Some More French Whites

I tasted a couple of interesting French whites last week.  Both were excellent quality and under $20 and very food-friendly.

The first was the 2010 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny from Loire, a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc and a bit of Chardonnay.  The wine is straw colored and reflective and looks beautiful in the glass, and has characteristics of bright citrus, smooth orchard fruit, melon, some tropical fruit, evergreen, and a cool minerality.  As I had expected, there was bright acidity and a clean, fresh feel, and the wine was nicely rounded out by the Chardonnay, showing just a bit more depth, a little more weight, and some texture after sitting a moment on the palate.  The finish is long and reflects both the Sauvignon Blanc and the Chardonnay.  I’ve been hoping to try this wine for some time, and it was even better than I had expected - in fact, it’s one of the most pleasing whites I’ve had in a while.

2010 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny

The other white was the 2008 Ogier Caves des Papes Cotes du Rhone Heritages Blanc from Southern Rhone.  It’s a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Viognier, and once in the glass, it immediately behaves just as I had anticipated - a bit wild and energetic, and bursting with countless aromas.  It’s a pale yellow/gold with a clear rim, and shows characteristics of a bit of citrus (particularly tangerine), but mostly cooked orchard fruits such as pear, apple, and some peach, and notes of ripe pineapple come rushing forward, followed by smooth spice and butterscotch, making it seem just a bit rich.  It’s got nice acidity and just a bit of a buttery feel, but it has a long finish that ends cleanly.  I also enjoyed this wine very much.

2008 Ogier Caves des Papes Cotes du Rhone Heritages Blanc