Recently it was our turn to host wine group and I chose Loire Chenin Blancs as the theme. The Huët ($26 in early 2007, decanted 3 hours ahead) was the most delicate of the three, and although it was lovely during the dinner, it was utterly gorgeous the next day. And because our wine tastes are quite diverse. Beautiful stuff. MORE >>

Lenn can tell you about the producers who make wine that truly reflects climate and terroir, he can tell you about experiments planting Chenin Blanc and other grapes new to the region, and he can tell you how Long Island wines improve each year as wine makers hone their craft. The back roads of Pernand-Vergelesses? definitely got it. MORE >>

Ben Hagan, one of the wine buyers at Slope Cellars in Park Slope, Brooklyn recommends (Slope Cellars prices listed) : Whites: 2006 Caves de Saumur Saumur Les Pouches, $13, LVDH Imports (100% Chenin Blanc). 2007 Hofer Gruner Veltliner Trocken (1 liter) $13, Skurnik Imports. range. Yup, it costs over $1.50 So there. MORE >>

Sancerre, the darling of wine bars everywhere a few years ago, is made from Sauvignon Blanc. Many producers say that demi-sec (off dry) is the best expression of Chenin Blanc. They make many wines, some for drinking young, some for cellaring, like this one from the great Perrieres vineyard in Bourgueil. And $17 - c'mon. MORE >>

to lay down in the cellar for a while. White grape is still the eloquent and majestic Chenin Blanc, appellations are called Coteaux de Loir and Jasnieres. Its been a really good wine drinking month. 2001 Domaine Rollin Pernand-Vergelesses , $30 (375ml). Drank at a restaurant, so retail would be about $12-15, I imagine. MORE >>