12% alc./vol. - Vouvray AC, Loire, France - $16.95 in Ontario (140624)

7.5 Grapes

Straw coloured to the eye, a cute little drinker.  Some of the Chenin familiars are here in this medium-dry quaffer. Picture drinking warm honey, with moderate-high playful acidity under a light-medium weight frame.  Straddles fruit lines too, packed with nectarcot (apricot+nectarine, my own invented fruit), plus a little dirty funk to it.  Kewl Riesling alternative for those with apricot-tofu tagine ready.

Ch. de Valmer seems named to draw those who would buy Grand Cru Chablis from Valmur… I talked to at least 20 people in line who thought so. :/ (JW)

12.3% alc./vol. - Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia, Canada - $18.99

8.5 Grapes

Sweet wine that snobs are allowed to like.  (A guilty pleasure that high-acid grapes like Chenin Blanc and Riesling are great for, am I right folks?)

Discerning banana-nut muffin immediately off the nose, though that gradually transitions to lemon and honeysuckle.  Similar flavours follow to a sweet palate, with the distinct addition of superjuicy clementine oranges.  Toss in some electric acidity, flavours of poached apricot on the finish, and you’re cooking.  Great weight match for chicken tikka masala.  Screwcap closure — drink now. (JW)