Domaine de La Noblaie ‘Chante le Vent’ Chinon - 2019

A quick glance at this label might lead you to think this is a red wine since 95% of Chinon wines, a wine making region in France’s Loire Valley, are made from Cabernet Franc. However, this is a white wine and like many of the other neighbouring regions in the Loire, it is made from the native Chenin Blanc grape, thought to be grown in the region as early as the ninth century.

The word that should come to mind when you think of Chenin Blanc is ‘versatility.’ Few grapes are known for making high quality wines in so many styles: from the lusciously sweet, to off-dry, to the bone dry; oaked and unoaked and even sparkling.

This 100% organically farmed Chenin Blanc from the family-owned estate Domaine de La Noblaie in Chinon is a quintessential light and dry style Chenin. It is particularly fruity and aromatic with intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruits. On the palate it is balanced and shows a decent amount of minerality, with flavours of peaches and nuts.

Head over to Bossanova and pick up a bottle and then continue down Roncy to The Thin Blue Line for a hunk of cheese. While the versatility of this wine means it would pair with any number of dishes, it is particularly good with a crusty baguette and a slice or two of creamy goat cheese. Find it at Bossanova at 103 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto - $39.