David Stare, who founded Dry Creek Vineyard in 1972 have invested in their appreciation of this noble grape. Stare became acquainted with Chenin Blanc while living in Europe after he completed his education with a degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA. He became interested in wine from his travels to European wine regions and was particularly impressed by wines in the Loire Valley like Vouvray made from Chenin Blanc. The 2020 wine is 100 percent Chenin Blanc which underwent a 22 day-long, cool temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The result a delectable wine with a pale yellow color, with aromas of peach, melon and Ranier cherry. It is dry, light bodied and crisp in the mouth with scrumptious flavors of melon, citrus, and peach. Enjoy with a fresh tuna salad, or sole with a lemon sauce.
Dry Creek Vineyard, Clarksburg (California) Dry Chenin Blanc 2021
By Rebecca Murphy
