2005 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Grande Reserve
This beautiful Sancerre Grande Reserve from Henri Bourgeois is a steal for the price. Very true to Sauvignon Blanc’s character in the Loire Valley, it’s grassy, a little herbaceous, with a touch of grapefruit. That silvery core of acidity means it’s terrific with a crottin (bit of goat cheese) smashed on a slab of bread. Drink it with steamed mussels and clams, chilled shellfish and grilled or lightly smoked salmon. It’s also a fine match with corn chowder or corn on the cob.
*
Quick swirl
Region: Loire Valley
Price: About $16
Style: Aromatic and crisp
Food it goes with: Goat cheese, shellfish, corn on the cob
Where you find it: Beverage Warehouse in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-2822; Manhattan Fine Wines in Manhattan Beach, (310) 374-3454; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 76WINEX; Wine Country in Long Beach, (562) 597-8303.
--S. Irene Virbila