It’s Wine Thursday! 

Time for our good-wine-at-a-good-price-that’s-easy-to-find recommendation,

just in time for your weekend.

Exactly which grapes go into those large stainless steel tanks?

Depends on the country you are in. 

 Chenin Blanc is a mainstay grape in France’s Loire Valley. 

The French never blend any other grape with Chenin Blanc. 

Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a bottle of Chenin Blanc

or Vouvray,

which is also 100% Chenin Blanc. 

  If so, you know that when it’s right, Chenin Blanc is terrific stuff.

One prominent California winemaker has no problem at all

mixing Chenin Blanc in a blend. 

Napa’s Pine Ridge Vineyards has built a reputation

as a top-tier Cabernet Sauvignon producer. 

 But for many years, Pine Ridge has also been quite successful

blending Chenin Blanc with Viognier.

This white blend has become a popular summer staple

for those who want to break out of the chardonnay/pinot gris rut

but still want to drink a chilled white.   

The beat goes on with this 2018 version. 

As in past vintages, the ’18 blend strikes a pleasing balance…

just enough acidity and just enough fruit flavor.   

This would go quite well with any spicy food…

Pad Thai perhaps?…even barbeque. 

You can find Pine Ridge 2018 Chenin Blanc/Viognier white blend at

Whole Foods for $14.99, Safeway for $15.39,

New Seasons & QFC for $15.99

and at Fred Meyer for $16.49.