Some words and phrases are music to my ears.
Free parking.
powder day.
happy hour.
You could also add one more, especially at this time of year.
French white wine.
Do not misunderstand me. I love French red wine.
But when the weather’s warm, there’s nothing quite like a good dry white wine from France.
Best of all, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a great French white.
So this week I thought I’d recommend four great French whites under $15 each.
I hope you enjoy.
2021 Les Pouches Saumur ($11.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)
region: Saumur, Loire Valley, France
Grapes: 100% white chinen
The Loire Valley in France has long been known as a great source of exquisite, affordable dry white wines. In particular, the Loire Valley is famous for its crisp, dry and refreshing white wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes. This special gem from the Saumur region of the Loire Valley has a bright, crisp, lemony finish. There are also notes of sea salt, sour green apple, minerals, and a wonderful ocean-like aroma and taste.
2021 Maison Philippe Viallet Vin De Savoie White ($13.99 at Table & Vine)
region: Savoy, Loire Valley, France
Grapes: A mixture of Chardonnay, Chasselas, Altis and Jacquard
As briefly explained above, the Loire Valley in France produces a wide range of exceptional white wines at reasonable prices. And although it’s best known for its Chenin Blanc, this lovely blended white wine showcases the wide range of wines available in this part of central France. Bright lemon flavors take center stage from the first sip, followed by notes of sea salt, minerals, and lemon. After a few minutes, these flavors become more subdued and understated, but still light, bright, and refreshing.
2021 Pyrene L’Incontournable Cuvée Marine ($11.99 at Table & Vine)
region: Southwest France
Grapes: A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard and Grosse Mansing
Southwest France is often overlooked when it comes to wine. Unfortunately. Some of the best bargains are found in this corner of France near the Spanish border. Most people who are familiar with the wines of this part of France are familiar with their red wines, especially Malbecs from Cahors. This great wine shows why whites also deserve attention. Its refreshing and energizing flavors span a wide range, including sea salt, lemon and lime, and hints of fresh green grass.
Château Pesquie Terrasses 2021 ($14.99 at Table & Vine)
region: Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhone, France
Grapes: A mixture of violin and rosin
Regular readers of this column may remember a column I wrote last year about the wonderful white wines of France’s Rhone region. Add this earthy white wine from grapes grown near Mont Ventoux, the rugged, windswept mountain familiar to many Tour de France cycling enthusiasts. The flavors here are sweet and subtle, with lemon being the most popular flavour, followed by hints of sea salt and lime. Another great affordable white wine from France, perfect for spring, summer, or honestly any time of year.
Cheers!
He presses Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in the Republican weekend division every Thursday.
