3 South African chenin blancs under $19

ONE OF THE GREAT things about wine is how it can whisk you around the world, without even having to leave home.

One day, you can explore France’s Provence region through a glass of rosé in your backyard.

The next day, you can be in California’s Sonoma County with a glass of pinot noir at your dining room table.

This week, I thought it might be fun to “travel” to South Africa, via one of that country’s best-known white wine grapes – chenin blanc.

Let’s make this easy and skip the 19-hour flight from Boston to Cape Town, near where many of South Africa’s wineries can be found.

Imagine we’re already there, wandering through the vineyards with Charlize Theron (hey, it’s a dream trip), the wind in our hair, the sun on our face and a nice, refreshing glass of chenin blanc in one hand.

Oh wait, it’s winter right now in South Africa.

It’s cool (highs only in the low 60s and upper 50s). It can be rainy.

And Charlize Theron lives in LA.

See why it pays sometimes

Menu

Other summer-season favorites that will be coming off the grill at Barstow’s include the SassSquash Burger topped with a seasoned blend of summer squash and zucchini, a Southwest Burger garnished with guacamole and spicy corn salsa, a mushroom-and-onion-enhanced Patty Melt, and a Classic Cheeseburger.

More details are available at barstowslongviewfarm. com or by calling 413-5862142.

• Uno Pizzeria & Grill at Haymarket Square in Springfield is holding a Christmas in July event on July 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is

Popular chenin blanc wine regions

not to leave that armchair when you’re traveling?

That said, I’d still love to go to this beautiful part of the world someday.

And best of all, the three South African chenin blancs recommended this week all cost less than $19 a bottle.

Hope you enjoy.

More about chenin blanc adult-focused and includes a flight of four holiday cocktails and half-priced appetizers. Games, giveaways, and more will be part of the fun, and those attending are encouraged to dress in their holiday best.

People have been making white wine using chenin blanc grapes in France’s Loire Valley region since at least the late 1400s, according to the outstanding wine reference book, “Wine Grapes” by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and Jose Vouillamoz. However, winemakers in the Loire Valley may have been making wine using chenin blanc grapes as early as 845 AD.

Tickets are $20 plus a convenience fee and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com

Uno Pizzeria & Grill answers at 413-543-6600.

• Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield is also tapping into the half-way-to-the-holidays vibe with a tro of “Christmas in July” events.

Two Christmas in July Dinners are planned, one on July 24 and a second on July 25. Each will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus table-hopping

No discussion about chenin blanc wines could be complete without discussing France’s Loire Valley. This part of western France has long been on the heartland for chenin blanc wines. But chenin blanc vines have likely been growing in South Africa since the 1600s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that researchers realized the grape known as “steen” in South Africa was actually chenin blanc, which is now the most widely grown grape in the country. Other places where you can find wines made with chenin blanc grapes include California, Australia and Argentina.

• 2022 MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc 2022 (Suggested Retail Price $11.99) Region: Coastal Region, South Africa

The fresh-cut grass aromas of this delightful chenin blanc remind me a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Taste wise, you can still detect a few hints of those fresh-cut grass flavors. In addition, there are also bright, crisp, gentle hints of sea salt, green apple and peach. A beautiful, understated white wine.

• Reyneke Vinehugger Chenin Blanc 2021 (SRP $17.99) and chatting up those in attendance.

The Monday dinner will feature Champney’s $16 Pizza Night agenda; the Tuesday event will be built around a $16 Burger night menu. Both evenings will have the restaurant’s kid’s menu on offer.

On July 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Champney’s will be hosting a Teddy Bear Tea with Mrs. Claus. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite “teddy” along to the outing, which will have the restaurant’s lunch and children’s menus available. Reservations, which are suggested for all three Christmas in July events, can be made by calling 413-7745587.

• The Belchertown

Region: Western Cape, South Africa

This delicious, delicate wine has a clean, bright, light finish. There are no overwhelming aromas. Simply subtle flavors, especially ripe lemons and pears, along with a dash of peaches. Again, of the three South African chenin blancs recommended this week, this one has the most understated flavors. So if you prefer your wines to whisper rather than roar, this is the lighter-than-air wine for you.

• Lievland Vineyards Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2021 (SRP $18.99)

Region: Coastal Region, South Africa

I’m a big fan of wines with mineral-like aromas and flavors. This fascinating wine starts off smelling and tasting slightly rocky, which is great thing. Then after a few minutes, the wine evolves and reveals complex hints of pear, green apple, melted butter and toasted almonds. There’s a real weight and character to this white wine. It’s also fascinating to see how three wines made with the same grape in the same general area can taste so different. That’s what makes tasting wines from around the world so much fun.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club

355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm.

Minimum Admission $50

1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Climbing Consolation Prize

2 - $500 Cover Alls

3 - $200 Special Games

All Games will be $100 with 90 People or More

All Cards are included with Admission

THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus

1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird

6:20pm Start

Min. Entry Package $15

Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms