Domaine Pichot Vouvray Brut 2010

$25, Bacchus Importers

This light, lilting sparkling wine is a great way to kick off spring. Here, Chenin Blanc shows its lacy dry side, with cool mineral undertones and prim yellow-stone fruit nuances. There is also a hint of mint around the edges, all of which makes for a bright and refreshing glass of bubbly.

Charles Bove Vouvray 2012

$18, The Country Vintner

In the region of Vouvray, sweetness gets turned up ever so slightly to reveal a juicy, friendly Chenin Blanc. The trademark Loire Valley mineral streak remains, but the fruit notes are riper and a bit richer. It still finishes pretty dry and is a sublime match with any of the goat cheeses made in the Loire Valley.

Domaine Laffourcade Savennières 2010

$35, Voila! Wines

Don’t be put off by the vintage. A good Savennières often needs a couple of years to outgrow its sharp edges and searing acidity. The reward can be found in this example: rich apricot and peach flavors, heady floral aromas, talc and limestone minerals, and an electric zing of acidity on the finish.

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Once the playground of royalty, France’s Loire Valley is the home of
fine French cuisine, a breadbasket for much of the country, and the
producer of some of the region’s best wines. Chenin Blanc is one of its
iconic grapes and has a surprising diversity.