But I wanted some Champagne to toast our friend’s generosity so headed to the “Bubbly&# area where there was an uninspiring collection of a few cavas. The dry wine is an excellent expression of the chenin blanc grape. But what about the wine? But Trader Joe’s sells wine in Illinois stores. MORE >>

Sancerre in particular is just overflowing with brilliant winemakers, and there are tons of great sauvignon blanc wines being made in less well-known places like Menetou-Salon and Quincy as well. Champagne. John has offered a free issue from his backlist to any Dr. Vino reader so surf on over to his site and check it out. The Loire. MORE >>

It was a 1992 Savennieres from a producer whose name I cannot remember now, but I tried it because it seemed like a good opportunity to taste an older Chenin Blanc without breaking the bank - $27 for the bottle. After all, I've never tried an old Chenin Blanc that's not a dessert wine. These wines can age for decades. MORE >>

In fact, I feel more civilized when I have a glass of good Champagne before dinner. But I can't afford to drink Champagne every time I want it. Yes, Champagne can be an expensive habit, but Champagne is not the only game in France. And what if you feel like splurging for a bottle of the real stuff - Champagne? MORE >>

They've been making sparkling wine in Limoux using essentially the Methode Champenoise since the mid 16th century, well in advance of the rise of Champagne as superstar. Mauzac is the grape traditionally used to make sparkling wine in Limoux, but Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc have become standard too. MORE >>