Looking for a way to celebrate the back-to-school season once the kiddos are in bed? Get with our Wine Wednesday posts!

Let Post Road Liquors take over as they suggest a new wine to try every week.

This week they suggested the 2017 Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier. One thing is for sure – you can’t beat the price on this one! This super wine pick is only $14.99. Make sure to pick some up for your Labor Day party!

***Don’t forget, head into any of the four wine and liquor store outposts and receive 20% off the weekly wine picks!***

2017 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier

COST – $13.99 – $16.99

GRAPE – 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier

COUNTRY – USA

REGION – Northern California, Napa Valley

TASTING NOTES – Crisp, bright, and vivacious, CB+V 2017 is an aromatic white blend boasting a bouquet of oroblanco blossoms, honeysuckle, citrus, tropical fruit, and fresh cut green herbs. The bright entry reveals lychee, key lime, white peach, grapefruit, and nectarine flavors. Lemon-lime and balanced acidity carry through the clean, gentle, lingering finish.

TALES FROM A TASTING

There is never a bad experiment. Sure, you don’t want anything blowing up in your face, but if something doesn’t work out the way you planned – oh well, on to the next trial.

The best thing about experimenting is sometimes you discover something really great. Pine Ridge Vineyards did that with their Chenin Blanc and Viognier blend. I’ve definitely fallen for this accidental wine!

As Pine Ridge Wines stated, “Blending Chenin Blanc with Viognier—it was just an experiment. Until we tasted it and realized we had created a masterpiece. Together, they deliver a unique tapestry of flavors and aromas that are elegant and easy to enjoy.”

Right on Pine Ridge!

In this particular experiement, Pine Ridge used some of their Chenin Blanc grapes, which have a long growing season. They are picked when the sugar content is rather low.

They also used Viognier grapes that are grown in a more Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights. They are picked at a higher sugar level.

The Chenin Blanc, which makes up the majority of the blend adds a nice bit of fruit to the balancing act. The Viognier brings acidity to the table. The juices are then fermented and aged in steel barrels.

Every year, the percentage of the blend varies slightly, ensuring that tapestry is perfectly woven.

This is one of the hundred things I love about Wine Wednesday. White blends are pretty rare by the glass in restaurants. I don’t know if I would take the “risk” and buy the Pine Ridge blend if it hadn’t been recommended to me.

But here I am, trying something new!

I enjoyed the tanginess that reverberated to the back of my mouth, waking up my senses. I can use a little rousing every now and then!

There was a nice minerality to the wine, but also a lovely fruitiness that went well with my spicy and cheesy crab dip and freshly baked bread!

I highly recommend this wine, not only for it’s price point, but also for it’s uniqueness.

MENTION THE HAUTE LIFE AT ANY ONE OF THE FOUR STORES AND RECEIVE 20% OFF ANY OF THE WEEKLY WINE PICKS!!!!

Thank you to Post Road Liquors, 44 Boston Post Road Wayland, MA, for recommending this tasty white blend, as well as their expertise!

Stop in to experience the first class service and selection. You can also find the same excellent services at their other locations, as follows:

Upper Falls Liquors
150 Needham Street
Newton, MA 02462
(617) 969-9200

 Needham Wine & Spirits
1257 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 449-1171

Auburndale Wine & Spirit
2102 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02466
(617) 244-2772