Price: $10

Producer: Barton & Guestier

Origin: Loire Valley, France

Type of wine: Slightly off-dry white wine made with the Chenin Blanc grape

Try it with: A good aperitif wine, potato salad, hoagie sandwiches, most picnic foods

Date Reviewed: Aug. 2003

Wines made from Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley can be almost any style. This one happens to be slightly off dry and very slightly sparkling. It is a pale gold, light bodied wine with pleasant scents of pear and honey along with floral hints in the glass. On the palette, it is only slightly sweet along with a balanced, crisp character (think: somewhere between a Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apple). The flavors are soft and fruity with a smooth finish. An easy-drinking and enjoyable wine at a great price.