Sample supplied by Kandarian Wine Cellars 

I have heard some wine experts mention various number of wine varietals in the world. Some have said the number is unknown and new discoveries continue. I have also heard other winemakers suggest 7,000,10,000, and even 14,000+ different varietals. That means if  an adventourous wine lover wanted to try two new wines a day, it would take them nearly 20 years  just get through them all with no sick days.

When it comes to Rhone's, there are many that I would call, "Rhone to the bone." Those Rhone hounds may have familarity with Picpoul Blanc, but I would suggest the vast majority of wine lovers never heard of this grape.

Picpoul Blanc is one of thirteen varietals in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This grape has mainly been utilized as a blending grape to add acidity. While Picpoul Blanc may be rare in the US, its cousins Picpoul Noir and Picpoul Gris are even more rare. The translation of Picpoul Blanc is "lip-stinger" and maybe even more appropriately named by Kandarian Wine Cellars as, "Stinger." Kandarian Wine Cellars is located in Eugene Oregon, however they do source nice fruit from Washington as shown in this Walla Walla wine.

I was first introduced to this small wine producer at a farm in Eugene Oregon. The farmers were also caterers and wanted to pair their foods with similar minded hand crafted wine producers. This is the second wine I have had from Kandarian, and they seem to produce high quality wines with freshness and subtle delicacy that I appreciate.

The color observation showed cloudy pale with a slight green tint, and low viscosity. The nose dive was intriguing, filled with wet stone minerality, fresh green granny smith apple and maybe even a little lime zest. This delicate and bright wine drank with big minerality, a tart freshness of sour apple, with a touch of pineapple.

If you are looking for something to douse the flames of the summer time heat, then this refreshing, bright, and cool wine just might be your ticket. 

90 cases produced priced at $15