began in a French table area and tried some Sancerres (made from Sauvignon Blanc), some white Burgundys (made from Chardonnay) and some white blends. Moving to the Rhone valley in France I tried some wines from Eric Texier. An under appreciated grape here in the Western world is Chenin Blanc. don't know. great wine. 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 >>

If you're in France, for example, and you exchange $100, you walk away with only 65 Euro, and that's before commissions and fees. 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). MORE >>

Savennieres is one of the great Loire Valley appellations, producing amazing white wines made from the chenin blanc grape. Many wines made in Savennieres can improve for decades with cellaring. The 2003 vintage, as in most of France, was very hot. My personal favorite Savennieres producer is Domaine du Closel. MORE >>

One thing I should mention - I did not include red grapes other than Cabernet Franc - no Pinot Noir from Menetou Salon or Sancerre, no Gamay from Anjou.I 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. MORE >>