Chenin/Vio

Nothing like something a little "off the wall" to grab my eye in a wine store. That was the case with this wine, a 2009 Vinum Cellars Chenin/Vio, a mixture of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier.  A modest price meant it had to come home for a test drive.

Dinner was fresh blue cod encased in panko crumbs and served with a spicy Louisiana style Remoulade sauce with a touch of curry in it.  Interesting play of flavors between the sweet,  mild fish and the slight bite of the sauce.  It turned out to be a nice pairing with the wine as well.

Straw color in the glass and an unmistakable nose of Chenin Blanc, honeysuckle blossoms, peaches and pear skin.  Medium body wine with a great mouth feel to it that certainly brought out the Viognier.  Flavors of under ripe peaches, grapefruit, pears, and a touch of cloves.  Tremendous acidity to the wine and it ended with a great, refreshing flavors of citrus.  It worked wonderfully with the curry flavors in the sauce. 

Remarkably it also worked well with the appetizer for the evening, a fresh steamed artichoke with a lemon butter dipping sauce.

80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier, 13.5% alcohol and $13.  Good wine at that price.