Hi all,
I'm going to be looking to do a few more batches from 2003 central california grapes this year (knock wood). We generally drink reds, but on occasion enjoy whites -- mainly more fruit-forward and complex varieties like OR/WA Pinot Gris and the Bin 777 Semillon we recently tried.
I would be interested in trying a white this year. Can anyone suggest a variety that might suit our tastes, bearing in mind that these will be relatively inexpensive central california grapes?
Thanks!
Richard
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.
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