Classic Membership - White

This Sauvignon Blanc from Anjou tastes totally different than a Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, just as an example. Tense mineral notes are the first thing you'll notice on the nose, with a touch of gunsmoke, while the palate incorporates a subtle flinty note that complements the vibrant acidity and amplifies the crisp flavors of green apple and citrus in the wine.

There are few more consistently-excellent pairings than Loire whites with seafood, and this wine will play especially well beside fish. A cod filet with a throwback parsley sauce, salmon sorrel, and trout amandine are all excellent ideas, and vegetarians can enjoy it beside practically anything.

Chenin Blanc is often thought to be one of the great "terroir revealing" grapes of the world, and it's original home is along the chill banks of the Loire River. The Vin de Lune opens with steely mineral notes intermingled with light orchard fruit, while the palate is brisk, with great fruit presence on the palate, and a long, mineral finish.

Most whites from the Loire will be exceptional matches for any form of raw seafood, be it oysters on the half shell, crab cocktail, or ceviche, but the Vin de Lune has enough "oomph," to pair with heftier poultry preparations like roast chicken or even Thanksgiving turkey.

A beautiful example of the virtues of blending white grapes, the Zodiac takes three lesser-known French whites, and turns them into something spectacular. This wine opens with strong mineral elements, along with citrus, and light orchard fruits. The palate is brisk with a clean finish, and lovely fruit weight.

A perfect aperitif wine, the Zodiac is going to go well with light appetizers, or seafood entrées. Enjoy with a creamy brie, grilled scallops with chili butter, or a simply sautéed salmon with garlic spinach.

Viognier is well-known for its effusive nose of yellow flowers and honeysuckle, but this Viognier from Domaine Arsac brings something else to the party. With just a touch of smoky minerality, the yellow flowers are still there, but pleasantly muted. The palate is brisk, with ripe orchard fruit, and a crisp, almost-smoky mineral finish.

A Viognier of this variety is perfectly suited to well-spiced foods: think spicy curry ramen, a piquant green thai curry, or jambalaya.

This is a tremendously unique orange wine, made with an emphasis on some classical Burgundian techniques. It opens with an expressive nose of yellow fruit, and freshly-struck match, while the palate is exceptionally bright, with zippy acidity, just a touch of grippy tannin, and a crisp, stony finish.

An orange wine of this type should really be treated most like a dense white wine, and this will go well with similar foods. Try it alongside richer seafood preparations like crawfish étouffée, or scallops in a white wine butter sauce, it will also do very well beside veggies topped with Béarnaise.

Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular grapes in the country. With its subtle aromas of stone fruit and white flowers, and easygoing palate with modest acidity, it's an easy wine to love. This biodynamic Pinot Grigio from Wild Nature takes it to another level, with notes of fresh herbs, peaches, and a touch of saline. Enjoy this bright, effusive white year round.

A great wine to enjoy on its own, the acidity in this Pinot Grigio makes it a lovely match for richer seafood dishes, like Sole Meuniere or Trout Amandine. Salads with a touch of creaminess, like a Caesar, will also be spectacular.