White grape recommendations -- central california

Richard, it sounds like you prefer cool climate grapes/wine styles. These characteristics will be hard to find in central California fruit. Good luck, lum

Yeah, I can't say I've seen much worthwhile in whites from the Central Valley. The grapes they call Muscat or Moscatel are dreadful, not to be confused with the good varietals like Muscat Canelli. Chard is generally characterless. We won't even talk about Thomson Seedless. ;-)

Possibly you're best bets are an off-dry Chenin Blanc, or attempting a sherry from some Palomino.

Brian

I quit making Central Valley (Regina) Chenin Blanc last year, it was getting pretty 'thin' on the palate. I made Regina Riesling last year and used AR2000 on it, it's quite good. I would agree with everything Brian and Lum had to say other than that. My northern whites were much better (Cayuga, Seyval and Gewurz last year). Regards, Joe

Richard Clarify. Are you talking about Central Valley or Central Coast. There is a major difference. If you are talking about the Central Valley, just eat the grapes. On the other hand, Central Coast gives you some very nice alternatives.

Bob B

Richard, you might see if you can find some Sauvignon Blanc. I'm not sure how much they sell out of the valley but Sauv Blanc seems quite adapatable and makes some nice crisp wines in the Sierra Foothills, which isn't that far from the Central Valley.

- Mark W.