I hope the week has been good to everyone so far, tomorrow is Wednesday, so the work week is almost to the halfway point!

 Normally when I think about Chenin Blanc, the first thing that comes to mind is the Loire region of France.  But South Africa produces quite a bit of Chenin Blanc themselves.  Also known down there as Steen, this white wine grape can make some great flavorful wines.  An interesting article in the South African wine news talks about the work being done on this grape and also gives a list of producers that will be featured in their news this month.  I tried a Chenin Blanc from South Africa a while back, and I was impressed.  This 2009 produced by Essay, was clean and crisp with flavors of melon and tropical fruits.  And at a price of $8, it was quite a deal. 

 I also recently ran across an interesting press release which concerned sales of sparkling wine in the United States.  According to report, Americans are drinking more sparkling wine then ever, and aside from domestic sparkling wine, Cava and Prosecco (sparkling wines of Spain and Italy) are quickly gaining in popularity.  

At  the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition two award winners were wines produced in Washington State.  Barnard Griffin’s 2011 Rose of Sangiovese and a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon from Milbrant Vineyards came away with victories.  Congrats!

All for now…

 Cheers,

 Seth