Now it’s time for the Top Ten White Wines from the recent Savor CT event. The whites showed very well over the weekend, and there were many worthy choices from all over the world. Most of the wines on this list are good values at very reasonable prices. As always this is just our opinion and represents our impressions based on a a number of factors. If you’re interested in the red side of the house you can see the top reds by clicking here.
Here they are:
1. 2014 Domaine Laroche – Saint Martin Chablis – a mix of Chardonnay grapes from Premier Cru and
Grand Cru vineyards, this crisp white is bone dry with beautifully clean fruit flavors, nice acid and a long finish. No oak here but eight months aging on the lees. This absolutely exudes quality. $30
2. 2011 Bagueri Sauvignon Blanc – this Slovenian white is rich, balanced and fairly perfect Sauvignon Blanc. Peach and pear flavors give way to a touch of lemon. It has some texture, good length and finishes clean. I love this wine. $26
3. 2014 San Matteo Gavi – this is all Cortese from Piemonte, and it’s a great 
value white. There’s lots of fruit up front, a little complexity and great balance. For those times you just want a little lighter, balanced and clean glass of white this is a great choice. And it’s only about $12.
4. 2014 Pieropan Soave Classico – from the Garganega grape, most people discount Soave. This is probably based on a misconception rather than personal experience, and is a shame, as Soave can be excellent. Take this one for example. It has an aromatic nose which almost reminded me of Riesling. Then great fruit comes through on the palate and it finishes long and clean. Quality wine. $20
5. 2013 Charles Krug Carneros Chardonnay – this sees oak (50/50 French and American barrels) but 
is not heavy. The acid is perfectly balanced. Some tropical fruits appear. Lovely wine. Good value also at $18.
6. 2014 La Chablisienne Petite Chablis – this is a perfect wine for those wanting to try and see what Chablis is all about. It’s a tad on the lighter side, but has beautiful fruit, great balance and a long, clean finish. Excellent, easy drinking Chardonnay for about $17.
7. 2015 Rutherford Ranch Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – Peach, pear and
some citrus aromas and flavors frame a clean and well balanced white. This is drinking really well. $15
8. 2014 Barone Fini Pinot Grigio – Pinot Grigio can be excellent, although many of the lighter, watery styles than pervade the lower end of the market may leave the wrong impression. This wine is delicious, with clean fruit flavors and nice acidity. $15
9. Cantine Buglioni ‘Il Disperato’ Soave – yet another Soave on the list, and a 
fruity wine with tropical fruit dominating. Clean and long. The name comes from the location of the vineyards, which are actually completely surrounded by hectares of red grapes. Since they are surrounded, these vineyards earned the name “Desperate”. $23
10. 2015 Merriam Rosé of Pinot – not technically red, and not technically white, we decided to include this wine here. We don’t drink a lot of Rosé, but this one is excellent. It has great acid, vibrant fruit and a balance that really works. $20
Honorable Mention:
2014 Joseph Carr Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – nice all around Chard for about $17
2014 Poggio al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino – From Bolgheri, very bright and great fruit. $20
2014 Cyatho Verdejo – aromatic and flavorful white from Rueda. $12
2014 Orowines Kentia Albarino – from Rias Baixas, beautiful fruit and balanced. About $12
There were lots of good white wines to be found, and as you can see most are modestly priced. Since Cheri really doesn’t do white wine, tasting the wines for this list is very hard work for me. Somehow I make it through!
We can’t wait until next year’s Savor CT event. You should put it on your calendar as well.
A votre santé!
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