Went into my local Costco before Labor Day Weekend looking for the Kirkland Barolo – and much to my surprise, found myself some Chenin Blanc! For only $12.99, who am I to pass up on more Vouvray? Knowing wines on Costco's displays had never led me astray? The Costco wine attendant told me it's all they had left, so I grabbed a few bottles of the remaining 8 as weekday warriors. I had never seen Vouvray at my Costco before. Hadn't even heard of this appellation being at Costco! Well, finally opened one today. Stored at 45°, popped and poured – paired with some teriyaki chicken and rice for dinner.
Visually, a pale yellow leaning ever so slightly green.
On the nose, honeysuckle at the rim. Further in, peaches and orange peel, lemon. No orchard fruit at all here. Picking up some honeydew deep into the glass. The cliche descriptor of wet rock, which I'm not too used to in Chenin Blanc. Some of my favorite scents here!
On the palate, the sweetness and zing are immediately noticeable. Those two elements are in a great balance at this price point. A crisp, zingy mouthfeel reminiscent of a Chablis or a McDonald's Sprite (LOL – but nowhere near that high), yet balanced well by the "demi-sec" nature of the wine – just the right bit of sweetness. Flavors of stone fruit and citrus once more, with a subtle nudge of minerality – someone yelling "SALT!" at you from across the room. No noticeable alcohol (12.5%), very lightly bodied, and incredibly refreshing. The pairing with the teriyaki was a stroke of genius for me. Decent finish.
Let me tell you, I'm glad I bought several bottles. I cannot think of any other wine I'd rather have for $13 (!!) than this one. Checks off all my expectations boxes at this price point, a perfect weekday wine. Or a weekend one outside! I wish you all luck on finding this at your local Costcos. Any negative thoughts is have regarding complexity are discarded by the value I'm getting here. Recommended!
by JJxiv15
2 Comments
Well, looking at the map it’s right beside Huet’s Le Mont, so sure, I would buy a bunch too. This is making me look up other Vouvray that has medium dry in english on the label.
What a deal. Drinking some Costco Clos de los Siete right now.