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“ABC” can mean different things. It can mean “Always Be Closing” for those in the sales trade, a Jackson Five song with Michael at the lead, my initials... But to white wine drinkers it means “Anything but Chardonnay."

“Anything but Chardonnay” means exactly that! If there isn’t Chardonnay, then what is there? “Anything but Chardonnay” is Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and even rosé. The list could be endless. It all depends on your style. Pinot Blancs are well known for their fresh, appley aromas, sometimes with some spice, that can be aged a few years to develop a honeyed texture. Sauvignon Blancs are dry white wines that are crisp in acidity and are grassy in flavor. Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio if you’re from Northern Italy) has light body, good acidity, and very dry. Riesling can vary greatly, from sweet to very dry in taste, but has a spicy tone and a lot of fruit. Rosés can also vary in their dryness, the best being from France where they use a Grenache or Syrah grape. Rosé can vary in flavor as well, from earthy and mineral flavors in dry rosé to bright berry flavors in the sweeter styles.

It’s pretty simple, really. So if you’re not feeling like a big oaky, fleshy, buttery Chardonnay, here are a few “ABC” wines you should try:

Mission Hill Pinot Blanc 2000 (Canada) $10
Aromas of grapefruit, peach and melon meld beautifully with the crisp juicy flavors of citrus, ripe apple and grapefruit. A seriously lush dry white wine from the Great White North that has a not so serious price. Very drinkable--a great value! -WineSquire.com Tasters

Claar Johannisburg Riesling Columbia Valley 1998 (Washington) $6
Hard to believe you can find such a pleasant wine at such a great price. Light and crisp with refreshing acids and perfect balance. Hints of lemon, pineapple and melon rounded out with slight residual sugar. Perfect for pasta, fish and light white meat dishes. Riesling is a very versatile and easy drinking wine perfect for parties and big functions especially at this price. -John Schultz

Beringer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 1998 (California) $11
This bottling by Beringer has been so limited in the past you would only see it at the best retail shops in town. Beringer saw the supply problem and gave the local wholesaler more to sell. There is a lot more to sell in this bottle! It has an attractive floral and spicy aroma, with slightly grassy flavors tinged with peach, followed by a delicate touch of vanilla on the finish. Drink up while there is still supply. -Andrew Campbell

Kunde Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (California) $14
This new vintage was just released and it is by far the best vintage yet. For nearly 100 years four generations of Kunde have farmed vineyards in the beautiful Sonoma Valley. This Sauvignon Blanc is fresh, crisp and has the perfect acidity. A touch herbaceous along with lemon grass with a hint of grapefruit are great flavors of this wine. A perfect match for shellfish, fresh halibut or just enjoy it all by itself. -Amy Grape

Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer Rhinefarm Vineyard 1999 (California) $15
During the 1999 harvest, the winery celebrated its 141st year in winemaking. The perfect Holiday (Turkey) Wine: enticing aromas of honeysuckle and rose petals are defined by nutty, spicy fruit flavors. Dry and crisp, it also compliments spicy ethnic dishes -Thai, Cajun, Mexican. -Rowena Saturay

Andrew Campbell is Executive Editor for WineSquire.com

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