Tasting - Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier

Name: Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier

Variety: 80% Chenin Blanc 20% Viognier

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2021

Price: $16.00

Winemaker Notes: "Crisp, bright, and vivacious, Chenin Blanc + Viognier 2021 is an aromatic white blend boasting a bouquet of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, nectarine, white peach, and ginger spice. The entry is both bright and mouth-filling exhibiting refreshing acidity and roundness, opening to flavors of tangerine, lime, and lemon curd, lemongrass, ginger, white peach, and green apple. This delicious wine finishes clean and long with a lingering hint of lime. Chenin Blanc + Viognier is a versatile wine that pairs well with a number of dishes, from light salads to seafood, and most notably with foods with a hint of spiciness—its subtle sweetness provides balance alongside a touch of heat. It’s the perfect pour for the start of an evening with appetizers such as goat cheese, radishes, and olives. Also try with a flavorful Thai curry, a frittata with sweet onions and ricotta, or a shrimp and avocado tostada."

https://www.wine.com/product/pine-ridge-chenin-blanc-viognier-2021/877331

Wine Folly: pg.131 general Chenin Blanc- Wine Folly lists quince, yellow apple, pear, chamomile, and honey are aromas for Chenin Blanc. It also lists high acidity, light bodied, and varying sweetness levels as attributes for this variety.

pg.186 general Viognier- The book lists tangerine, peach, mango, honeysuckle, and rose as aromas for Viognier. In addition to these, Wine Folly says Viognier has low acidity, a medium body, and lower sweetness levels.

My Review: When Chenin Blanc and Viognier are blended together, they complement each other very well! The two grape varieties are on opposite ends of some elements of the tasting profile, so together they meet in the middle. This wine has strong body, but not as heavy as a red wine. It's solid body pairs well with it's medium acidity and sweetness. I got lots of apple, peach, and honey aromas from this blend. It was very citrusy, but it's lower acidity didn't give it much of a "mouth-puckering" sensation. I would be interested to try pairing this wine with my mother's Pad Thai recipe!