5 White Wines for the Tasting

This elite albeit eclectic list of white wines encompass those made from classic producers for specific varietals who have a reputation for excellence.

I feel it's also important to note that this article was written in 2010 and the vintages may need to be updated depending on when you read this.

The wine is listed in a suggested tasting order and you'll find winemaker notes on each of these producer's website or by searching them online.

These wines range in price from around $25 to $50 a bottle.

2007 Lucien Crochet Sancerre, Loire Valley, France (around $28)

• Many Americans know "Sancerre" as Sauvignon Blanc, but the French are arguably the masters of this varietal and the legendary Crochet estate is one of the very best producers. Wet stones, vibrant citrus, pollen-perfumed florals, and a lovely mouth-feel grace each glass of this pale yellow wine. Tastings that begin with Crochet's Sancerre are off to beautiful start.

2007 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy (around $21)

• Have we all had enough of Pinot Grigio yet? Switch gears and move up to "Gavi" made from Cortese grapes. This delightful Italian wine is creamy, a bit oaky, and fruity with notes of apples, pears, and a medium golden color. The Cortese di Gavi is centuries old and perhaps this charming passage from 1798 by Count Nuvolone, the deputy director of the Agrarian Society of Turin, will prompt you to try it, "The Cortese variety has rather elongated clusters and somewhat large grapes. When they are ripe, they become yellow and are good to eat. They make good wine and in substantial quantity. And it keeps well.''

2007 Trefethen Vineyards, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California (around $25)

• I really struggled with choosing the ideal Chardonnay producer for this list. Rombauer, Cakebread, and Sonoma-Cutrer are all go-to Chardonnays that I consider for every occasion. However, a recent tasting of Trefethen had that perfect palate Chardonnay trifecta (for me) of buttery, oaky, and a lingering finish. It's really as simple and pure as that.

2007 Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany (around $25)

• This award-winning producer offers a classic Riesling for a great price. The "Kabinett" style of this varietal is very light and delicate vinifed from ripe grapes picked early in the harvest. You'll enjoy honeyed stone fruits with a touch of mineral in each glass along with a nice, balanced acidity.

2007 Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes, Bordeaux, France (around $50)

• End your tasting with a classic dessert wine! This supple, full-bodied, golden wine has baked-good notes of cinnamon, citrus, and a lovely sweetness with tones of fruit like apricots and pears to tantalize the palate .