Chenin Blanc

Published: Monday, April 19, 2010 at 3:11 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, April 19, 2010 at 3:11 p.m.

Confused by wine? Don’t feel alone. Literally millions of people would rather buy a jug of something they once found reliable than risk getting a wine they’ll hate.

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The Parlotones' exotic white blend of chenin blanc, gewürztraminer, chardonnay and viognier. Fresh and exciting with lashings of tropical fruit and plenty of citrus zing. Tel: 0823753048.

Pierre will receive a mixed case of Perdeberg wines for his recommendation. Readers are invited to send their picks to wine@sundaytimes.co.za.

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Buying a case of the Wente Vineyards Blanc de Blanc—an off-dry blend of chenin blanc, gewurztraminer and riesling—for about $72 in the mid-1970s was a step into adulthood. Just identifying a wine that he liked indicated that he was developing a palate. Having the ability to afford what he perceived as a discretionary luxury was a declaration that he was now a card-carrying, grown-up American consumer.

So it was with a bit of nostalgia that we recently met up with Carolyn Wente, a fourth-generation member of the Wente Vineyards. Her family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Livermore Valley since 1883, when German immigrant Carl Wente purchased 48 acres. Two of her brothers are involved in the business and already a fifth generation is involved. As far as we know, no other family can make the claim of five generations of winemaking.

The Wentes have made a significant impact on the California wine industry and continue to make reasonably priced wines. About 80 percent of the chardonnay planted in California comes from the Wente clone developed by Carolyn’s grandfather, Ernest Wente, and first planted in 1916. Wente was the first winery to use varietal labels on its chardonnay, a 1936 act that presaged today’s dominance of varietal-labeled wines from California.

Full Story: A nostalgic wine tour - Buffalo News

East Coker , to the home of buccaneer William Dampier, who discovered Australia – ignore those stories you hear about a certain Mr T Cook.

Emma were filmed at the vicarage around the corner – and rumour has it Gwyneth's then-beau, Brad Pitt, stepped into the Helyar for a pint while visiting her.

Celebrity clientele aside, the Helyar comfortably fulfils the role of a community hub, situated close to the 12th-century church, listed alms houses, pretty paddock and innumerable thatched cottages, while also boasting a traditional skittles alley, loft and pub garden, plus a fair-sized car park.

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The South Africa's finest case costs £106 and includes three bottles each of the following four wines.

Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Half way between the Kiwi and the French styles, this grassy sauvignon blanc has all the aromatic zip of the former with all the minerally fruit of the latter. Very crisp and refreshing.

Guardian Peak Merlot 2007: Very well crafted and superbly drinkable merlot with deep rich creamy fruit, excellent structure and a long aromatic finish.

Full Story: South Africa's finest, £106 - The Oxford Times