Chenin Blanc is an unheralded grape and thus goes un-tasted by many wine consumers. While its most profound versions originate in the French Loire Valley, it is overshadowed by better known Sauvignon Blanc growing regions Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. The French forge Chenin Blanc in a wide variety of styles, including what is one of the finest dessert wines in the world. If you want to try something affordable and dry to off-dry, just ask your local wine shop for their best Vouvray.

In South Africa, they refer to Chenin as Steen, so if you see that on a label, you are shopping in the South African section and it is, Chenin Blanc. It is South Africa’s most widely planted grape. There is your wine trivia for the day.

Price: $8.99 at Green’s on Buford Highway.

Details: This bottle of 100% Chenin Blanc is produced by Ken Forrester Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Aromas: Strong note of wet stones, with some green tones. Think of walking through a meadow in Spring along a small stream full of river rock.

Flavors: The minerality is pervasive, but there is a refreshing green and white fruit profile as well, as if a slightly under-ripe granny smith were drizzled with lemon and lime juice, then had some green herbs thrown on top for good measure. The acidity was vibrant and this was very easy to drink.

Pairing: Paired with chicken and pasta in a cream sauce, it worked okay. I think a Viognier might have worked better, but the wine was still good. It would go better with lighter fare, including salads and seafood ceviches.

Final word: An above average wine in both taste and value, I’d buy this again. For $9, this is a great daily drinker and should be a summer time staple. It would also work really well as the base for a white sangria, since the minerality would help offset the sweetness of the fruit.

No haiku today.